BUENA VISTA RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Edge-of-raft thrills and canyon-high zips above the Arkansas River Valley
A full-day combo of advanced whitewater, a riverside barbecue, and an afternoon zipline through Lost Canyon — practical details and what to pack for The Numbers Raft + Zipline in Buena Vista.
Edge-of-raft thrills and canyon-high zips above the Arkansas River Valley.
The Numbers Raft + Zipline stitches together two very different ways to experience the Arkansas River Valley: a morning of advanced whitewater through named class rapids and a later session of ziplining across the wooded Lost Canyon, punctuated by a gourmet riverside BBQ. The package is built for adrenaline seekers who want both the spray of the river and the vertiginous perspective from above.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World‑class whitewater on the Arkansas
The morning run takes you through advanced, adrenaline‑focused rapids on the Arkansas River in the Buena Vista valley, delivering the spray, power and technical challenges that define The Numbers package.
Gourmet riverside BBQ to regroup
Midday brings a riverside BBQ — a curated break that gives paddlers a chance to warm up, refuel and take in valley views before the afternoon’s zipline session.
Lost Canyon zips for elevated scenery
The package finishes with an afternoon of zipping across Lost Canyon, offering high‑elevation perspective on the same canyon you ran by boat earlier in the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a long, full day that moves from kinetic river work to measured airborne lines: meet at the outpost, tackle challenging whitewater with guides, settle in for a hearty riverside lunch, then switch gears to harnesses and helmets for a series of ziplines through Lost Canyon.
THE RIVER
World‑class whitewater on the Arkansas
The morning run takes you through advanced, adrenaline‑focused rapids on the Arkansas River in the Buena Vista valley, delivering the spray, power and technical challenges that define The Numbers package.
THE LUNCH
Gourmet riverside BBQ to regroup
Midday brings a riverside BBQ — a curated break that gives paddlers a chance to warm up, refuel and take in valley views before the afternoon’s zipline session.
THE ZIPLINE
Lost Canyon zips for elevated scenery
The package finishes with an afternoon of zipping across Lost Canyon, offering high‑elevation perspective on the same canyon you ran by boat earlier in the day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Departure is at 9:00 am; check‑in is 45 minutes prior. Allow up to 8 hours for the combined raft and zipline itinerary; total time may vary depending on conditions.
This trip departs from the Buena Vista rafting outpost; meet there for check‑in and pre‑trip orientation.
Swimsuit, quick‑drying clothes (no cotton or denim), sunglasses, sunscreen, dry clothes and towel for after the trip; money for gratuities, photos and souvenirs. A free wetsuit package (2mm wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes) is included on all trips.
Closed‑toe shoes (no sandals), light jacket, hair tie for long hair, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and money for gratuities, photos and souvenirs.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to participate?
Minimum age is 15 years old.
Where do I meet for departure?
The trip departs from the Buena Vista rafting outpost; meet there for check‑in.
When does the trip start and how long will it take?
Departure is at 9:00 am; check‑in is 45 minutes prior. Allow up to 8 hours for the full day, though time may vary depending on conditions.
Is a wetsuit provided?
Yes — a free wetsuit package (2mm wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes) is included on all trips.
What should I wear for ziplining?
Closed‑toe shoes are required (absolutely no sandals); bring a light jacket, hair tie for long hair, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Can I expect food on the trip?
Yes — the itinerary includes a gourmet riverside BBQ lunch as part of the day.