Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.

What Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. does

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. is a privately held, family-owned outdoor adventure company founded in 1983 and headquartered on an 11-acre riverfront property at 23910 US Hwy 285 in Buena Vista, Colorado. The company provides professionally guided whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River (Browns Canyon, Royal Gorge, The Numbers, Narrows, plus Family Float and overnight trips), the Browns Canyon Adventure Park (a 66-element aerial ropes course with 7 zip lines), rock climbing and rappelling, guided fly fishing on Gold Medal trout waters, multi-day backpacking in the Collegiate Peaks/Buffalo Peak wilderness, riverside camping, and on-site meal service, photography, retail, and a wedding venue (River Pavilion, up to 150 guests).

The underlying technology stack is light and asset-based: an online reservation system at reservations.noahsark.com with phone booking and limited walk-in availability, paired with physical safety infrastructure including ACCT-certified Smart Belay and Saferoller continuous belay systems on the aerial course, a 54-raft fleet, weatherport tent camps, and a commercial kitchen. The company holds Colorado River Outfitter's License #1345 and a Pike/San Isabel/Gunnison National Forest special-use permit.

Noah's Ark operates a direct-to-consumer model with unit pricing per activity ($82 Family Float to $2,595 Overnight Fishing; Adventure Park $78-$85; rafting trips $103-$504) and tiered group discounts of 5-20% for parties of 10-100+. It serves three primary segments: families with children (ages 4+), large groups and organizations (youth ministries, churches, schools, corporate retreats), and adventure enthusiasts seeking Class IV+ rapids, plus secondary segments in weddings/events and gift certificates. The company employs 7 full-time staff year-round, scales to 80+ guides during peak season, and has served over 500,000 guests since founding.

Name

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.

Legal name

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.

Website

https://noahsark.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. is a family-owned, 40-year-old Colorado outfitter in Buena Vista offering guided whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, an aerial adventure park, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, camping, and wedding venue services to families, youth groups, and adventure travelers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Adventure Services

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (71311), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (72121), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & River Adventures (THAJABAB), Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB), Whitewater & Paddle Sports Centers (Rafting, Kayak, SUP, Canoe) (THAAAKAF)

Keywords

• Whitewater rafting trips
• Outdoor adventure tours
• Guided fly fishing
• Aerial adventure park
• Group retreat packages

Headquarters

HQ city

Buena Vista

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Outdoor Adventure Activities: Individual and group bookings for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, and aerial adventure park experiences. Pricing varies by activity type, duration, and participant age.
2. Multi-day Package Deals: Bundled adventure packages combining multiple activities such as Raft + Soak, Rock + Raft, Park + Paddle, and overnight backcountry trips with meals and camping.
3. Campground and Facilities: Riverside camping facilities with weatherport tents, meal service in the pavilion, and gear rentals including wetsuits, booties, and sleeping bags.
4. Retail Store: On-site retail store selling merchandise and adventure gear.
5. Photography Services: Trip photography services through Arkansas Valley Digital Imaging, with photo packages available for purchase post-trip.
6. Wedding Venue Rental: The River Pavilion venue rental for weddings and events, accommodating up to 150 guests in non-summer months.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. operates guided whitewater rafting, aerial adventure park, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, and riverside camping experiences on Colorado's Arkansas River. The company serves families, youth groups, corporate retreats, and adventure enthusiasts from an 11-acre private riverfront property in Buena Vista, Colorado, offering single-activity, multi-day, and bundled package experiences.

Product overview

Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co. is a single-location outdoor adventure company (not a SaaS/platform) offering a portfolio of experiential products centered around Colorado's Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks wilderness. The core offering is whitewater rafting through Browns Canyon National Monument, supplemented by the Browns Canyon Adventure Park (aerial ropes course), rock climbing and rappelling, fly fishing, multi-day backpacking, and basecamp camping. Activity packages combine multiple offerings (e.g., Raft + Soak, Rock + Raft, Park + Paddle). Supporting services include a wedding venue (River Pavilion), gift certificates, professional trip photography, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs passes, riverside camping, and meal service. The company operates from a private 11-acre riverfront property in Buena Vista, Colorado, with its own private raft put-in, lodge, retail store, and campground.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Browns Canyon Adventure Park: Colorado's First Aerial Adventure Course featuring 66 high ropes course elements, 7 zip lines, Leap of Faith obstacle, Vertical Limit partner climbing challenge, and The Big Drop Swing, located on the banks of the Arkansas River.

