May 2008

Making Waves

Raft the Rapids on a thrilling trip along one of Colorado's most scenic rivers
Originally Posted at GroupTourMagazine.com

!It’s one thing to admire the scenery from the windows of a motorcoach, but it’s another thing entirely to be immersed in the middle of it. Imagine seeing the rugge beauty of Colorado’s canyons and gorges as the group races and splashes through Arkansas River rapids.

Arkansas River Tours have been escorting groups safely through white water for more than 30 years. There are trips suitable for all age groups and abilities, so even group members that have never ventured off dry land will feel comfortable.

Full- and half-day trips are available in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. During the halfday trip, which is offered in both morning and afternoon, groups will travel 10 miles of the best white water in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Lasting two–three hours, this trip is suitable for beginners. Full-day trips run 5–6 hours.

The Cottonwood Family Float is perfect for more timid adventurers, floating a gentler five miles with scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. In Brown’s Canyon, groups of six or more can experience a full day of rafting through Class III rapids. Views include the Sawatch Range, which contains some of Colorado’s highest peaks.

More experienced groups, or beginners in good physical condition, can sign up for half- and full-day trips through Royal Gorge. This trip consists of a series of huge waves, steep technical drops, and almost continuous white water.

One of Arkansas River Tours’ most popular tours is the River and Rail package, which combines a half-day whitewater trip through Bighorn Sheep Canyon with a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge. Begin the adventure by paddling the rapids before a midday break and a hearty riverside lunch.

Next, the group will board the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a 12-mile train ride through Royal Gorge. Famous for its 1,000-foot depths and the stunning Royal Gorge Bridge — at more than 1,000 feet high, it’s the highest suspension bridge in the world.

Groups should be dressed in river attire and bring along a change of clothes for the train ride. A changing facility and restrooms will be available.

Multiday trips are available as well. Choose between overnight trips and adventures that last between two and six days each.

Group members should wear fast-drying clothes and waterproof sunscreen. The best attire generally includes shorts, bathing suits, and tennis shoes or sandals. It is recommended that group members keep a change of dry clothes in the motorcoach — people tend to get a little wet.

Groups of 10 or more receive discounted rates with advance arrangements, and group leaders go free with a minimum of 15 people. Trips are taken rain or shine, so prepare for inclement weather.

Arkansas River Tours specializes in customizing trips for group needs, working with group schedules or to provide the best possible service. Motorcoach parking is available, and the company’s substantial daily capacity can handle even the largest groups. Arkansas River Tours is a convenient stop for groups looping through Colorado or visiting the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area.