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.

06/04/2026

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! 🚣‍♀️☀️🌊

When’s the last time your family went on an adventure? 👀
05/21/2026

When’s the last time your family went on an adventure? 👀

Somewhere between the rapids and the campfire… memories are made that you'll talk about forever. 🌊Cold river water on yo...
05/18/2026

Somewhere between the rapids and the campfire… memories are made that you'll talk about forever. 🌊

Cold river water on your hands.
Leaning over the side of the boat.
Music playing in the background after the float.
Everybody staying a little longer than planned.

That’s our kind of river day.

Not rushed.
Not crowded.
Just a really good day on the Arkansas.

05/14/2026

The duckie crew is always having a suspicious amount of fun. 😂

Probably because they’re:
🛶 paddling their own boats
💦 splashing each other on purpose
🏅 celebrating every rapid like they won the Olympics
🪨 laughing when someone gets stuck on a rock for a little too long

Honestly… fair.

05/11/2026

Most rafting trips end when you get off the river.

This is when it starts to slow down.

Feet in the water.
Nobody in a hurry to leave.
You’re not getting rushed to a bus.
You’re not packed in with a crowd.

You just… hang out for a while and grab some food and drinks at the Drift In Bar and Grill

This is what a river day is supposed to feel like. 🌊

Early season has its own kind of magic 🛶Cool mornings. Snow still on the peaks. Boats getting stacked while the Drift In...
05/07/2026

Early season has its own kind of magic 🛶

Cool mornings. Snow still on the peaks. Boats getting stacked while the Drift In starts filling back up with food, drinks, and river stories again.

We’re open now and taking bookings. For trips before May 15, call us at (719) 539-7737.

The Drift In Bar and Grill is open Friday to Sunday, 11 to 8 through May 22, then 7 days a week through Labor Day.

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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