If you’ve been watching Colorado snowpack reports this year, you’ve probably noticed the word “low” and “drought” popping up more than usual.
Naturally, that leads to the big question: Will there still be rafting this summer?
The short answer: Yes — especially on the Arkansas River.
Let’s break down why.
Absolutely.
The Arkansas River is one of the most reliable commercial rafting rivers in Colorado. It runs across a wide range of flows and has a long history of staying runnable even in below-average snow years.
Low snowpack does affect timing and peak runoff. What it does not mean is that rafting suddenly disappears.
In fact, the Arkansas commonly runs from around 300 CFS all the way up past 3,000 CFS. That’s a huge operating window. Whether the water is lower and more technical or higher and more powerful, trips continue — just with slightly different character.
And we’ve been guiding through all of it since 1986.
Snowpack acts like a natural reservoir. As it melts in late spring and early summer, it feeds rivers across the state. But snowpack is only one part of the equation.
The Arkansas River drains a large watershed with multiple high-elevation sources. Snow accumulates at different elevations, which spreads runoff out over time instead of delivering it all at once. In addition, the Voluntary Flow Management Program and upstream reservoir releases help stabilize flows through key stretches of the river.
CFS (cubic feet per second) simply measures how much water is moving downstream. Higher CFS generally means bigger waves and faster current. Lower CFS means more defined features and technical lines. Neither is inherently better. They just create different styles of rafting.
Not all rivers respond the same way to low snowpack.
The Arkansas benefits from scale. It drains a broad, diverse basin in central Colorado, and that geographic spread makes a difference. Snow at multiple elevations melts at different rates. Reservoir systems upstream add another layer of consistency.
That combination makes it one of the most commercially consistent rafting rivers in the state.
Smaller basins — like the Blue River — operate differently. The Blue has a much tighter snowpack window and a shorter natural rafting season even in strong runoff years. In low snowpack seasons, that window can shrink dramatically or may not support a full commercial season at all.
That’s not a negative — it’s just hydrology. When statewide snowpack is low, the Arkansas typically remains the more dependable option.
Performance Tours has been guiding the Arkansas River since 1986.
We’ve seen massive runoff years where flows push well above average. We’ve seen dry years when peaks were modest and seasons started earlier. We’ve watched runoff stretch long into July, and we’ve seen it taper quickly.
Rafting has continued through all of it.
What changes from year to year isn’t whether we raft — it’s how the river feels. In high water years, you get big splash, powerful wave trains, and fast-moving current. In lower water years, you get precision. Rapids become more technical. Line choice matters. Guides read the river differently.
The character shifts. The experience remains.
With snowpack trending lower this year, flows will likely lean toward the moderate-to-technical side rather than peak runoff levels. That doesn’t mean less rafting — it just means a different feel on the river.
Here’s what that realistically looks like.
Browns Canyon is typically one of the most dependable stretches of the Arkansas in lower snowpack years.
At moderate flows, expect well-defined rapids, clear lines through features, and steady pacing between drops. The scenery doesn’t change — granite domes, open canyon views, and classic Colorado landscape are still front and center.
This section often shines in lower-to-mid water years because the rapids remain fun and engaging without feeling pushy. It’s a balanced experience and usually one of the most consistent options through the summer.
The Numbers is naturally steeper and more technical, so even in lower snowpack years it stays engaging.
Instead of big rolling wave trains, you’ll see more defined channels and rock features. Line choice becomes important. Timing and teamwork matter. Guides read the river carefully and help crews navigate cleanly through tighter spots.
For many guests, this kind of technical water actually feels more interactive — you’re actively working with the river rather than just riding over it.
The Royal Gorge is one of the most adaptable sections on the Arkansas.
In a lower-to-moderate water year, the Gorge tends to feel technical and precise. Rapids become more structured. Features are clearer. The canyon feels dramatic and immersive because you’re not racing through it at peak speed.
It’s still continuous. It’s still challenging. But the emphasis shifts from sheer power to controlled maneuvering and teamwork.
For guests who want to feel engaged and involved in every rapid, this style of water can be incredibly rewarding.
The Blue River is much more snowpack dependent. In low snowpack years, commercial rafting opportunities there are often limited or may not happen at all. We’ll continue to monitor Blue River conditions as the season develops, but when statewide snowpack is light, the Arkansas River remains the more reliable and consistent choice.
Low snowpack does not mean no rafting.
It may mean peak runoff looks different. It may mean water levels trend toward the technical side. It may shift timing slightly. But the Arkansas River remains one of the most dependable rafting destinations in Colorado.
We’ve guided big years and lean years alike. We watch the gauges daily. We adapt. And we’re excited to get people on the water every single season.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, the Arkansas should still be at the top of your list. And when you’re ready, we’ll be here — watching the gauges, reading the river, and excited to get you on the water.
