Browns Canyon White Rafting Trips

Browns Canyon was designated a National Monument in 2015 to protect over 20,000 acres of wilderness. Rafting Browns Canyon gives you front-row access to this protected landscape, including granite cliffs, impressive rock spires, meadows, and forested slopes. It's one of the most scenic places to raft in Colorado.

After your trip, explore the charming town of Buena Vista just 2 miles from our outpost. You’ll find local shops, restaurants, breweries, and hiking or biking trails. Choose a relaxing soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mount Princeton Hot Springs, both nearby. You’re right in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, so there’s plenty to do outdoors like fishing, horseback riding, and ATV rentals.

This trip is perfect for thrill seeking beginners, adventurous families aged 6 and up, experienced rafters, and anyone looking for a fun, splashy adventure with the right amount of excitement for most people. Most people feel that the scenery alone is worth the trip cost. If you want intermediate Colorado white water that’s exciting but not overwhelming, Browns Canyon is perfect for you.

Browns Canyon has mostly Class III rapids,with some that go up to IV minus, at certain water levels. The whitewater is abundant, fun, and splashy, but generally manageable for most experienced and beginner paddlers seeking intermediate level rapids.

No. While most groups enjoy paddling in response to their guide’s commands, there are options to choose an “Oar Raft” where your guide does all of the work, or even a paddle assisted Oar Raft where your guide does most of the work while a few others in your group can paddle.

Swimming ability is not required, but preferred at higher flows. All guests wear life jackets and are guided by our professional, experienced guides trained in river safety. A thorough safety briefing will be presented prior to you trip explaining the option to float on your back in the rare occasion that someone falls out of their raft.

The rafting season runs from May to August. Due to snowmelt, early June has the highest water levels with bigger splashes. Late May, late June, all of July, and early August enjoy medium flows. Early May and the end of August offer fun and technical rapids at lower flows.

Wear a swimsuit or fast-drying performance clothing. Avoid cotton. We provide free use of our sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes. Secure footwear is required, so Crocs and sandals without a heel strap, are not permitted.

Browns Canyon is located on the upper Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado.

Yes. It's one of the best white water rafting trips in the world for adventurous families. The minimum age is 6 years old.

Yes. There are dispersed camping sites within the National Monument and developed campgrounds nearby. However, the heart of the roadless wilderness area along the river is only accessible by raft. Check out our Overnight Raft trips in Browns Canyon for an unforgettable rafting and comfortable camping experience.

On our intermediate trips in Browns Canyon, our rafts accommodate 8 people including your guide. In certain situations, there can be additional room down the center of the raft for smaller kids that will not paddle. For a small additional fee, we also offer private rafts for groups that prefer not to share their raft with others.

All gear is included: Coast Guard approved life jackets, adjustable helmets, wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river shoes — all sanitized and fitted to you. Also whitewater paddles are supplied to all participants.

Yes. Use Promo codes displayed on our website for the best discounts available throughout the year.

We provide one for free. Depending on water and weather conditions, it may be recommended, and our staff will help you decide.

Class III and IV minus rapids require attention and basic paddle skills. For safety, we set a minimum age of 6. This may go up at higher water levels, sometimes requiring guests who have already booked a Browns Canyon trip to be flexible as we may have to change to another more appropriate section of river, to help ensure your safety.

Yes. All guests must wear helmets, which we provide as part of your gear.

We monitor water levels daily. If conditions change, we may find it necessary to adjust our rafting trip routes or age minimums to help keep everyone safe.