Late Summer Activities You Can Still Enjoy From Fly Fishing to White Water Rafting
If you’re still looking for some summer fun, there’s still plenty of epic adventures to be had in our own backyard
Photo courtesy of Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
For more than 40 years, the Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA) has consisted of knowledgeable, experienced and certified professionals, dedicated to offering world-class outdoor recreation on one of the most popular rivers for rafting in United States: Colorado’s Arkansas River.
Photo courtesy of Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
Starting high in the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, more than 100 miles of Colorado’s best whitewater can be found nearby – from Granite to Cañon City – all within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management.
AROA’s members offer a wide range of whitewater experiences for all ages and adrenaline levels throughout the rafting season, from April to September, and are truly committed to providing exceptional service for a memorable adventure.
Photo courtesy of Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
The most popular whitewater sections on the Arkansas River are near the rafting and kayaking towns of Buena Vista, Salida and Cañon City.
Just two hours from Denver, Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. in Buena Vista has been providing exciting outdoor adventures for families and groups for the last 40 summers. As one of Colorado’s largest and most seasoned whitewater rafting and adventure companies, their guides can expertly guide you down Browns Canyon, the Royal Gorge, The Numbers and Narrows in Buena Vista. Plus, their Adventure Aerial Park is not to be missed with guided high ropes courses, ziplines, high ropes bridges, a giant swing – all with views of the Collegiate Peaks.
Fly fishing float trips down the Arkansas River and Browns Canyon | Photo courtesy of Dvorak Expeditions
If fly-fishing is on your summer must-do list, no one is better suited to entice the trout than Bill Dvorak and his team at Dvorak Expeditions. Since 1969 Bill and his family have been floating with folks looking to catch and release Colorado trout. Bill is a living legend and his environmental advocacy efforts, including his work to designate Browns Canyon a National Monument have made their way to ESPN, National Geographic, the Chicago Tribune, travel books, Backpacker Magazine, Outside, television specials, local publications and chambers of commerce.
Photo courtesy of Dvorak Expeditions
The gold medal waters of the Arkansas River offer their angles access to 145 miles of water teaming with trout, and the Dvorak fishing guides are experts in helping anglers of all levels find the fishiest spots.
There are charming places to stay in Buena Vista and Salida such at The Surf Hotel, complete with the farm-to-table restaurant and bar Wesley & Rose and the noteworthy Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort with their natural geothermal hot spring pools and well-appointed rooms.
Photo courtesy of Dvorak Expeditions
Take a break from the adventures and treat yourself to some goodies from The Mercantile as well as from Sundance and Friends, curated shops with all the home décor and gifts you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Also, the local artists showcased at Rock Run Gallery consistently create sought after pieces so make sure to stop in.
