American Dream TV Hits the Arkansas River with Raft Masters
When most people think of Colorado, they picture snow-covered mountains, hiking trails, mountain biking, and beautiful scenic drives.
But there’s another way to experience Colorado—and it involves a raft, a paddle, a little adrenaline, and a whole lot of water!
In the latest episode of American Dream TV, Monica traded dry land for the Arkansas River and headed to Cañon City, Colorado, for a whitewater rafting adventure with Raft Masters.
She brought some friends along, found an incredible guide named Freck, and quickly discovered that what started as a calm, scenic day on the river was about to get a whole lot more exciting.
A Different Way to See Colorado
Colorado is famous for outdoor adventure, but whitewater rafting gives you a completely different view of the state.
Instead of hiking beside the mountains or admiring the scenery from a scenic overlook, you're right in the middle of it. The Arkansas River winds through dramatic canyon walls, surrounded by beautiful Colorado scenery.
Monica couldn't help but take it all in.
“It’s just so beautiful, calm, serene, and it’s a gorgeous view,” she said.
It certainly was beautiful.
Calm and serene?
Well… that part was about to change.
With her friends ready to go, Monica asked the question everyone was thinking.
“So, I got my friends with me and we're about to go rafting. I'm so excited. Are you guys ready?”
“Ready.”
And just like that, the adventure began.
Bring on the Rapids!
Monica and her group headed into Bighorn Sheep Canyon, where they would tackle Class II and Class III rapids.
Their guide, Freck, explained that navigating a Class III rapid isn't as simple as pointing the raft downstream and hoping for the best. As the guide, he has to find the right line through the rapid—almost like navigating a maze made entirely of rushing water.
That might sound intimidating, but that's exactly why having an experienced guide matters.
Freck also explained the different levels of whitewater. Class I is the easiest, with relatively calm water where you can simply float along and enjoy the scenery. As the classification increases, the rapids become more challenging and require more skill and attention.
And Monica was about to get a firsthand look at what those higher-class rapids could do.
400 Chickens Worth of Water?
Naturally, Monica had questions.
One of them was about how river conditions are measured.
Freck explained that water flow is measured in CFS, or cubic feet per second. Stations along the river measure how much water is moving past a particular point.
At the time of their adventure, the river was flowing at around 400 CFS.
But Freck had a much more entertaining way of explaining that number.
Instead of imagining cubic feet, he joked that you could think of it as about 400 chickens worth of water flowing across an imaginary line in the river every second.
Yes.
Chickens.
It's safe to say that Monica wasn't expecting that explanation.
But it certainly made river science memorable!
Meet Freck, the Guide Who Loves the River
One of the best parts of Monica's adventure was getting to know Freck.
He was in his fourth year as a whitewater rafting guide, but this wasn't something he had always planned to do. In fact, he said he got into the job almost accidentally and didn't even know he would be doing it until about a week before his training started.
Once he got on the water, though, everything clicked.
He fell in love with it.
Freck described guiding as the “most peaceful yet most exciting thing” he gets to do with his life.
And honestly, that sounds like the perfect description of rafting.
One minute you're surrounded by peaceful scenery, listening to the river and taking in the canyon.
The next, you're paddling, laughing, shouting, and getting splashed by rushing water.
It's peaceful and thrilling all at once.
Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone
Freck also explained why he loves taking people rafting.
Not everyone arrives at the river feeling fearless.
Some people are nervous around water. Others have never experienced whitewater before and aren't quite sure what they've gotten themselves into.
But that's also what makes the experience so rewarding.
Freck said one of his favorite moments is seeing people reach the end of the trip smiling and excited—even when they were nervous or “freaking out” along the way.
Because sometimes the best adventures are the ones that scare you just a little.
Monica quickly learned that the peaceful river ride wasn't going to stay peaceful for long.
“We're going to get wet,” she said.
Then came the realization:
“So much for calm and relaxing.”
Exactly!
Why Try Whitewater Rafting?
Rafting is about more than simply riding down a river.
It's about experiencing Colorado in a way you can't get from a hiking trail or a car window.
It's about laughing with friends, trusting your guide, working together, and maybe screaming a little when that next wave comes crashing toward you.
Raft Masters offers guided rafting experiences on the Arkansas River, including adventures through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the more challenging Royal Gorge.
Their Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip offers approximately nine miles of river, combining exciting rapids with incredible scenery. It's also an option for people who may be new to whitewater rafting and want to experience the adventure with professional guides.
Of course, river conditions and trip requirements can change, so it's always a good idea to check with Raft Masters for current information before planning your trip.
Monica's Final Review
After making it through the rapids, Monica had one thing left to say.
“Freck, that was so much fun. It was such an adventure. I had a blast. Everybody had fun.”
And she wasn't finished.
Her advice for anyone heading to Cañon City and looking for a rafting adventure?
Call Raft Masters—and request Freck.
“He was the best guide ever.”
We'd say that's a pretty good review!
Your Next Colorado Adventure Is Waiting
Colorado has no shortage of ways to explore the outdoors. You can hike, bike, ski, climb, or simply enjoy the views.
But sometimes, the best way to experience Colorado is to jump right into the adventure.
Monica's American Dream TV experience with Raft Masters is a perfect reminder that some of the best memories happen when we step outside our comfort zones, try something new, and don't take ourselves too seriously.
So gather your friends, grab a paddle, listen to your guide—and prepare to get wet!
Your next Colorado adventure might just be waiting around the next rapid.
Ready to experience the Arkansas River for yourself? Visit Raft Masters to explore their whitewater rafting adventures in Cañon City.
Because Colorado isn't just meant to be seen.
Sometimes, it's meant to be experienced—one rapid at a time.
