We can offer some simple car/tent camping in a field at our property. It's easy, close, and safe, and has access to a porto, but there is highway noise. Within a 2 to 20 minute drive there is ample free primitive camping throughout the valley as well. The closest developed campground would be Hecla Junction, it's just about 4 miles down an easy dirt road at the river. It does fill up, so plan to reserve early if you can. There are a couple of KOAs as well in the vicinity.

For a local stay in Salida, we recommend the Blue Coyote Ranch. If you are taking a class at CRI, please contact us for a code to get 15% off when you book your stay.

Please bring a sack lunch. CRI will not be providing lunch and we will not be near an option to get food during the day. We have a fridge on premises which you are welcome to use and we will be bringing a cooler downriver with us when appropriate. Please bring your favorite sack lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.

Denver International is the primary airport and is about a 3 hour drive from Salida. The airport in Colorado Springs is also an option. It’s smaller, easier to navigate, and an hour closer, but usually has higher ticket prices.

There is the possibility of a daily bus from Denver, but it takes longer and you’ll most likely want your own vehicle once you’re in the vicinity, so we recommend renting a car and enjoying the drive through the mountains to Salida.

Typically, your class will begin at CRI at 8:30 and conclude back at CRI at 5:50. We will provide all of the transportation to and from the river. Times are variable and some classes will begin or end earlier or later depending on the material covered and river conditions. In some circumstances, you may elect to drive your own vehicle to the river, but you will be responsible for the daily park pass fee. Please discuss this option with us in advance to determine if it fits with the logistics of the day. We will break mid-day for lunch.

It depends! If the raft and rowing frame setup are deemed appropriate, we are happy to use your raft in a Custom Private Class. Many students find it useful to practice on their own equipment. For scheduled classes that are not private, only CRI rafts will be used.

Yes! We encourage everyone to use your own gear such as your lifejacket, helmet, and splash wear on the river. If you do not have these, don’t worry, we have plenty for anyone to use. Lifejackets and helmets are required to be worn whenever we are on the river, your instructor will need to inspect these items to make sure that they are appropriate for the whitewater environment.

We have some mid-weight wetsuits for which we do not charge. For swiftwater rescue classes or other days that have a heavy swimming component, you may wish to rent a thicker wetsuit or drysuit, please contact CKS Mainstreet just about 15 minutes up the road in Buena Vista.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations occurring prior to 7 days from the clinic can be refunded in full, minus a 10% processing fee. For cancellations 7 days to 24 hours prior to scheduled clinic, clients will be responsible for 50% of the clinic fee. There will be no refunds for no-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours prior to scheduled event.