FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado’s Arkansas River offers Spring Rafting Excitement for Those Ready for the Adventure

Colorado kicks off 2013 rafting season

Canon City, Colo. (March 12, 2013) - Thousands of students from around the United States descend upon Colorado each spring break for winter fun. Colorado’s winter weather patterns allow these thrill-seekers to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding, and then head to the Royal Gorge on Colorado’s Arkansas River for rafting the next day. Despite snow, which is still in the air in Colorado’s high country, a handful of Arkansas River Outfitters Association members are opening their doors and hitting Colorado’s rivers.

Beginning March 16 commercial outfitters will provide trips on the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The river’s water level, warmer water temperatures and warmer air temperatures allow outfitters the chance to offer these trips at the lower elevations of the Arkansas River during March and April.

FACTS AND STATS:  Colorado’s Arkansas River is one of the most popular rivers for rafting in the United States. Its 152 miles of continuous rafting offers diverse Colorado experiences ranging from family class to adventure class rafting at the base of the Rocky Mountains.  Best white water rafting in the United States. #3 Arkansas River, Colorado - The Arkansas River in Colorado is also known for some of the best rapids in the United States. Source: TripOriginator.com  The Arkansas River is the 6th longest river in the United States, and 45th longest in the world. Source: www.abcarticledirector.com  Trips available during the spring season: o Bighorn Sheep Canyon (1/2 day) – Beginner/Intermediate Rapids II-IV. A 7-mile stretch just downriver of Salida and before the Royal Gorge canyon (Parkdale takeout), this is the beginning of the “Lower Arkansas River” for many boaters. Rafters in this section experience some of the river’s best known rapids and plenty of action. It is named after the inhabitants often seen along the canyon walls, bighorn sheep. o Royal Gorge Canyon (Advanced Rapids II-V) – Considered part of the Lower Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge section begins upriver from Cañon City (Parkdale) and extends through the narrow and scenic Royal Gorge, ending near Cañon City. Unique for the number of rapids (17 named rapids) and 10 miles of action.  The Royal Gorge is a favorite destination of thrill seeking rafters and includes some of the West’s best whitewater. This section of the river is lower in elevation and always warmer than higher elevation sections. Source: RiverSearch.com  As the Arkansas River narrows to only 25-feet wide, the spring whitewater rafting trip winds its way through the 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge.  Arkansas River conditions as of March 8: Flows: Wellsville 253 cubic feet per second (cfs) and Canon City 176 cfs. Water temperature is currently 34 to 40 degrees but warms during the day.  Last year Raft Masters had about 200 people take a spring trip (March 15 – May 28). This number increased significantly to 10,000 people from peak time mid-June through mid-August.  Select AROA outfitters located in the Royal Gorge area open in mid-March and are open seven days a week with one run a day that starts at noon.

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Colorado’s Arkansas River. Adventures

QUOTES:

“Over the past few years we have had an interest from those who want the thrills of early season rafting on the Royal Gorge. We even offer a Raft and Snowmobile package that consists of a half day of rafting through the Royal Gorge followed the next day by a 2-hour guided snowmobile tour with a partner in the Monarch area. Our weather allows groups to enjoy winter activities one day and a thrilling day of rafting the next day. Colorado residents should take advantage of the current conditions. March and April are the best time of year to see the river. You get to see the canyon in the most natural, peaceful, quiet state. Water temperature is warmer because the spring run-off hasn’t happened yet. For the next four to eight weeks the water temperatures will be in the 50s and there will be less splash back because of the water levels. In March and April the weather can be snowing one day and in the 80° the following day. If you have a flexible schedule you can wait for that warm day.” Dennis Wied, owner, Raft Masters, Inc. and an AROA outfitter who has opened in mid-March for the past 15 years

“Spring Break typically is the start of our season and even though we are only running a handful of trips there are very high value experiences. We tend to see more wildlife in the early season and typically our guests have the river to themselves providing a very exclusive feel. Generally outfitters are offering half day river experiences in the middle of the day in order to benefit from the warmth of spring.” Andy Neinas, Owner, Echo Canyon River Expeditions and AROA outfitter

“Although water was low in 2012, almost 170,000 people experienced rafting, and consumer reviews were extremely positive regarding the quality of the experience.” Joe Greiner, owner, Wilderness Aware and AROA outfitter

INTERVIEWS AND ROYAL GORGE EXPERIENCE: Dennis Wied, owner, Raft Masters, Inc., available for on-camera interviews and media Royal Gorge tours. Andy Neinas, owner, Echo Canyon River Expeditions, available for on-camera interviews and media Royal Gorge tours.

To schedule an interview or experience first-hand an exciting Royal Gorge spring trip, please contact: Monica Ramey, Bachman pr: 719-339-4109 mobile Becky Armstrong, Bachman pr: 719-602-9662 mobile Bachman pr: 488-5908 main

About Arkansas River Outfitters Association Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA) consists of knowledgeable, experienced and licensed professionals who are dedicated to offering world-class outdoor fun on one of the most popular rivers for rafting in United States, Colorado’s Arkansas River. AROA’s members offer a wide range of white-water experiences for all ages and adrenaline levels, and are truly committed to providing exceptional service for a memorable adventure.

Colorado’s Best Whitewater | The Arkansas River For more information visit AROA.org

Photos Attached