Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

logo

Now open and booking for the 2022 rafting season! Start planning an unforgettable experience today.

We're proud to offer the best price in town guaranteed. Check out our "Deals and Discounts" for ways to save.

Now offering discounts for groups of more than 12 rafters! Book your trip in advance to save big.

The #1 Rated Rafting Outfitter in Salida, CO by TripAdvisor.

Explore scenic floats, the perfect trip for the entire family.

Your Local Rafting Connection to the Arkansas River

Welcome aboard to your next rafting adventure! Independent Whitewater is a family-owned and local company ideally located on the beautiful Arkansas River. We’ve been hosting whitewater rafting adventures on the Arkansas River —the most popular river rafting in the country—for over 40 years thanks to our tight-knit team of experienced and friendly guides. Together, our mission is simple: to offer more smiles and more miles!

More Miles... More Smiles

There’s a reason why the Arkansas River is the most recreated in the country. It’s recognized as one of the best white water rafting destinations offering both family-friendly and high adventure experiences. We’re proud to offer the region’s longest ride on the Browns Canyon 1/2 day trip. Because we end this trip on private property, we are able to hit two rapids you don’t get with any other company’s 1/2 day trips: Seidel’s Suckhole and Twin Falls. Don’t miss these classics of the monument.

stacked rafts

Say Hello to the 2023 Season

Our season has begun… and we’re already convinced it’s going to be one of the best yet! Reserve your spot early for the best availability and prices guaranteed. Trips through August 15, 2022 are now available to book online.

Looking for More Things To Do in Colorado?


We got you covered on all things adventurous. On top of hosting a wide range of rafting adventures in Salida, Colorado, you can add on zipline and horseback riding experiences as part of your trip. Located in the “Heart of the Rockies”, you’ll find that recreation, arts, and cultural activities are endless in Salida. Other nearby destinations like the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Browns Canyon National Monument allow for an endless list of fun things to do in our region. Find more trip ideas and activities below.

See Why We're Rated the #1 Tours in Salida on TripAdvisor

logo, company name
Independent Whitewater!

We always love Independent Whitewater. We've been coming here for about 20 years now ... Wow! The guides are always a blast, even when the water is low. The owner is great, and the new grill has some awesome eats and brews. Highly recommend this for your rafting cruise through Brown's Canyon!

– tahursh
logo, company name
Class Act

Everyone we worked with was professional and clearly interested in making this a great experience for our group. Our guide Swani kept us safe and was a wealth of information throughout the trip. Can't wait to go back next year!

– stein027
logo, company name
Family Fun On The Water!

Booked a half day raft trip with my family of five with kiddos between 10 and 15. We had a blast! Very professional with nice management and awesome river guides. Our guide, Joe, was quite the comic, but was very knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this for a fun, safe, river adventure!

– 461bradyn
logo, company name
Highly Recommend!

We went on a scenic and fun rafting trip as a family. Independent provided high quality equipment, good safety, and a very nice location by the river. We went with awesome (highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun) river guide Joe and would definitely go with IW again!

– Katrina W.

Jump on in… the water’s fine! Come check out the view through our Arkansas River Webcam. Live from the shores of the Drift In Bar & Grill—our riverside restaurant located at the end of our trip route—you can get a glimpse of the Arkansas River’s real-time conditions.


Have a glimpse into your next whitewater rafting adventure by cruising around our blog: The Arkansas River Roundup. Dive in to find travel tips, insider rafting information, and more to prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip.

Independent Whitewater Unveils Unforgettable Whitewater Rafting Adventures!

Salida, CO, January 10, 2023 – Independent Whitewater, a leading river outfitter is thrilled to announce some of the most exhilarating white water rafting adventures on the Arkansas River. Embarking on a mission to redefine the best family white water rafting in Colorado, Independent Whitewater introduces a series of expeditions that combine heart-pounding rapids with…

I Believe in More Miles, More Smiles!

If there’s one thing we cultivate at IW, it’s smiles. We’re lucky enough to be in the whitewater rafting business which means we get to help people have fun all summer long. It’s a pretty amazing job, really. Maybe that’s why we’re so proud of the fact that we float more miles on our  Browns…