Colorado’s wilderness and spectacular scenery is world renowned. Our sprawling forests, rugged Rocky Mountains and beautiful rivers encompass all corners of the state. We are particularly blessed at The Adventure Company to have our main office located right on the bank of the Arkansas River just a few minutes from Browns Canyon National Monument.
Browns Canyon is one of our country’s newest national monuments and includes huge stretches of designated Wilderness Study Areas (WSA).
Established in 2015, Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses 22,000 acres of Colorado wilderness that will remain pristine and isolated from development for as long as it is protected.
Browns Canyon whitewater rafting is a real gem in the rafting world and one of the most popular raft trips in the world.
At The Adventure Company, our intermediate trip down this section of the Arkansas River is our most popular trip. The combination of exciting whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, opportunity to see wildlife, and great mountain views all create the ideal raft trip. Our Browns Canyon rafting trip is exciting enough for seasoned paddlers, but not too scary for first-timers.
Rafting isn’t all that Browns Canyon has to offer though.
There are also several hiking trails available to explore the wilderness on foot. Below are what other advocates of the national monument have to say about this enchanting portion of Colorado:
“Currently the only formal trailhead providing access to the WSA is at its northern end, just east of the Ruby Mountain Campground within the Arkansas Headwaters RecreationArea. Take Chaffee County Road 301 north from US24 at Fishermans Bridge and CR300 east to and ¼ mile beyond the campground to the Ruby Mountain BLM parking area and Northern Trails trailhead. At the south edge of the parking area are two metal framed interpretive panels which provide the most up to date information on the WSA. On the north edge is a large wooden kiosk and map of the Fourmile area and a stock of printed brochures with a map. Remember that as a WSA no motorized or mechanized (i.e. mountain bike) travel is permitted.” – Friends of Browns Canyon (http://brownscanyon.org/map/)
“Browns Canyon National Monument (managed by the Bureau of Land Management rather than the National Park Service) was created” in 2015 by the Obama Administration “to protect an area of rock formations and canyons carved by the Arkansas River as it runs between the Sawatch and Southern Front Range Mountains.
The result is an area of spires, towers, and canyons that truly needs to be explored by raft for a full experience. That being said, you can get a taste of this area by hiking the system of trails starting at Ruby Mountain.” (http://www.gohikecolorado.com/browns-canyon.html)
“The canyon is carved by the Arkansas River and features granite cliffs and colorful rock outcroppings. Drastic elevation changes, ranging from 7,300 to 10,000 feet, as well as the area’s geology contribute to a unique ecosystem for wildlife and offer plentiful recreational opportunities for visitors.” (https://www.colorado.com/articles/plan-your-visit-browns-canyon-national-monument)
Whatever brought you to Colorado, if you want an amazing adventure with classic Colorado scenery and wildlife, a trip to Browns Canyon is a must. On water, foot or both, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to experience Colorado’s newest national monument.
We are blessed to have daily access to it and the ability to raft this section of through it during the summer here in beautiful Buena Vista. We hope to facilitate your own adventure down the river and through the splendid wilderness. Contact us at www.theadventurecompany.com or at 1-800-497-RAFT (7238).
