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Rafting Frequently Asked Questions

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About Performance Tours

What rivers and regions do you operate in?

Performance Tours Rafting has offices in Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Canon City and Frisco, Colorado. We operate on the Arkansas River from two locations in Buena Vista and Royal Gorge. We operate on the Blue River from our Frisco office. The Performance Tours Breckenridge office is a sales office only. Our Canon City, Colorado office serves guests coming from the Colorado Springs area who want to experience the closest rafting to Colorado Springs in the Royal Gorge.

What types of rafting trips do you offer?

Performance Tours Rafting offers whitewater rafting adventures for all skill and age levels. We offer mellow family floats on the Arkansas River for children as young as 4 years old and 30 lbs (in typical conditions). Our most popular trips are the moderate levels with exciting class 3 rapids like Browns Canyon National Monument, Blue River and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We also offer whitewater rafting adventures on class 4+ stretches of river for those looking for challenging, adrenaline fueled experiences in the Royal Gorge and Numbers sections of the Arkansas River.

What does a typical rafting trip include?

All Performance Tours rafting tours include gear rentals and a professional raft guide. We provide all guests with required safety equipment: a helmet and a life jacket/ PFD, as well as a paddle. Additionally, we have complimentary wetsuits, booties and white water splash jackets available for our guests to use, free of charge.

How long has Performance Tours been in business?

Performance Tours Rafting was established in 1986 by owners Kevin and Mary Jo Foley. Prior to Performance Tours, Kevin was a manager for a large rafting company from 1981-1985. In 2026, Performance Tours Rafting celebrates 40 years of white water rafting in Colorado, making it one of Colorado’s most experienced rafting companies.

How experienced are the raft guides?

We take great pride in the guide staff at Performance Tours, and in our excellent safety record. With their combined years of experience, our highly skilled guides are truly some of the best in the business. All guides have undergone an extensive training program that well exceeds the state’s requirements. We have a low guide turnover rate from year to year, resulting in a crew with one of the highest average years of experience anywhere. Many of our guides have additional certifications such as swift-water rescue training and advanced first aid training.

Why should I choose Performance Tours?

Experience. We are one of the larger and most experienced rafting outfitters in the state. We host approximately 16,000 rafting guests per season. We have taken more than 500,000 people rafting since 1986, with enough river miles to circle the earth over 350 times! Our company goal is to provide the highest quality trip available at competitive prices, and we have one of the best safety records in the business. We are active members of several professional trade organizations including the Colorado River Outfitters Association, the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, and America Outdoors, helping to set the highest of standards for rafting outfitters in the state. We have a very high percentage rate of return guests every year who were completely satisfied with their whitewater experience with Performance Tours.

How many guests do you take per season?

As one of the larger outfitters in the area, Performance Tours Rafting hosts approximately 16,000 rafting guests per season. We have taken more than 500,000 people rafting since 1986!

Locations

Buena Vista, Arkansas River

115 Gregg Drive

Buena Vista, CO 81211

(719) 395-6097

Royal Gorge, Arkansas River

0193 County Road 3A
Canon City, CO 81212
(719) 395-3154

Breckenridge

107 Ski Hill Rd.

Breckenridge, CO 80424

(970) 453-0661

Frisco

842 North Summit Boulevard
Frisco, CO 80443
1-800-328-7239

Safety, Certifications & Risks

Is rafting safe?

In any outdoor adventure activity involving risk and inherent dangers, there is always the possibility of injury. We take many precautions to minimize the risk, resulting in very few minor injuries each season. There is a low potential for injury on our mild to moderate trips. The potential for injury increases with the level of difficulty of the trip. We give a very informative river orientation/safety talk prior to each trip that familiarizes the guests with some of the potential risks.

Can I go White Water Rafting if I can’t swim?

Yes, you can go white water rafting on some mellow and moderate level tours if you do not know how to swim. We have a wide range of trips suitable for all ages and levels of experience. We allow non-swimmers on several of our trips. We also provide mandatory life jackets. The life jackets are designed to keep your head above water in the event that you end up outside of the raft.

What kind of safety equipment do you provide?

We provide all guests with required safety equipment for white water rafting, including a helmet and a properly fitted life jacket/ PFD, as well as a paddle.

What should I do if I fall out of the raft?

If you pay attention and follow your guide’s instructions, your chances of falling out of the raft are minimized. It is important that every guest pays close attention during the pre-trip safety talk in order to know what to do if you do end up going for a swim in circumstances specific to that river or section of river.

Is there a guide on each raft?

Yes. Each raft has a highly qualified professional raft guide on board who has undergone an extensive training and certification program. The Performance Tours, Inc. training program exceeds the raft guide training requirements set forth by the State of Colorado and the U.S. Government.

What certifications, training, or rescue expertise do guides have?

All Performance Tours Rafting river guides have completed a rigorous professional raft guide training program that exceeds the State of Colorado’s raft guide training requirement. In addition to completing certified raft guide training, many of our guides have advanced trainings and certificates such as swift-water rescue training and advanced first aid training.

Are rafting companies licensed?

