Exciting enough for seasoned paddlers, but not too scary for first-timers, our expert guides will entertain you while effortlessly guiding you through this ideal raft trip. With a minimum age of six, Browns Canyon rafting is the perfect intermediate whitewater rafting experience.
Why Choose The Adventure Company
We understand that sometimes your plans change unexpectedly. Our Flexible Cancellation Policy allows you a full refund for cancellations made:
- At least 48 hours prior to your trip, for groups of less than 12 people.
- At least 7 days prior to your trip, for groups of 12 or more
- At least 14 days prior to your trip, for Multi Day trips.
- There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than the required notice.
To help ensure your safety and enjoyment we reserve the right to adjust activities due to weather, water levels, or river conditions.
Safety is our top priority. As Colorado’s only rafting outfitter that exclusively hires experienced Guides, we believe that having an experienced Guide is the most important way to help ensure a safe and fun trip. No rookies here, our expert, well-certified Guides have the knowledge, ability to entertain, and necessary boat control to allow our guests to have the time of their lives!
All of our guests receive clear safety briefings, proper gear fitting, and expert instruction throughout the trip.
One of the most important ways to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests is to provide free, properly fitting wetsuit rental gear, that gets sanitized after each use. Our guests can choose free use of our splash jackets, wetsuits, and neoprene shoes, while also relying on our recommendations based on current weather and river conditions.
Check out our packing list and what to wear here
Our reliable, clean, and well-maintained fleet of buses and vans is important to ensuring your safety and comfort to and from the river. We adhere to strict FMCSA regulatory standards and are a certified Colorado Commercial Drivers’ License school.
We are also the only rafting outfitter that offers daily round trip transportation in our comfort shuttles from 17 convenient locations in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone. We recognize that you may be unfamiliar with our roads, and keeping your group together while offering a stress-free experience from start to finish is an important part of a top quality rafting experience.
Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are our top priorities. That’s why we use only
high-quality rafts, paddles, helmets, and gear – all carefully chosen for your comfort and safety. Our equipment is clean and meticulously maintained prior to each trip. You can trust that your
equipment will be ready for peak performance when you choose a trip with The Adventure Company.
If you need assistance booking your trip, give our friendly Adventure Coordinators a call at 719-395-6494
Details
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate
Minimum Age:
6 Years Old
Meeting Place:
Buena Vista, Colorado
See this trip in action! Click below to watch our Browns Canyon video.
RAFTING TRIP OPTIONS
Full Day of Rafting
Over the course of this 5-hour trip, plan to be fully immersed in the remote feel of the Browns Canyon National Monument. You will hit up to 14 rapids over 17 miles, plus, you will get to enjoy our famous Ultimate Fajita Feast served riverside!
Intermediate
$189/Person
9:00am–3:45pm
Intermediate
9:00am–3:45pm
$189/Person
$170.10
Summer Sale 10% off – exp. 8/15/24
Intermediate
9:00am–3:45pm
$189/Person
$160.65
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 6/15/24
Intermediate
9:00am–3:45pm
$189/Person
$132.30
FLASH SALE 30% off – offer exp. 7/8
Intermediate
9:00am–3:45pm
$189/Person
$151.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
1/2 Day of Rafting
There’s a reason this is our most popular trip! Take in the 10 miles of canyon scenery and enjoy the splashes and fun rapids! With approximately 2 hours on the water, enjoy this efficient and unforgettable whitewater rafting trip.
Intermediate
$129/Person
8:00am-11:30am
9:30am–1:00pm
12:15pm-3:45pm
1:45pm-5:15pm
Intermediate
$129/Person
8:00am-11:30am
9:30am–1:00pm
12:15pm-3:45pm
1:45pm-5:15pm
Intermediate
9:30am–1:00pm
12:15pm-3:45pm
1:45pm-5:15pm
$129/Person
$109.65
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 6/15/24
Intermediate
9:30am–1:00pm
12:15pm-3:45pm
1:45pm-5:15pm
$129/Person
$103.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
Intermediate
9:30am–1:00pm
12:15pm-3:45pm
1:45pm-5:15pm
$129/Person
$90.30
FLASH SALE 30% off – offer exp. 7/8
3/4 Day of Rafting
All the fun of our half-day trip, plus, our famous Ultimate Fajita Feast included! The time on the water will be the same as our half-day trip of 2 hours. The lunch is served at our picnic area at our 6-acre facility, we believe it’s the perfect fuel for rafting!
Intermediate
$159/Person
8:00am-12:30pm
11:30am-3:45pm
Intermediate
8:00am-12:30pm
11:30am-3:45pm
$159/Person
$143.10
Summer Sale 10% off – exp. 6/15/24
Intermediate
8:00am-12:30pm
11:30am-3:45pm
$159/Person
$135.15
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 4/15/24
Intermediate
8:00am-12:30pm
11:30am-3:45pm
$159/Person
$111.30
FLASH SALE 30% off – offer exp. 7/8
Intermediate
8:00am-12:30pm
11:30am-3:45pm
$159/Person
$127.20
Last Chance Sale 20% off
Promo Code: LAST20
Express
Transportation from your hotel, lunch, and rafting all rolled into one perfect trip! Let us handle the mountain driving to our headquarters. We provide round-trip transportation from select pickup locations, then enjoy our Ultimate Fajita Feast in our picnic area before you take off on your amazing 2-hour whitewater adventure.
Intermediate
$209/Person
Time dependent on pick-up location.
Click here for more information on pick-up locations.
Intermediate
$209/Person
$188.10
End Sale 10% off – exp. 8/15/24
Time dependent on pick-up location.
Click here for more information on pick-up locations.
