The club's newest yearly trip is the Arkansas River near Buena Vista & Salida CO. 2026 will be our third year in a row doing this trip. Drive time from SLC is about 8 hr. The trip will be limited to 20 participants, and will require intermediate-advanced skills.
This event will be open to CLUB MEMBERS ONLY. To become a member and gain early access to this and all 2026 club events fill out the membership interest form here:
https://forms.gle/m7k7W9nn3maUPPPMA
All UWC events are free or low cost for members, so the costs to join pays for itself quickly.
Camping arrangements for Thurs-Sat nights will be made based on the number of participant replies. We will provide more information closer to the event.
River Info and Skills needed: The Arkansas river is known for some of the best whitewater in Colorado. While there are over 100 miles of boatable whitewater on the Arkansas, official club events will take place on the Fractions and Brown's Canyon sections linked below:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/357/main
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/358/main
Both sections are solid class III, and of greater difficulty than the rivers we've run as a club so far in 2026. Expect bigger drops, longer, more continuous rapids, rock dodging, small eddies, and moves to make through wave trains and around holes. Historically, mid-July flows are around 1200 cfs.
Required personal gear: PFD rated for whitewater, appropriate footwear, thermal and/or sun protection, helmet, float bags, etc.
Morning meetings: Attendance at the morning logistics/safety meeting is mandatory. (time and location TBD, you can bring breakfast and coffee with you.) We’ll go over plans, expectations, and communication for the day. Shuttle arrangements can be made after the meeting.
Dates: July 9-12 2026. Camping Thursday through Saturday nights. Club paddling events Friday and Saturday. Additional trips possible on Sunday.
Cost: Will largely be dependent on where we camp.
Personal Info: Everyone is in charge of their own equipment, travel, food, and participating in shuttle logistics after the morning get together.
UWC and ACA Expectations:
Consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is prohibited before or during on-water events. Pack out what you pack in on the river and leave no trace both on the river and at the campsite.
Looking forward to seeing you on the river! -- UWC Leadership
You may also like the following events from Utah Whitewater Club:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Buena Vista,
Meetups in Buena Vista.
