American Adventure Expeditions

Whitewater rafting is an exciting adventure sport and the wild rivers of Colorado are coveted world-wide. Like so many adventure sports and outdoor activities, rafting comes with innate risks. To mitigate those risks, we: highly train our guides to address any and all emergencies give comprehensive safety orientations to our…

American Adventure Expeditions has been offering not only family-friendly but family-specific vacations for decades and we are proud to continue to offer family fun on the Arkansas River. We recently welcomed our newest little adventurer to the AAE family and know how important it is to trust the people who…

Are you visiting Colorado this summer and wondering “is it worth the trip to the Arkansas River Valley?”  We say. “Absolutely!” Here’s why: internationally renowned whitewater, some of the state’s greatest mountain-biking trails, all-natural hot springs, amazingly wonderful locals, views that you’ll remember forever, we’ve got it all. From America’s newest National Monument,…

Sure, we’ve got river adventures that are kid friendly and we’ve got river adventures that are not for the feint of heart, but what else can one do while visiting us in the Arkansas River Valley? Through our adventure partners, we happily guide you to high mountain adventures on 4-wheels,…

When choosing a trip for you and your group, there are three primary factors to consider: Your desired level of adventure, your desired trip duration, and your location. Please use our Rafting Trip Finder or call our friendly, helpful staff 719-395-2409 and let us help you choose your perfect Colorado whitewater adventure.…

Although you’ll be in a professional grade raft, you’ll definitely get wet on the Arkansas River whitewater so come prepared. We recommend wearing a swimsuit and quick drying shorts; for your feet, sporty sandals, aqua-socks or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet. For cooler days, it’s a good idea to…

Many nations of Native Americans lived near or along the mighty Arkansas River for thousands of years before the Spanish discovered it’s beautiful 1,450 miles. The native name for the Arkansas River was Napeste, but with further expansion of European exploration the name Arkansas was appointed the official name as…

Good question! Whitewater, sometimes spelled white water, is a descriptive term used to describe what happens on the surface or a river when its’ gradient increases enough to create turbulence. As flowing water splashes over and around rocks throughout the river, along with gradient (or steepness) changes, too, air bubbles…

Did you know the Arkansas River actually starts in Colorado? It begins just north of Buena Vista and Leadville, near Fremont Pass, and plunges over 5,000 feet in its first 125 miles. This is where you will find the best whitewater rafting in Colorado and the two pristine, on-water American…