Lakota Guides

Kim, our guide August 20^th was awesome! These people really know what they are doing. Great orientation before hand and a wealth of knowledge on the river. This will be a must do again! You ROCK Kim!

We’ve been on three different rafting trips with three different companies in CO and Lakota is the best. The most experienced, the most knowledgable, and THE MOST FUN. Leah rocked!!! Your experience is mostly dependent on how your guide «styles» your ride and these guys are pros. We will always come back to Lakota Guides.

Using this space to tip my hat to Trevor, our guide. He took a bunch of newbies through some minor class 3s and we felt like champions. I have to believe the rest of the guides here are just as cool.
In all seriousness, this team gauges skill level and desire really well. They are knowledgeable, fun, and always in control (you are in good hands). If you are new to rafting this is your place. They will have you hooked.
Oh. And for those of you of age. They have a connection next door to their base for a free beer. Treat yourself!

We had a great trip white water rafting the Colorado River and Glenwood Canyon on the Shoshone trip yesterday. They picked us up from our hotel and provided all the gear we needed, even water boots for my husband who only had tennis shoes to wear.
The guides were all really enthusiastic and clearly love their jobs and that made it more exciting for us. The trip itself was fun and our guide Matt told us all kinds of interesting facts and jokes while we were on the water. After we were done, we had BBQ before going back to the boathouse. Our driver Kathy was awesome and so nice!
We even got a glass to go get a free beer from Crazy Mountain Brewery, which is right next door and we took it to go on the way back to our hotel. Overall the trip was awesome and we will definitely return if we get the chance!

The ride was amazing, our guide was very knowledgeable and you could tell he loved his job. Definitely would recommend Lakota Guides to anyone looking for a good time white water rafting. Definitely do the all day trip to, it’s a little pricey but well worth it!

My husband, 2 sons, and I went on the Upper Colorado Family Float. It was fantastic! We were greeted by a staff member as soon as we got out of the car. Everyone was very helpful and professional. Our guide Tanner was amazing! He was knowledgeable and made the ride so much fun. I highly recommend Lakota.

Tons of fun– Leah was awesome, and ensured a memorable, fun, safe rafting trip!
Lakota had to cancel our original trip due to high waters, but made sure we got on another trip and even gave us a discount for the hassle. Also. They provided us with all the high end gear we needed to wear.
We will recommend these guys to anyone looking for a raft trip!

Awesome, just got off the Eagle River, had a couple of great guides (we were only 2 people in our group, so they filled it with guides). Great experience, they prepare you for the Class III rapids, and we went through them safely and really felt part of the experience. USE THIS COMPANY — they have a passion for the water, outdoors and their guests.

My family and I had a very good time white water rafting. We chose Lakota Guides based on Unilocal reviews and that they were located in Edwards, close to where we are staying in Beaver Creek, meaning just a few minute drive from Avon, and Beaver Creek. We signed up for the morning ‘Shoshone’ trip which is an intermediate run, with category III rapids in spots. It was nice that after reserving our spots, they send an email not only validating the reservation, but also a link to sign the necessary waivers online (it was nice to take care of this online, so you don’t have to fill out a bunch of paperwork when you get there). After showing up, it was a rainy cool morning (50’s and windy!) they provided wetsuits for everyone, and then we loaded into a van for a 25 – 30 minute drive to our drop off on point on the Colorado river. The drive itself is beautiful, and the guides were funny and friendly during the drive without being obnoxious.
Once there, we helped carry the rafts down to the river and were on our way pretty quickly. The rafting is approximately 10 miles long and last about 1.5−2 hours. We had a great time, including our seven year old daughter who couldn’t stop smiling the whole time. The rapids were fun, and scenery is breathtaking. Our guide was great, and had knowledge of the area, and has been a guide for 15 years.
After arriving at the end of our trip, there are picnic tables, and the driver had laid out food for everyone. Fajitas, chips, cookies, etc. One tip would be to pack a bag of clothes to change into, as were we a bit cold and it would have been nice to have something warm to change into before the drive back.
I would definitely go rafting again with these guys.

Phenomenal!!! Ask for Kim to be your guide, she is awesome! Best rafting trip-​we will be back doing this again here!

Awesome experience! The guides are fun and make sure they keep you safe. Very convenient to get to and from as they provide transportation. Definitely would recommend as a must for white water rafting!

