3rd Annual Arkansas River Cleanup
Join Us for a Day of Stewardship & Celebration on the Arkansas River!
We’re excited to kick off year three of this growing tradition on Thursday, August 14th with an impactful river cleanup followed by an after-party featuring craft beer and big prize giveaways!
This is an on-water event, so please bring your own river craft.
We’ll launch from Salida East Campground and take out at Rincon, where we'll unload, pack out the trash, and load up our gear. After the cleanup, we’ll head to High Side Bar and Grill for the after party and enjoy free Montucky Cold Snacks!
The event is free, but space is limited — please RSVP to reserve your spot and check out the additional details below.
This is an on-water event, so please bring your own river craft.
We’ll launch from Salida East Campground and take out at Rincon, where we'll unload, pack out the trash, and load up our gear. After the cleanup, we’ll head to High Side Bar and Grill for the after party and enjoy free Montucky Cold Snacks!
The event is free, but space is limited — please RSVP to reserve your spot and check out the additional details below.
On-Water Logistics
When You Arrive
A Protect Our Rivers volunteer will greet you and direct you where to unload. Please be quick about unloading your gear as space is limited.
Check-in is at the Protect Our Rivers tent. Our team will get you everything you need for the cleanup, shuttle, and afternoon ahead.
Check-in is at the Protect Our Rivers tent. Our team will get you everything you need for the cleanup, shuttle, and afternoon ahead.
The Game Plan
We will pick up trash along the 7 mile river stretch from Salida to Rincon.
Our goal is to be at the takeout (Rincon Campground) by 5:00pm. When we get there we will unload, pack-out trash, and load up boats. Then we’ll head over to the after-party.
Our goal is to be at the takeout (Rincon Campground) by 5:00pm. When we get there we will unload, pack-out trash, and load up boats. Then we’ll head over to the after-party.
Shuttle
The Adventure Company is providing a complimentary shuttle. To utilize shuttle please make sure you drop your boats at the put in no later than 1:30 pm.
Schedule
1:00 - 2:00pm
Check-In, Rig and Shuttle
Check-in, sign waivers, and get your boat ready!
2:00 - 5:00 pM
On-Water Cleanup
We will be on-water for about three hours picking up trash. Our goal is to get to Rincon by 5:00 pm so people have an hour to de-rig and change before heading to the after party.
6:00 pm
After Party
Giveaways start at 6:30 pm
2025 Sponsors
No Gear? No Problem!
Gear Rentals from CKS River Supply
CKS River Supply is providing complimentary gear rentals for cleanup volunteers! That includes everything you need to get out on the water; whitewater kayaks, SUPs, inflatable kayaks, rafts, oars, PFDs, helmets, paddles, wetsuits, drysuits, kids gear and more.
Please call CKS River Supply at 719-395-9206 to reserve gear for the event. Complimentary rentals pick up will be at 10am on August 14th. All rentals have to be back to CKS River Supply in Buena Vista by 6pm.
Please note: All gear rentals are subject to a skills assessment. Transportation of gear is not provided. To receive a complimentary rental, volunteers must provide proof of volunteering through an event check in process.
Please call CKS River Supply at 719-395-9206 to reserve gear for the event. Complimentary rentals pick up will be at 10am on August 14th. All rentals have to be back to CKS River Supply in Buena Vista by 6pm.
Please note: All gear rentals are subject to a skills assessment. Transportation of gear is not provided. To receive a complimentary rental, volunteers must provide proof of volunteering through an event check in process.
On-Water Map
Safety is our number one priority! Please be sure you have the skills to not only paddle or row through Class II rapids, but also to easily maneuver your craft for speedy trash pick ups, carry trash on your craft, and be able to catch eddies and assist fellow paddlers in trash pickup, without endangering yourself or the group.
From the Put In (Salida East Campground), we will paddle downstream and pick up trash along a 7-mile section of the Arkansas River.
We will take out at Rincon Campground. Volunteers will help you unload and pack-out trash.
Then we’ll head over to High Side Bar and Grill for the after party.
Click HERE for info on flows.
FAQ
Is this event kid friendly?
As long as they have experience rafting and old enough to hold on to a river craft. If you're unsure, we encourage you to participate by joining one of the on-land cleanup sites.
What Class rapids are on the stretch?
There are a couple of Class III rapids that require some maneuvers.
Can I bring my dogs?
For this event, we're asking you to leave your dogs at home.
Do I need to bring cleanup supplies?
Please bring your own river gear including a PFD. It's suggested that you bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and snacks. Gloves, trash pickers, and trash bags will be provided.
For all other questions please email [email protected]
As long as they have experience rafting and old enough to hold on to a river craft. If you're unsure, we encourage you to participate by joining one of the on-land cleanup sites.
What Class rapids are on the stretch?
There are a couple of Class III rapids that require some maneuvers.
Can I bring my dogs?
For this event, we're asking you to leave your dogs at home.
Do I need to bring cleanup supplies?
Please bring your own river gear including a PFD. It's suggested that you bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and snacks. Gloves, trash pickers, and trash bags will be provided.
For all other questions please email [email protected]