Independent Whitewater

Independent Whitewater Independent Whitewater is Salida's Local River Connection. Located right on the River, IW also operates The Drift In Bar and Grill. Call Now
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Since 1979, we raft the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon, The Numbers and float trips through Downtown Salida. Independent Whitewater is Salida's local river connection! Our wide variety of trips allows us to offer trips for all skill levels. Whether you’re scenic Salida floats, advanced whitewater rafting, or the longest half-day trip through Browns Canyon National Monument, we have a trip to

fit your needs. Family-owned and operated, Independent Whitewater has been in business in Salida since 1979 and has a strong dedication to safety and good old-fashioned American fun. Come spend the day with Wiley and Mike, Independent Whitewater's owners, along with their highly trained and professional staff. Another great reason to raft with Independent Whitewater is that our Browns Canyon rafting trips end on private property, which means you'll beat the crowds and go through rapids that other rafting companies don't float on their half day trips. More Miles, More Smiles! Give us a call today to schedule your trip.

06/18/2026

Joe Waters doing Joe Waters things. 🎶

Catch him at the Drift In Bar and Grill tonight and every Thursday this Summer from 5–8 PM.

The perfect river day doesn't end when you get off the water.

06/15/2026

Some of the best memories start with a simple question:

"You in?"

The rest is usually river stuff. ☀️

And if you stick around long enough, you might just catch award-winning blues musician Joe Waters playing riverside at the Drift In Bar and Grill .

Joe won the 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and plays every Thursday at 5 PM all summer 🎶

Get on the river.Grab some food at the Drift In Bar and Grill Find a shady spot by the water.Watch the day drift by.Stay...
06/11/2026

Get on the river.

Grab some food at the Drift In Bar and Grill

Find a shady spot by the water.

Watch the day drift by.

Stay longer than you planned.

Leave happier than you arrived.

That's a pretty good day. ☀️

The best river memories usually aren't planned. 😎They're the random group photo on a giant boulder.The joke everyone kee...
06/08/2026

The best river memories usually aren't planned. 😎

They're the random group photo on a giant boulder.

The joke everyone keeps repeating all day.

The rapid everyone talks about on the drive home.

We think a river trip should leave room for moments like that.

Shoutout to our friends Independent Whitewater!Start your adventure upstream at Independent Whitewater (IW), spend the d...
06/08/2026

Shoutout to our friends Independent Whitewater!

Start your adventure upstream at Independent Whitewater (IW), spend the day chasing splashy rapids, mountain views, and river stories, then finish the day right here at High Side!

Pull up a chair on the patio, order those pretzel bites you've been thinking about since the first rapid, grab a local beer, and watch the river roll by while you relive the best parts of the trip.

👀 USE promo code HS20 with IW for 20% off Browns Canyon Half Day Trips and Scenic Family Floats.

The river and the patio were always meant to go together. 🤙

06/04/2026

It starts with duckies.
It ends with everyone hanging out by the river. 🌊

That’s the thing about this place.
The rafting’s fun.

But the food, music, dogs, campfires, and post-river chaos at the Drift In Bar and Grill somehow turn it into a full-day experience.

Duckies turn the river into the world’s best summer playground. 🌊More splashing.More paddling.More laughing when somebod...
06/01/2026

Duckies turn the river into the world’s best summer playground. 🌊

More splashing.
More paddling.
More laughing when somebody spins the wrong direction.

Perfect for families, kids, and anyone who wants a more hands-on river day.

Want to float on your own? We also rent duckies for private trips. We'll shuttle your vehicle to your take-out so you don't need two cars, then you can load up your duckies and bring them back when you're done.

Simple. Fun. A great way to spend a Colorado summer day.

There’s a big difference between checking something off your vacation list… and actually enjoying the day. ☀️A few rapid...
05/28/2026

There’s a big difference between checking something off your vacation list… and actually enjoying the day. ☀️

A few rapids.
A few deep breaths.
Kids laughing in the front of the boat.
Cold water.
Big canyon views.

Then hanging around by the river afterward at the Drift In Bar and Grill with no reason to rush home.

That’s the part people remember.

05/25/2026

Not much beats watching a raft disappear downstream on a perfect Colorado afternoon. ☀️

With water levels being a bit lower this year, a duckie adventure is just what you need to keep the vibes high! Call us ...
05/22/2026

With water levels being a bit lower this year, a duckie adventure is just what you need to keep the vibes high! Call us today! 🚣‍♀️☀️🌊

Address

10830 County Road 165
Salida, CO
81201

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 7pm
Sunday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

+17195397737

Website

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