Products and services

• Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Guided whitewater rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. Half-day (10 miles, ~2-3 hours) and full-day (16 miles, ~4-6 hours) options with Class III-III+ rapids including Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Raft Ripper. Accessed via private put-in at Noah's 11-acre riverfront property in Buena Vista. Open to families and groups seeking Colorado's signature whitewater experience.
• Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting One of Colorado's premier whitewater rafting destinations featuring 18 miles of Class III-IV+ rapids through the 1000-foot walls of the Royal Gorge. A full-day, physically demanding adventure requiring paddle crews to work closely with guides. Designed for advanced thrill-seekers age 16 and over.
• Family Float (Milk Run) A gentle, beginner-friendly 5-mile scenic rafting trip (1-1.5 hours) on the Milk Run section of the Arkansas River with Class I-II rapids. Open to children as young as 4 years old, designed for introducing young families to rafting.
• The Numbers Whitewater Rafting Advanced whitewater rafting on The Numbers section of the Arkansas River with Class IV to IV+ rapids, offered as half-day (6 miles) and full-day (19 miles) options. Minimum age 16, with Class III experience required. Designed for experienced rafters seeking intense rapids.
• Narrows Whitewater Rafting Advanced whitewater rafting on the Narrows section through 13 miles (full day) or 29 miles (overnight) with Class III-IV rapids. Minimum age 14. Combines intense rapids with optional riverside overnight camping.
• Overnight Rafting Trips Multi-day rafting experiences combining paddling with riverside camping, campfire meals, and nights under the stars. Includes Browns Canyon Overnight (16 miles, Class III-IV) and Narrows Overnight Trip (29 miles, Class III-IV). Designed for families and groups seeking immersive multi-day adventures with all meals included.
• Browns Canyon Adventure Park Colorado's first aerial adventure course featuring 66 high ropes course elements, 7 zip lines, Leap of Faith obstacle, Vertical Limit climbing challenge, and the Big Drop Swing. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River overlooking Browns Canyon National Monument. Also offers 'Glow in the Park' evening sessions. Open to guests ages 7+ with weight range 50-275 lbs.
• Rock Climbing & Rappelling Half-day (3 hours) and full-day professionally guided rock climbing and rappelling trips at sites near Buena Vista, including Bob's Rock (65-foot climbs, 75-foot rappels) and Turtle Rock. Climbing ratings between 5.6 and 5.8 on the Yosemite Decimal System. Available May through August, with minimum group size 10.
• Fly Fishing Trips Guided fly fishing on Colorado's longest stretch of Gold Medal trout waters through Browns Canyon National Monument. Options include Half Day Walk and Wade, Full Day Float, Evening Float & Dinner, and Overnight Float. Features brown and rainbow trout fishing, with up to 102 miles of access to Gold Medal Waters on the Arkansas River.
• Multi-Day Backpacking Trips Guided backpacking adventures through the Collegiate Peak and Buffalo Peak Wilderness areas with 3 to 6 day options. Includes 14,000 ft mountain peaks, flower-filled meadows, and alpine lakeside campsites. Minimum age 12. Group sizes of 10-100 accommodated.
• Basecamp Trip Itineraries Multi-day camping adventures combining whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and the Adventure Park with riverside camping on Noah's 11-acre basecamp. Includes weatherproof huts that hold up to 15 people, full meal service, and access to the campground with volleyball court and fire pits.
• Single Day Hiking Guided day hikes exploring Colorado's wilderness including the Continental Divide, alpine trout fishing, and mountain valleys. Full day option at $116.50 per adult. Can be combined with other activities.
• River Pavilion Wedding Venue Riverfront mountain wedding venue at the Arkansas River with 150-guest capacity. Features covered pavilion reception space, riverfront ceremony site, glass garage doors, fire pits, and prep kitchen. Available for Spring and Fall weddings (September-October) in non-summer months.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40+ years of operation since 1983 with 500,000+ guests served
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Compassion InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNoah's Ark recognizes Compassion International as a long-term partner, a program committed to making a difference in the lives of needy children worldwide by providing schooling, medical care, and food. The company encourages staff and community to support Compassion's efforts.
• Young LifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNoah's Ark was founded in 1982 when founders Chuck and Lindy Cichowitz were approached about developing a rafting program for Young Life's Frontier Ranch. This origin relationship shaped the company's focus on serving youth and family groups.
