WHO CAN GO RAFTING IN
PINE CREEK:
Previous class IV experience and good physical condition are required for this trip.

We qualify each person who would like to raft Pine Creek. We typically ask if they can run a mile continuously.

You and your rafting group will have to work together to navigate these extreme Colorado rapids.

Whitewater rafting participants must be at least 18. This requirement can fluctuate with water flows

WHAT TO EXPECT RAFTING
PINE CREEK:
RIVERRUNNERS offers fully guided whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River through Pine Creek rapid. pine Creek, 20-mile section of the Arkansas Headwater State Park.

Once you meet your guide he/she will fit you with a life jacket and helmet and discuss river safety and guidelines. Whitewater river gear is provided on all Class V trips.

A short shuttle ride in one of our River Runner vans to the put in only takes about 25 minutes. Your guides will unload the boats and your trip leader will explain river safety and paddling techniques in a river safety orientation.

Throughout the trip you can not help notice the incredible views of the surrounding 14,000 foot collegiate peaks. During each trip a professional photographer will take your photograph, while you are rafting.

High alpine and steep, technical best describe this class three to five stretch of whitewater on the Arkansas River. Paddle Boats of four to six are the only option due to the nature of the river here, so everyone on the raft must participate as a team.

The 15-mile stretch starts at 60 feet per mile in the Granite Gorge with class IV rapids, like "Maytag."

There is nonstop technical whitewater throughout the trip. Quickly the pace picks up as you approach the steepest part of the river, "Pine Creek Rapid," rated at class V (close to 200 ft. per mile). This rapid was created by a massive glacial flood which spread boulders down the river for over fifty miles. We will get out and scout this mile- long rapid to see what lies ahead and to make a plan of attack! Then we will run one boat at a time with shore safety, including a safety kayaker.

After the exhilaration of Pine Creek Rapid more large class IV rapids await like "Triple Drop" and "Giant Rocks." By this time we know you are ready for our riverside lunch and a break is well earned.

After lunch it is time for the continuous rapids of the! This section of river is relentless and it will take a great deal of paddling to negotiate these rapids successfully. Surfing is a highlight of the trip and we will stop several times to surf waves in our rafts and to take a rest from the action.

A nonstop afternoon will end with a stop at the "Mystery Hole" and those who are curious will see for themselves what it is all about. We will finish at the Old Railroad Bridge.

Paddlers will have a short ride back to our shop past "Elephant Rock" and through the old miner's tunnels. It has been a great day on the river and we hope you will enjoy a well-earned beverage of your choice!

At our Rafting Resort, enjoy a beverage or light snack while viewing a slide show of professional photographs of your trip. Photos are available for purchase. You may purchase a print or CDROM of all your photographs.

Souvenirs are available for purchase; this is the world's largest selection of River Runners souvenirs.

Our location allows for a unique experience offered by no other outfitter.   Hot showers are complementary to our guests. On site recreational opportunities include volleyball, horseshoes, and river fishing. Our retail shop offers snacks, ice cream, refreshments and souvenirs.

WHERE TO MEET TO RAFT
PINE CREEK:
Your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip will depart from
RIVERRUNNERS Riverside Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado.

RIVERRUNNERS Riverside location saves you time on your Colorado vacation. You will be able to park your vehicle and walk to your raft. This convenience is not found with other outfitters. They must shuttle you to the river. Our services are more relaxing and easy.

Please arrive 1 HR prior to your trip departure time to check in and get outfitted with your rafting gear. Arrive earlier if you would like to have lunch at our Riverside Grill or plan to stay late after your rafting trip, we have a great selection of food and adult beverages.

RIVERRUNNERS Riverside Rafting Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado is located 6 miles west of the town of Buena Vista on Hwy 285

DRIVE TIMES:
  DENVER 2.5 HRS
  COLORADO SPRINGS 2 HRS
  SKI RESORT TOWNS 1.5 HRS

WHEN CAN YOU RAFT
PINE CREEK:
RIVERRUNNERS offers Pine Creek Rapid whitewater rating trips on the Arkansas River daily. The water flow on the Arkansas River through Pine Creek must be lower than 1,200 CFS. This typically happens in July and runs until mid August. Please call for availability.

AVOID SATURDAYS: If you have a flexible schedule please try to avoid white water rafting in Colorado on Saturdays. Many Colorado locals enjoy whitewater rafting on the weekends and Saturdays tend to be very busy.

HIGH WATER is typically the second week of May through the second week of June. This is typically the best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado. Our age requirements may fluctuate during this time. Safety is our main priority and will not be compromised. We reserve the right to refuse service and alter white water rafting trips at any time.

WHY:
RIVERRUNNERS is a licensed River Outfitter
by the State of Colorado # W-0397

RIVERRUNNERS has been teaching white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado since 1972.

RIVERRUNNERS is a large white water rafting company.
Because of this our rafting guides run each section of the river two and sometimes three times per day. Smaller companies may run once per week.

RIVERRUNNERS guides are some of the most skilled and highly trained whitewater professionals in the world. Our training exceeds state requirements.

RIVERRUNNERS white water professionals come back year after year to guide whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

RIVERRUNNERS convenient family friendly white water rafting locations on the Arkansas River will save you time during your family vacation

CONTACT: RIVERRUNNERS We will help you select the right whitewater rafting trip for you and your group.

Safety is our main priority and will not be compromised.

RIVERRUNNERS offer helmets, wetsuits, spray tops and booties to outfit you, and keep you warm, on your Pine Creek whitewater rafting trip.

We want you to have a great time on your Pine Creekwhite water rafting adventure. Proper white water rafting gear at each location is available at each location to keep you warm and happy. The weather in Colorado changes rapidly and often only rains for a very short time.