The first step is choosing the right trip that suits your group. It’s best to talk to one of AMT trained professionals to assure you are set up for success. Call us at 800-888-8582 to discuss your options.
AMT started as Acquired Taste Rafting which has been running trips since 1986 and is one of the first commercial river outfitters on Colorado’s Arkansas River. Tom Steinau, Jeff High and Brian Erdner, former Acquired Taste bought the company in 2019. Tom and Jeff are highly experienced guides and leaders in the industry and Brian has an extensive background in business and tourism.
All commercial river outfitters in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and all guides must complete an extensive training program to meet criteria outlined by the state. AMT exceeds the minimum qualifications for Colorado river guide. *The Arkansas River is managed by a sub-division of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife called the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA).
On average, six to seven guests, plus the guide will fit in a raft. This number varies, with the size of rafts, guests as well as water levels.
The Colorado rafting season runs from April through Labor Day. The more exciting ride is during spring run-off, which occurs from late-May through mid-July. The best time for rafters who are more timid and young families is July and August.
Personal floatation devices are mandatory on all trips and are designed to keep your head above the water. Swimming is a recommended for all whitewater adventures but not mandatory. Float and beginner trips are recommended for the none experienced rafters.
If you cancel your reservation at least 14 days prior to your trip date, you will receive a refund less $10 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations made inside of 14 days are not subject to refund. We will hold your funds in the form of a rain check – less $10 per person cancellation fee – to be used for the following season.
There are many reasons to choose Aspire Mountain Tours over any other rafting company, but they can be summed up with customer service, experience, location, and premium equipment.
Customer Service:
AMT employees are excited about what they do. Whether it’s taking a reservation or guiding on the river, a safe and fun guest experience is our goal.
Experience:
Aspire Mountain Tours has an established training program that has been passed on and improved for generations. Our guides are thoroughly trained and on the river everyday.
Location
AMT is located conveniently in Johnson’s village which is just a short trip from the front range. We also have an exciting new project being developed near Salida with all your fishing and camping necessities.
Equipment
AMT always has the newest and most up to date equipment in the industry. We pride ourselves on comfort and
Age can vary with the type of trip you are doing. They can range from 3 years and up for a float, 8 years and up for an intermediate trip, and at least 14 years old for more advanced sections. Please contact one of our whitewater professionals to steer you to the right trip.
Yes, lifejackets are included and mandatory on all trips. All of our pfd’s are high quality coast guard approved. Pfd’s will be fitted and checked by a guide. Helmets are also required on every trip.
Though we try to do to everything we can to mitigate it happening, yes, sometimes people fall out of the raft. By paying attention and listening to your guide, the chances of falling out are very small. Also, your guide will instruct you and your group before starting your trip what actions to take to keep yourself as safe as possible should you enter the water for any reason. The safety of our guests is our number one priority.
There are two different options you can choose a paddle raft (everyone paddles) or an oar raft (guide rows and no one paddles).
Yes. Each raft has a highly qualified guide. Each guide has completed an extensive training program with more than double the requirements set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Depending on the weather you should plan on wearing quick-dry clothing like fleece and swim trunks plus footwear like Tevas, sandals or an old pair of tennis shoes. Wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets are included in the cost of your trip. Cotton, flip-flops, and Crocs are not appropriate. We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses and personal drinking water. Your guide will have a dry bag for small items.
It is a good idea to bring extra money for souvenirs, food, and photos of your trip. Guide gratuity is also appropriate if you have a good time on your raft trip.
A catered riverside lunch is provided on full day raft trips or multi-day adventures. Half-day trips do not include lunch.
We do not outfit dogs on our rafting trips. We do not have the safety gear required to bring your furry friends along. There are however several options for boarding your dogs while you raft, in the area. Gone to the Dogs…
Raft trips depart daily rain or shine and are hardly ever canceled. Occasionally a snow or wind storm will cancel the trip. We’ll work with our guests to make alternate options in the event of a cancellation.
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We have something for everyone to get out and experience everything wild Colorado has to offer.