All commercial rafting outfitters are licensed by the State of Colorado, and all guides must undergo an extensive training program and fulfill requirements set forth by the state. All guides are also required to have CPR and first aid certification.

Physical Requirements & Preparedness

What should I wear and what should I bring?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing (swimsuit, shorts), and protective footgear (wet shoes or sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet). We also recommend sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a fleece or performance fabric shirt on cooler days. We have complimentary wetsuits, booties, and whitewater splash jackets available. We recommend bringing a dry change of clothes for after the trip.

Do you provide wetsuits or splash jackets?

Yes, wetsuits and splash jackets are available and may be required depending on weather and water levels.

What footwear is acceptable or required?

All guests must wear secure, protective footwear while rafting. This includes water shoes or sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet. Footwear must be closed-toe or have secure straps — flip-flops, Crocs, or any loose-fitting shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

If you don’t have the right footwear, we offer river booties free of charge at check-in, so you’ll be covered and comfortable on the water.

How do I choose the best rafting trip?

Call our office and let our reservation assistants help you determine which trip would be the most appropriate for you or your group. Consider the following when planning your trip:

— The age range and ability level of the group
— The physical condition of the group members (for the more difficult class trips)
— The length of the trip: Half Day, Full Day or Multi-Day
— Driving distance to the trip departure office
— Departure times and return times
 — The level/class of the trip: Mild/Class II (family adventure); Moderate/Class III (exciting but not overwhelming); Extreme/Class IV-V (adrenaline-pumping adventure!)

Do I have to paddle?

We offer paddle boats (everyone participates), oar boats (the guide solely navigates the raft), and paddle assist (the guide rows and the crew paddles intermittently). If you prefer not to paddle or are unable to paddle, please speak with a reservationist for assistance choosing the best trip for you.

Are there age or weight minimums for each trip type?

Yes. Each trip has specific age and physical condition requirements. These may change with the current conditions.

Bear Creek: 4 years old and 30 lbs
Browns Canyon: 7 years old and 50 lbs
Bighorn Sheep Canyon: 7 years old and 50 lbs
Blue River: 7 years old and 50 lbs
Numbers: 16 years old
Royal Gorge: 16 years old

Can people with limited mobility participate?

Please call us directly. We do our best to accommodate guests with physical limitations based on trip safety requirements.

Trip Logistics & What to Expect

When is Colorado’s whitewater rafting season?

Our season typically runs from mid-May through early September, depending on water conditions.

Where do we meet for our trip?

Meeting locations vary by trip. You'll receive detailed instructions in your confirmation email. If you have any questions, please contact our office directly.

Bear Creek: Buena Vista, CO
Browns Canyon: Buena Vista, CO
Numbers: Buena Vista, CO
Blue River: Frisco, CO
Bighorn Sheep Canyon: Canon City, CO
Royal Gorge: Canon City, CO

Where do we change clothes?

Performance Tours has changing rooms at all of our full-service offices in Buena Vista, Royal Gorge and Frisco, CO. Our facilities are clean and comfortable and help to make your experience the best that it can be.

Should I tip my raft guide?

Tipping is not required but is greatly appreciated if you feel your guide provided a safe, fun, and memorable experience. Guides work hard to make your trip enjoyable, and tips go directly to them.

When should I arrive before my trip departure?

Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your trip departure. This allows us enough time to get your group checked in and outfitted with the required safety gear prior to departure.

Is parking available?

Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your trip departure. This allows us enough time to get your group checked in and outfitted with the required safety gear prior to departure.

Are there food or restroom facilities onsite?

Yes, we have bathroom facilities available at all of our river offices where trips meet — including Buena Vista, Canon City/Royal Gorge, and Frisco, CO. Our Buena Vista location also offers snacks and beverages for sale.

Booking, Weather, and Cancellation Policies

How do I make a reservation?

You can book online or by calling us directly. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Are reservations required?

Advance reservations are strongly recommended to ensure the trip of your choice. Last minute reservations and walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis. Call our office for group rates (10 or more people) and special quotes. We reserve the right to alter your scheduled trip if river conditions prevent us from running certain sections. Minimum ages may vary with changing river conditions.

What is your cancellation policy or refund policy?

You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel more than 72 hours before your trip.

If you cancel within 72 hours, refunds are only available if you purchased cancellation coverage (6% of your trip cost), which allows cancellations up to 6 PM the night before your trip. You can select cancellation coverage at checkout.

Without cancellation coverage, cancellations made within 72 hours are non-refundable.

Can I change my date or trip type?

Yes, we’re happy to help you reschedule or switch trips when possible. Changes made more than 72 hours in advance are free of charge. Within 72 hours, changes are subject to availability and may not be guaranteed.

What happens if Performance Tours cancels due to weather or low water?

If we cancel a trip due to unsafe weather conditions or low river flows, you’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund — your choice.

Will I get a refund if it rains?

If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, just wait 10 minutes! Our raft trips go out every day of the season regardless of weather conditions, which means there are no cancellations due to weather. Whitewater splash jackets and wetsuit rentals are available. Temperatures are generally warm at the different river locations. Refunds are only issued for weather-related cancellations if Performance Tours cancels the trip for safety reasons.

