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
(279)

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 youโ€™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.

09/03/2026

After the rafting, Joe Waters gets you to stick around, then somebodyโ€™s dog sits next to you and suddenly you live at the Drift In Bar and Grill ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿพ

Going to be a great evening down by the river!! ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽธ๐Ÿช˜
09/03/2026

Going to be a great evening down by the river!! ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽธ๐Ÿช˜

TONIGHT IS THE FINAL SHOW for Joe Waters at Drift In this season!! This is one not to miss!! Music starts at 5pm. ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽต

Hit the rapids, raise the paddles, order the wings at the Drift In Bar and Grill and then find a chair by the river and ...
08/27/2026

Hit the rapids, raise the paddles, order the wings at the Drift In Bar and Grill and then find a chair by the river and stay until sunset. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ—

08/24/2026

Stops are encouraged. Views are excellent. Getting wet is extremely likely. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ˜Ž

We have plenty of big rafts.We also have these little chaos machines. ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŒŠIf your ideal river day involves a paddle, your ...
08/17/2026

We have plenty of big rafts.

We also have these little chaos machines. ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŒŠ

If your ideal river day involves a paddle, your own boat, and considerably more responsibility for where you end up, meet the duckie.

Nobody warns you about the post-raft appetite. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐ŸŒŠA few miles on the Arkansas, a whole lot of paddling, and suddenly thos...
08/14/2026

Nobody warns you about the post-raft appetite. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐ŸŒŠ

A few miles on the Arkansas, a whole lot of paddling, and suddenly those nachos at the Drift In Bar and Grill start looking less like a snack and more like a personal responsibility.

Raft first. Refuel accordingly.

08/10/2026

Sources confirm the river is calling. ๐Ÿ›ถ

Conditions: BeautifulCrew morale: HighRapids encountered: YesScenery: RidiculousPost-river appetite: SevereNo further ac...
08/06/2026

Conditions: Beautiful
Crew morale: High
Rapids encountered: Yes
Scenery: Ridiculous
Post-river appetite: Severe

No further action required. ๐Ÿ›ถ๐ŸŸ

Put a group in a meeting room and they might exchange business cards.Put them in a raft and they learn pretty quickly ho...
08/03/2026

Put a group in a meeting room and they might exchange business cards.

Put them in a raft and they learn pretty quickly how everyone handles pressure. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ›ถ

We had an incredible day with Veterans On The River, connecting teamwork on the water with their broader mission of veteran transition support, nature therapy, and post-service mindfulness.

Need a group outing people will actually talk about afterward?

You know where to find us.

Pick your boat ๐Ÿ›ถFind your line ๐ŸŒŠEarn your meal ๐Ÿ”๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿบ
07/30/2026

Pick your boat ๐Ÿ›ถ
Find your line ๐ŸŒŠ
Earn your meal ๐Ÿ”๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿบ

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Independent Whitewater posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share