Arkansas River Outfitter Association Announce the Start of the 2026 Rafting Season
Arkansas River Towns and AROA are Ready to Welcome You Back to the 2026 Rafting Season
Spring has sprung and today, the 2026 rafting season begins. The Arkansas River Outfitter Association (AROA) is welcoming rafting enthusiasts to the river. Water conditions on the Arkansas River are supported by a collaborative water management system that balances agricultural, municipal, ecological, and recreational needs. The Arkansas River has a long history of supporting a dependable and enjoyable recreation season, with conditions closely monitored throughout.
Visitors travel from across the country to experience the Arkansas River, with approximately 75% of rafting guests coming from outside Colorado. Their spending on lodging, restaurants, retail, and transportation creates a ripple effect that supports communities in Chaffee, Fremont, and surrounding counties.
The Business of Rafting
The Arkansas River remains a powerful economic engine for rural Colorado. A recent economic value analysis estimates the commercial rafting and outfitter industry generates between $50 and $60 million annually in economic activity, supporting hundreds of jobs and local businesses throughout the Arkansas River corridor.
“This river is more than a recreation destination. Its reputation as one of the world’s best whitewater rivers is well deserved, but it’s also a lifeline for the communities along the Arkansas River Valley,” said Mark Hammer, owner of The Adventure Company. “Every rafting trip supports local guides, restaurants, hotels, and small businesses that rely on a vibrant summer tourism season.”
Building Momentum for the 2026 Rafting Season
Interest in outdoor recreation has surged in recent years, and outfitters along the Arkansas River are preparing to welcome visitors for the 2026 season. Across the valley, operators are gearing up for a full season on the river. While the Royal Gorge and Browns Canyon continue to offer challenging whitewater, much of the river provides approachable, family-friendly rafting experiences. Additional popular activities include fly- or spin-fishing trips from a raft or shore, inflatable kayak tours, stand-up paddleboard instruction, and other guided river experiences.
“It’s not just about rafting or fishing. It’s about getting families outside in nature, spending time together outside, and seeing Colorado from a different lens,” said Billy Marquis, Owner of Arkansas River Tours.
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“About 70 percent of our guests are booking Class III or lower trips, which shows that for many people, the Arkansas River is really about a fun, approachable, family-friendly day outside,” said Travis Hochard, COO of River Runners.
Commercial rafting and guided river trips play a central role in sustaining the broader outdoor recreation economy of the Arkansas River Valley. Visitor spending tied to river trips supports lodging, restaurants, retail, and service businesses throughout the region, providing a critical summer boost for rural communities along the river corridor.
Beyond direct economic impact, the Arkansas River also supports broader community benefits. Outdoor recreation supports public health, strengthens community identity, and helps attract new residents and businesses drawn to the quality of life offered by the Arkansas River Valley.
AROA members also continue to invest in expanding access to the outdoors. Each spring, outfitters partner with the Boys and Girls Club to provide rafting trips for hundreds of local youth across the Front Range and surrounding communities. For many participants, it is their first time visiting the mountains or experiencing a river like the Arkansas.
Programs like these highlight the role that rafting plays not only in tourism but also in creating opportunities for young people to connect with Colorado’s landscapes and outdoor recreation.
As preparations continue for the 2026 season, outfitters across the Arkansas River Valley are looking forward to welcoming returning visitors and first-time adventurers to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic rivers. Visitors can learn more about the Arkansas River experience and find licensed outfitters at arkansasriveroutfitters.org and raftthebest.com
About Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA)
The Arkansas River Outfitters Association represents professional outfitters providing rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing experiences along the Arkansas River. Together, members offer safe, high-quality adventures for visitors from around the world. Together with a new strategic partnership, Obviouslee is their agency of record to amplify the story of the Arkansas River and the communities it supports. Here at Mountain Town Magazine, we look forward to bringing you great stories from the Arkansas River Valley this season and beyond. It is one of our favorite places to play!
To get out and join in the fun head to: arkansasriveroutfitters.org and raftthebest.com
