Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

A High Water Rush!

10/06/10 00:47 Filed in: Colorado White Water Rafting | Colorado River Rafting | Arkansas River Rafting | High Water

Regarding the high water run off on the Arkansas River.

It is recommended by the State Parks in Colorado that commercial rafting outfitters do not run certain sections of river above "X" amount of water volume, such as the Royal Gorge section above 3200 CFS. This doesn't mean that it is unnavigable but that it may not be appropriate for the general public as a whole. As guides and professionals in our industry we run high water all the time. It is what we wait for and talk about for decades after it has passed. Whitewater rafting high water is nothing short of amazing! Compare rafting the more demanding sections of river for an untrained individual during a high water scenario too a beginner skier trying to ski down a black or double black diamond run..... Not the best idea for the unexperienced skier or rafter in this case but a great and exciting idea for those prepared and readied for the challenge.

The other day a few of the Royal Gorge Rafting team kayaked and rafted the Royal Gorge section four times in one day. The flows were at 5200 CFS and it was much easier then compared to when the river is deemed runnable. The biggest issue involved is the swift continuous nature of the water for commercial rafters as well as private boaters.

We hope this addresses questions and curiosity. In this regard, Royal Gorge Rafting has miles and miles of suitable and runnable rapids for commercial clients right now and it is not to be missed! Compare it to many big powder days in the Mountains day in, day out. The media paints doom onto the high water canvas in part due to a lack of knowledge for the situation. High water is an exciting and momentous occasion to take advantage of. We adventurers are fortunate to encounter this amount of water in the river basin and in an unfortunate manner it will not be experienced by enough people to help understand the sheer awe and value of this scarce commodity that we know and love. High water! This fleeting event should not be feared but rushed to be embraced for what it is! A 100% natural rush!