Colorado river outfitters adapt for rafting season

State of play: The Arkansas River basin entered the season with water flows at roughly 25% of normal, compressing the coveted rafting window into late May and early June rather than the traditional mid-June peak.

Yes, but: Industry leaders say low water does not necessarily mean no rafting. Many companies are adjusting trip schedules, equipment and river sections to keep trips going throughout the summer.

Zoom in: Ahead of the season, bookings were still close to last year's pace, Travis Hochard, general manager at River Runners in Buena Vista, told us. And staffing levels are expected to reach 90% of normal, with smaller guide-to-guest ratios.

• The company bought 20 more inflatable kayaks and added dinghies to its lineup. The smaller crafts will keep trips going even with low water flows.

What they're saying: "The beautiful views, clear water, being in a remote canyon — all of that is still there," Hochard said. "There are still fun, engaging rapids."

The bottom line: Colorado's rafting season is far from canceled, but 2026 is shaping up as a year of adaptation and heightened stakes for outfitters and the mountain towns that depend on them.