FAQs

Raft Masters offers trips on two rivers, the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs and Clear Creek near Denver. When planning your trip, it is important to consider the ages of the participants, physical condition, length of trip, and the type of raft (paddle, paddle-assist, or oar) you prefer. Feel free to call our offices at 719-275-6645 and one of our knowledgeable, friendly staff members will be happy to assist you in choosing the best trip for your group.

White-water rafting is an adventure sport. All participants should be aware that it does involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. Due to the unpredictable conditions such as water level and temperature, each trip is unique. No reputable outfitter should tell you that it is absolutely safe. This is why Raft Masters prides itself in hiring some of the best guides in the business. Our guides are triple-trained compared to what the state of Colorado requires and are prepared to handle some of the most extreme situations. The purpose of our rigorous guide training course is to ensure the safety of our guests to the best of our ability.

Water is measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) passing a fixed point. A cubic foot is about 7½ gallons of water.
On the Arkansas River, low water is <600 cfs, medium is 600 – 2000 cfs, and high is >2000 cfs. On Clear Creek, low is <300 cfs, medium 300 – 700 cfs, and high >700 cfs.

ARKANSAS RIVER WATER LEVELS
CLEAR CREEK WATER LEVELS

There is really no “best time” to go rafting. Our season runs from mid-March to late October. Each trip offers its own unique experience as water levels, air temperatures, and water temperatures fluctuate throughout the season. High water is typically late May to late June and offers some of the best adrenaline packed white-water adventures. Keep in mind that above 3200 cfs on the Arkansas River, Colorado State Parks advises all commercial outfitters to not run the Royal Gorge section. We go by their advisement, as do all other outfitters. If the Royal Gorge section is closed, these trips will be moved to the last section of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. At the high-water levels, this section is comparable to the Royal Gorge at normal water levels with class 3 – 5 rapids.

ARKANSAS RIVER CURRENT TEMPERATURE
ARKANSAS RIVER WATER LEVELS
CLEAR CREEK CURRENT TEMPERATURE
CLEAR CREEK WATER LEVELS

No. Previous rafting experience is not required on any of our trips. However, it is important to consider the needs of your entire group before deciding which trip to take. This includes the ages of all the participants, physical condition, length of trip, and the type of raft (paddle, paddle-assist, or oar) you prefer.

You do not need to know how to swim in order to go rafting. Our guides are rigorously trained to take everyone down the river – from the first timer to the avid adventurer. It is important, however, that you are comfortable enough with the water that you are able to listen to and follow the instructions of your guide in any situation.

All transportation from our offices to and from the river is provided.

You should bring a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt. Dry fit or sports material is best. Cotton is cold when wet and should be avoided. There is no charge for the use of wetsuits, boots, or splash jackets and are available to all guests. Sunscreen, sunglasses, eyeglass straps, bottled water and waterproof disposable cameras are all good items to bring and are available in our gift shop.

Raft Masters offers FREE rentals of wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes. We do require and provide helmets and life jackets on all rafting trips. The use of our equipment allows you to “Experience the Thrill without the Chill.” You will enjoy your trip in greater comfort and safety. Washed and rinsed after every use, we have all adult and child sizes available.

Use your common sense and that of your physician. Rafting is not recommended for persons with serious medical conditions. Bring any required medications with you and your guide will safely store them for you in their secured dry bag.

We are able to accommodate most guests with special needs. If you have specific concerns, please let us know. Our friendly staff will be glad to help you find a suitable trip.

A Paddle Raft is generally the most popular choice but requires guest participation, is more strenuous, and allows you to work along with the guide. Oar and paddle-assist rafts are designed with your comfort in mind. On an Oar Raft, our experienced guides will maneuver your raft while you simply hold on and enjoy the scenic splendor of Colorado. The Paddle-Assist Raft gives you the choice of hanging on or paddling. A paddle-assist raft is an option for those with less experience who may want to participate but be assisted in the maneuvering of the raft.

We raft rain or shine! With our FREE use of wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes, we do our best to keep you warm on the river so that you can “Experience the Thrill Without the Chill!” In the unlikely event conditions arise that make it necessary for us to cancel your trip, you will be given the option to reschedule for a different time or receive a full refund.

The number of guests per raft varies with water levels but is usually between 5 and 7.

Absolutely! Our guides love to take return guests down the river. All you have to do is call our office at 719-275-6645, make a reservation, and mention the requested guide to the reservationist. We will do our best to make it happen.

Tips are accepted and appreciated. Our guides are adequately compensated, but the difference between a good river trip and a great river trip is frequently the guide. If you are inclined to tip your guide, a good reference would be how you tip at a restaurant.

We do not recommend you bringing anything of value on your rafting trip. We rent Go-Pro cameras, or if you have your own we rent helmets with helmet mounts. We also offer professional digital photos of your raft trip. These digital photos are provided free of charge on all Arkansas River trips.

If you are ready to make a reservation, please call 719-275-6645 and one of our friendly reservationists will assist you. You can also book online by selecting the desired trip and date.

Raft Masters accepts cash, Master Card, Visa, and Discover.

You can purchase gift certificates all year through our office or online.

Payment is required to make a reservation. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the tour receive a refund of the amount paid less a $15 cancellation fee per person. No refunds within 14 days. Guests may reschedule a trip outside of 48 hours based on availability. Rescheduled trips within 48 are subject to a $15 per person fee. Trips cannot be rescheduled within 6 hours of check in time.

We reserve the right to alter trips based on river conditions.  This includes but is not limited to water levels, type of raft, trip selection, and length of trip.Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on or before trips.  Intoxicated persons will be refused service without refund.
Failure to arrive within 15 minutes of your check-in time may result in a non-refundable cancellation of your trip or a late fee.
Guests are responsible for arriving at the correct Raft Masters office. Please inquire if you need clarification on the location of your rafting trip. Raft Masters will not refund guests who arrive at the incorrect office location.

Yes. A link for Raft Masters’ “Acknowledgement of Risk and Release of Liability” waiver will be sent in a confirmation email after your reservation is made. Every member of your group needs to complete an electronic release waiver. A parent must complete a waiver for any children under the age of 18. Waivers should be submitted prior to arrival.

We do offer a special group discount of 10% for groups of 20 or more.