Whitewater Kayaking Near Salida and Buena Vista

Kayaking mecca. The river attracts kayak enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors are often amazed as kayakers in itty bitty plastic boats intentionally paddle into churning rapids to play in the waves and holes that, to the unitiatied eye, look like certain doom. Both Buena Vista and Salida roll out the red carpet for kayakers with park-n-play whitewater parks. In Buena Vista drive down Main Street to its dead end at the river to find a trio of playholes; Salida has two, on either side of the F Street Bridge right in historic downtown.

In mid-May, Paddlefest, the kickoff party celebrating the start of the summer whitewater boating season, sets up shop on Main Street in Buena Vista. The weekend showcases fun, educational activities and clinics for paddlers of all ages and abilities.

No matter who you are or what you have to do to get here, don’t miss the 62nd Annual New Belgium FIBArk Whitewater Festival, held every June for four days in Salida. Watch as world-class boaters compete in a variety of river events while festivities like free concerts, amusements, food booths and much more abound in Riverside Park. A true locals favorite, this is the longest, oldest, most prestigious and perhaps toughest river competition in North America or the world for that matter.