Kids, Dogs & Special Situations

Can my children go rafting?

Yes, we offer family-friendly trips for kids as young as 4, depending on water levels and the section of river. The age restrictions for the different rivers are based on degree of difficulty and are as follows: Arkansas River

— Mild & Scenic – Easy Class I-II; recommended minimum is 4 years old and 30 lbs.
— Brown’s Canyon – Moderate Class III-IV; recommended minimum is 7 years old and 50 lbs. Exceptions are made when the water levels subside. We may also adjust upward during above average flow rates.
— The Numbers – Challenging Class IV-V; recommended minimum age is 16.
— Royal Gorge – Challenging Class IV-V; recommended minimum age is 16 but varies with conditions. For example, we will adjust the age minimum to 14 years old with lower flow rates.
— Blue River – Moderate Class III+; recommended minimum age is 7 years old and 50 lbs.
— Bighorn Sheep Canyon – Moderate Class III-IV; recommended minimum is 7 years old and 50 lbs. Exceptions are made when the water levels subside. We may also adjust upward during above average flow rates.

These guidelines can also be found in each trip description. When in doubt, call us!

Can I bring my dog?

At Performance Tours, we love furry friends, but whitewater rafting can be dangerous for your pet and potentially for other passengers. It is unknown how a dog may react on a raft, and other passengers may have allergies or a fear of dogs. We do not allow guests to bring pet dogs on the river with a shared rafting reservation. Please call with questions. 1-800-328-7238

What can I do with my dog while I’m rafting?

We understand that finding care for your dog while you enjoy your rafting trip is important. We may be able to help make arrangements for your dog while you are on the river. Please call us for details and we’ll do our best to assist you. 1-800-328-7238

Can I bring my service dog rafting?

Yes, you can bring your service dog, but the following conditions apply:
   1. You must provide appropriate paperwork proving it is a service dog (not an ESA).
   2. You must provide a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) for your dog.
   3. You must reserve and pay for a private trip and transportation for your dog. The only trip option available for service dogs is the mild and scenic trip.

Whitewater & Trip Experience

What is the most exciting time of year to go white water rafting?

Our season typically runs from late April through mid-September. The water levels for rafting are generally very good through mid to late August due to a flow program on the Arkansas River that provides a minimum flow for rafting. Peak runoff (high water) occurs late May through June, and the water levels gradually subside throughout the course of the summer. The flows will vary from year to year based on snowpack and weather.

Can you tell me about rafting on the Arkansas River?

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the world, offering everything from family-friendly floats to high-adrenaline rapids.

— Browns Canyon (Class III–IV) – Our most popular trip, featuring exciting whitewater and stunning mountain/desert scenery. Ideal for families and first-time rafters. Departs from our Buena Vista office.
— The Numbers (Class IV–V) – A high-adventure run with fast, technical rapids for experienced paddlers seeking a challenge. Also departs from Buena Vista.
— Bear Creek Mild & Scenic – A relaxing float with gentle rapids and beautiful scenery, perfect for young kids or anyone looking for a laid-back river experience. Departs from Buena Vista.
— Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class III) – Great for families or groups seeking moderate whitewater with gorgeous canyon views. Departs from our Cañon City office.
— Royal Gorge (Class IV+) – A thrilling ride through steep canyon walls and under the world’s highest suspension bridge. Best for adventurous rafters. Departs from Cañon City.

Can you tell me about rafting on the Blue River?

The Blue River Half-Day trip features exciting Class III whitewater set against stunning alpine scenery — a great option for first-timers and families looking for adventure close to town. This trip is the closest and most convenient rafting option for Summit County and departs from our Frisco office.

Please note: Blue River availability depends on snowpack from the previous winter, so the season typically runs from late May through early July, but exact dates can vary year to year based on water levels.

How are rivers classified for white water rafting?

All rivers and rapids are placed on a class scale to determine the level of difficulty and classification of whitewater. The class system is rated from 1 – 6, with 1 being extremely mild and 6 considered “un-raftable” for commercial trips. We find that most Colorado whitewater rafting guests enjoy the more moderate levels of whitewater (class 3), though we offer rafting trip options for all ages and abilities.

You can read more about the whitewater rafting rating system on our blog.

How much time should I plan for half-day and full-day tours and how much time is spent on the river?

Our half-day trips take about 4 hours total, with approximately 2 hours spent on the river. Full-day trips typically run about 6 hours, including around 4 hours on the river, depending on water levels and river conditions. The rest of the time includes check-in, gear-up, transportation, and safety briefing. Please arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled departure to stay on track.

Is lunch included on full‑day trips?

Our Full Day trips include a delicious buffet-style lunch along with a beverage. You may bring non-alcoholic canned beverages if desired. Typically our lunch consists of sandwich spread with meats, cheeses, various veggies, chips, fruits and more. Lunch is enjoyed on our office patio or riverside. We are happy to accommodate allergy and food restrictions – just give our office a call to let us know.

Do you offer private raft trips?

Yes, we do offer private raft trips. Please call to learn more about this experience. 1-800-328-7238
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