• Monarch MountainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal ski area partnership promoting winter recreation options in the region. Monarch Mountain is located 40 minutes southwest of Noah's Ark and offers skiing at reduced costs compared to major resorts.
• Leave No TraceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partner of Leave No Trace, demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable outdoor recreation practices.
• Colorado River Outfitter Association (CROA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Colorado River Outfitter Association, supporting industry standards and advocacy for river recreation in Colorado.
• America OutdoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of America Outdoors, a national trade association for outfitters and guides promoting safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.
• Arkansas River Outfitter AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Arkansas River Outfitter Association supporting river-based recreation and advocacy on the Arkansas River.
• Adventure Experiences, Inc. (AEI)coreTechnology or IntegrationAEI designed and built the Browns Canyon Adventure Park and continues to maintain the facility. AEI is recognized internationally for expertise in designing and building state-of-the-art challenge courses.
• The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Browns Canyon Adventure Park is a member of ACCT, which sets installation, inspection, operational, and certification standards for the challenge course industry.
• Mt. Princeton Riding StablesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal horseback riding outfitter partner for the Paddle + Saddle package. Offers trail rides through pinon trees and along historic railroad bed with views of Harvard, Yale, and Mt. Antero peaks.
• R6 Deer Valley StablesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlternative horseback riding partner for Paddle + Saddle package. Offers rides at the base of Mt. Princeton in Chalk Cliff Valley with views of Mt. Antero.
• Mt. Princeton Hot Springs ResortminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner resort providing hot springs passes for Raft + Soak and Park + Soak packages. Located in Nathrop, CO, offering natural hot springs soaking pools.
• Leadville Colorado & Southern RailroadminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScenic train ride partner for Raft + Rail package. Offers 2.5-hour scenic train ride through the Mosquito Range from historic Leadville, departing from 326 E. 7th Street, Leadville.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Adventures in Whitewater: Colorado rafting outfitter offering Arkansas River half-day and full-day trips; direct geographic and product-line competitor with similar guided commercial rafting economics.
• Echo Canyon River Expeditions: Buena Vista, Colorado whitewater outfitter operating on the Arkansas River and Royal Gorge with comparable trip menus (half/full-day rafting, family floats) and overlapping customer base.
• Mountain Trip: Multi-day wilderness adventure outfitter running Colorado backpacking and rafting expeditions; comparable to Noah's Ark's multi-day basecamp and backpacking product line and similar premium trip pricing.
• Royal Gorge Rafting & Zip Line: Canon City operator running whitewater rafting on the same Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River; directly competes for Class IV full-day customers at similar price points.
• Mountain Waters Rafting: Long-running Buena Vista Arkansas River outfitter; closest direct competitor in town with overlapping trip inventory, family-friendly options, and similar group business.
• Performance Tours Rafting: Buena Vista-based competitor offering Royal Gorge, Browns Canyon, and Numbers rafting trips at directly comparable price points to Noah's Ark on the same river segments.
• Wilderness Aware Rafting: Family-owned Buena Vista outfitter running whitewater rafting, kayaking, and family float trips on the same Arkansas River sections as Noah's Ark; comparable operating model, customer segments, and pricing band.
• Rock Mountain Adventures: Colorado outfitter offering guided rafting trips on the Arkansas River (including Browns Canyon) plus rock climbing — directly comparable trip mix and guided-activity model.

Broad incumbents

• Vail Resorts: Large public mountain-resort operator running year-round outdoor recreation, lodging, and adventure programming across Colorado; not a direct competitor but comparable destination-outdoor-recreation ecosystem player with overlapping guest demographics and seasonality.
• AVA Rafting & Zipline: Largest Colorado-based rafting and zipline outfitter with multiple outposts statewide; broader product portfolio and more locations than Noah's Ark, but directly overlaps on Arkansas River rafting and family adventure packages.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/narafting
• Facebookfacebook.com/noahsarkwhitewaterrafting
• Instagraminstagram.com/noahsarkrafting
• Xx.com/noahsarkrafting

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.