EXPLORE TRIPS

Celebrating over 50 years and over 325K happy guests

About Arkansas River Tours

We’re Here to Serve You

Since our inception as one of the original Colorado whitewater rafting companies in 1973, Arkansas River Tours has been committed to providing the safest, highest-quality river trips available.

We have a strong background in experiential education which transfers into the personable trips we offer. Arkansas River Tours is a leader in many aspects of the rafting industry in Colorado.

ART is proud of our reputation in running river trips for a diverse clientele. Our guests include families, singles, Scouts, youth camps and corporate groups. We have designed programs for people with disabilities, as well as “at risk” youth groups. Our instructional program includes guide training, river rescue, teen whitewater camps and corporate team building programs.

We take pride in the fact that many of our guests have become friends and return with their families and others to raft with us again. Our friendly knowledgeable reservationists, exceptional guides and capable drivers guarantee the finest whitewater rafting experience available.

Our CoRe values

Safety

Mother Nature and the River are to be respected. Providing safe experiences for our guests and staff is our number one objective. Our guides have a high level of safety training and we match guests with the best experience for them based on abilities. ART has an excellent safety record and we intend to keep it that way.

Leadership

Our staff is the foundation of ART and makes us one of the leaders in the industry. We provide the highest level of training, promote from within and train our guides to lead the customers on excellent experiences but also how to navigate and respect the river.

Equality

Diversity is very important to us and we want everyone to get on the river. We pride ourselves on having an equal staff of men and women guides. ART believes that people with all backgrounds should get on the river and partners with underprivileged youth and people with disabilities to provide wonderful experiences.

Splashy whitewater in the arkansas river

Fun & Adventure

Our goal is to share the river with our guests and take them out of their element. We enhance people’s experiences through customer service, making memories, togetherness and a strong sense of adventure.

Sunflower in colorado

Environment

Our mission is to protect and respect the environment which provides us a great place for recreation. Wherever possible, our choices are based upon green, socially and environmentally responsible impacts.

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Our Guides

Our guide training is well recognized by our fellow outfitters. We have provided rescue courses and trained guides from other companies in proper techniques of paddle boat guiding. Many of the high standards we set for ourselves have become guidelines for others. We were the pioneers in running the Royal Gorge in paddle boats. In fact, ART was the first company to include swim tests at certain water levels and to mandate the use of helmets in the Royal Gorge.

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Most of our guides are EMTs or Wilderness First Responders and all guides are First Aid and CPR certified. Their average experience is more than 5 years. Safety being our #1 concern, all of our boats are self-bailers with foot cups and we use only the finest equipment available.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

Bob Swanson

ART guides receive the most extensive training available, exceeding all state requirements by several hours. Our guides consider whitewater rafting to be their profession, not just a summer job. These fun-loving professionals are always willing to share their love for rivers and knowledge of the river environment.

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