This report is the third in a three-part series for ARCC – funded by the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. It measures the impact of visitors who take commercial whitewater rafting, kayaking, or fishing trips on the Arkansas River.
These visitors spend money on river trips, lodging, food, gas, retail purchases, photography, and more. That direct spending supports local businesses and jobs. The report also looks at how that money continues to circulate through the regional economy, creating additional economic activity beyond the initial purchase. Together, these impacts show how river recreation drives revenue and supports the local economy.
Economic Value Result Highlights
165,300 visitors generating $53 million to the Colorado economy* in 2024
*Total dollar figures account for the aggregated impact with the multiplier effect applied
In addition to the outfitter visitors, there are approximately 60,000 private recreational boating visitors each year, further adding to the economic value of the recreation activities.
The Importance of Water Flow
Water flow on the Arkansas River is essential for recreation. When flows are healthy, commercial and private boaters can raft, kayak, float, and fish. When flows are low, access becomes limited, and in some cases, the river cannot be used safely at all. Low-water years lead to fewer visitors, fewer trips, and less spending in the local economy, as shown in the chart below.
Community & Quality of Life Impact
Beyond measurable economic impact, recreational use of the river provides important community benefits that are harder to quantify. These include stronger civic pride, greater community engagement, improved physical and mental health, more opportunities for events, attraction of new businesses, and higher area property values.
Importantly, recreational use does not consume or permanently deplete the water needed for household and agricultural use. It supports the economy without reducing supplies for other critical needs.
Demand for Outdoor Adventure
Research shows that outdoor recreation is highly sensitive to overall economic changes. Economists call this “price elasticity” and “income elasticity.”
“Price elasticity” means that when trip costs go up, demand goes down. Tourism studies show that a 10 percent increase in total trip costs (lodging, transportation, food, taxes, and guided experiences like rafting) can reduce demand by 12-25%.
“Income elasticity” means demand also drops when incomes fall, or economic uncertainty rises. Real per capita income in the United States has declined since 2021. Because travel and recreation are discretionary expenses, families and businesses often delay or cancel trips during economic downturns.
When higher prices and economic uncertainty occur simultaneously, the effects compound. Together, they can significantly reduce visitation and overall economic activity.
Download the Arkansas River Economic Value Analysis Full Report.