This place rocks. Had a fantastic time w a group of kids doing the Shoshonee rafting trip. Ask for Mackenzie if you go, but I’m sure all their guides are great. Fun for the family… but note… if you’re going this summer, kids must be 10 or older to do the big rapids.

Floated category 3 rapids on Colorado River this week with husband and 10 and 11 year old sons. I had prior floating experience, but kids were newbies and loved the experience. They left wanting bigger and wilder rapids, so hope to do this again with them when they are old enough for category 4. Lakota made the rainy day trip fun and informational. Tyler was the best, and our. «Bus leader», Mark, was also funny but helpful. These guys love their job, and it shows. Yummy taco lunch after the 2 hour float and a free beer at the Crazy Mountain microbrewery next door topped off the great experience.

Cat 4 rapids (the Numbers) with Derek was well worth the $ 120 (tax incl). Rapids were fun, the guides knew the river and were patient with the lack of seasoned expertise in our boat. Lakota was by far the best-​outfitted and most high-​end of the companies on the Arkansas. I think we made the right choice. We got a good guide in Derek, and it was clear he had a passion for sharing his passion for the rapids. However, the same could be said of all the guides we interacted with (I’m lookin at you, Jeremiah).

Great time. Highly recommend Lakota for whitewater river rafting. Our guide Tanner was very professional and knew exactly what he was doing. He made us all feel comfortable. The kids loved it. Definitely worth trying.

My girlfriend and I used a Groupon here, two for one rentals on the SUP paddle boards. It wasn’t quite what we were expecting, but I’m not complaining, either. We didn’t know if there was going to be a lake nearby or if they were going to shuttle us to a lake. Neither of these options were available. They gave us two inflatable paddle boards that we could easily fold and fit into the back seat of our car with all the necessary equipment to air them up when we got to the lake, plus detailed instructions to make sure we had an enjoyable time. The guide suggested a lake we go to and have us directions.
At first we were a little disappointed about the time we needed just to get to the lake and air up the paddle boards. We would have loved to have more time on the lake but since we got there after 1pm we didn’t get to enjoy the SUP boards as much as we would have liked.
So my advice? Get there early to get your stuff and pack a lunch! Overall I would recommend Lakota!

Professional, service minded yet fun loving people here. Doug was great, very fun and informative.

We took a raft trip down the Mid Eagle River the other day, and it couldn’t have been more fun! From the check in process, readying you for the trip, equipment and then the trip itself, we had a complete blast! These guys know what they’re doing and run a very professional outfit. We can’t wait to be back in the Vail/​Beaver Creek area to do it again. Our guide Townsend was fantastic!

We went with Lakota Guides for a rafting trip the other day. Andrew was our guide and our group felt like he was the best. He cracked a lot of jokes and kept our teenagers engaged and challenged.
Don’t worry though because they adjust to your rafting skill level and wont make you do anything you aren’t prepared to do.
Their storefront is in Edwards right off of I70 and is easy to find. We have a car so we arrived on time but had to wait for other rafters who were picked up by Lakota or just arrived late. But the people there were very nice and professional and we spent our extra time getting fitted with helmets and life vests. They offer booties, and I would recommend wearing them because they keep you feet warm, and otherwise your shoes will get wet as you raft. Also bring a change of clothes and a towel because of the same reason. (They have good equipment, especially if you get cold, such as splash guards.)
They have a guy who goes out and takes photos of your adventure which is great.
The trip we took was through Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River. The canyon is beautiful and is worth the trip alone.

We’ve done a couple of trips with Lakota River Guides over the past few years down the Colorado River. We’ve gone on a stretch with Class 3 rapids where everyone in the boat gets an oar and has to paddle and most recently we did an easy «float» trip where the guide directs the boat with oars and it was smooth enough to take my 4 and 7-​year-​old along with their cousins ranging from 5 to 11.
When you first get there they get everyone into a life jacket and for the harder trips, helmets and booties if necessary. The guides then carry the rafts down to the river and help everyone in the boats.
During the trips, the guides provide great stories and information about the river. If you’re going over rapids, the guides tell you when and where to row and in all case, they teach you what to do if someone goes over.
Each trip takes a few hours and at the end you’re either transported back to the start point or if you were transported at the beginning, you end up in the same place you began.
Depending on the trip, the company also provides a snack such as cookies, lemonade and water or a full lunch at the end of the trip.
Leave your cell-​phones and other electronics at home, but if you do forget and take something that shouldn’t get wet, the guides have dry bags available.
Also, don’t forget your wallet as you’ll likely want to tip your guide after sharing several hours on the river.