Intermediate
$209/Person
$177.65
Summer Sale 15% off – exp. 6/15/24
Time dependent on pick-up location.
Click here for more information on pick-up locations.
Intermediate
$209/Person
$146.30
FLASH SALE 30% off – offer exp. 7/8
Time dependent on pick-up location.
Click here for more information on pick-up locations.
Intermediate
$209/Person
Time dependent on pick-up location.
Click here for more information on pick-up locations.
What to Expect on the River
Scenic Views of Browns Canyon
Abundant Whitewater
A Delicious Lunch
Experience the unmatched beauty of Browns Canyon National Monument as you paddle past towering granite cliffs with a backdrop of Colorado’s tallest mountains. This stretch of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista is known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep and golden eagles.
Browns Canyon is full of exhilarating whitewater, exciting enough for seasoned paddlers, but not too scary for adventurous first-timers. With 10 named rapids on the half day trip and over 20 on the full day, the amount and quality of its whitewater are exceptional.
Select rafting trips include our signature Ultimate Fajita Feast hot lunch, served riverside on all full day trips or at our private picnic area when added to your half day trip, in Buena Vista, Colorado. Recharge with our popular lunch that includes fresh appetizers, tossed garden salad, sizzling chicken and angus beef fajitas, and dessert.
Rafting Itinerary
Your Browns Canyon rafting trip kicks off at our Buena Vista outpost, where you’ll check in, meet your guide, and gear up with free use of our sanitized wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes to keep you comfortable, when needed. Comfortable helmets and Coast Guard-approved lifejackets will also be provided.
After a quick 6-minute bus or van shuttle to the river, your guide will lead a short safety briefing and paddle practice. Then you’re off, practicing your paddle strokes as you float straight into the wilderness area of Browns Canyon National Monument.
You’ll spend about 2 hours on the water for our ½ Day, ¾ Day, and Express trip options while paddling through fun Class III to IV rapids like Zoom Flume, the Staircase, and Widow Maker. Full Day trips spend 4.5 hours on the river including additional mileage and rapids, and our Ultimate Fajita Feast hot lunch served riverside in the canyon. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the towering granite spires, rugged cliffs, and natural beauty of this undeveloped canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for abundant Rocky Mountain wildlife, such as golden eagles, or bighorn sheep.
Back at the outpost, take a hot shower, view and purchase your rafting photos, and grab a treat, espresso, beer or wine, at our on-site Station 24 Cafe. Then head 2 miles into the charming mountain town of Buena Vista, where you can Go for a short hike, shop, or visit one of the natural hot springs to finish off a perfect day!
Rafting Trip Essentials
We make sure you’re prepared and comfortable, no matter the weather or water temperature. Every guest receives:
- A Coast Guard-approved Life jacket
- An adjustable helmet
- A sanitized wetsuit, splash jacket, and neoprene river shoes, when needed
- Our guides will help you get fitted for everything before heading to the river. You won’t need to worry about bringing or renting anything extra.
Expect to get wet. Here’s what we recommend bringing with you:
- A swimsuit or quick-drying clothes (no cotton or denim)
- A fleece or performance layer if it’s a cooler day
- Sunscreen (we sell in our store), even on cloudy days — the Colorado sun is strong
- Sunglasses with a retainer strap (we sell in our store)
- A change of dry clothes for after your trip
- Cash or card to tip your guide or buy photos, snacks, and souvenirs
Flip flops, Crocs, and bare feet are not allowed. You must have secure footwear and expect them to get wet. Wear sandals with a heel strap, water shoes, tennis shoes, or rely on borrowing our river shoes, at no extra cost.
Group Trips & Lodging
Planning an unforgettable group rafting adventure in Colorado? We offer special group discounts for parties of 10 or more. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, bachelor or bachelorette party, youth outing, or corporate retreat, our high-quality amenities and expert guides will ensure a seamless and fun rafting experience through Browns Canyon.
Make your trip even more convenient by staying at our on-site A Riverhouse Lodge, located at our Buena Vista rafting outpost. Our comfortable accommodations are a perfect base for combining lodging and outdoor adventure, with easy access to rafting, dining, and all that Buena Vista has to offer.
Prefer to raft with just your group? Select our Private Raft Option during booking for a small additional fee. This guarantees your raft will be exclusive to your party—ideal for families, friend groups, or anyone looking for a more personal river experience. Contact us anytime with questions or to customize your trip.
Why Browns Canyon Is a Must-Raft
Tucked between Buena Vista and the towering peaks of the Sawatch Range, Browns Canyon is a favorite stretch of the Arkansas River for Colorado whitewater rafting. The intermediate whitewater is hard to beat with numerous rapids and a lively mix of wave trains, quick turns, thrilling splashes, and calm flats—ideal for first-timers, seasoned paddlers, families, and anyone seeking a classic mountain rafting experience. Well-known rapids like Zoom Flume and the Staircase offer plenty of fun without being overwhelming.
The Wilderness Area and National Monument status offer levels of conservation that protect this natural landscape from development. Many people feel that the impressive scenery alone is worth the trip cost! Enjoy incredible Rocky Mountain scenery, granite walls, forested hillsides, and abundant wildlife in this remote feeling canyon while giggling with every exhilarating splash.
Explore Browns Canyon Near Buena Vista
Browns Canyon became a National Monument in 2015, protecting over 21,000 acres of wild terrain and preserving one of the most scenic river corridors in the state. With its mix of high-alpine habitats, rocky outcrops, and canyon ecology, it’s not just a rafting destination—it’s a natural haven.
From the raft, you’ll catch glimpses of wildlife, spot layers of ancient volcanic rock, and see why this area near Buena Vista is treasured by outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
