The Arkansas River provides an exhilarating whitewater experience through the most popular river in the nation! With multiple sections to choose from with class II to IV+ rapids, there is something here for everyone! While there is plenty of excitement, you will also have plenty of time to relax, swim, and take in the scenery that surrounds the area!
Colorado Rafting You won't Forget
The Arkansas River provides an exhilarating whitewater experience through the most popular river in the nation! With multiple sections to choose from with class II to IV+ rapids, there is something here for everyone! While there is plenty of excitement, you will also have plenty of time to relax, swim, and take in the scenery that surrounds the area!
June 20th marked the official start of Summer! While the summer is just now "officially" getting started, it's almost halfway over! We know, it's creeped up on us too. The good news is that there's still time to do something fun!
Take some time and explore our trip offerings below. We guarantee that there is something for you! No matter your age or experience, a day on the Arkansas River is a day well spent. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call!
No matter your age or experience level, we guarantee that we have a trip that will suit your goals. We serve thousands of guests each year and we've never had one leave without a smile on their face. Afterall, it's hard to not smile when you're with friends or family and experiencing adventure together.
No matter your age or experience level, we guarantee that we have a trip that will suit your goals. We serve thousands of guests each year and we've never had one leave without a smile on their face. Afterall, it's hard to not smile when you're with friends or family and experiencing adventure together.
We are a personable, guide owned and operated company focused on giving our guests the best experience possible with fun, safety, and quality being our top priorities. Our professionally trained and knowledgeable guide staff make all the difference here at Browns Canyon Rafting; their dedication to detail and especially to your safety will give you an individualized Colorado white water rafting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
We are a personable, guide owned and operated company focused on giving our guests the best experience possible with fun, safety, and quality being our top priorities. Our professionally trained and knowledgeable guide staff make all the difference here at Browns Canyon Rafting; their dedication to detail and especially to your safety will give you an individualized Colorado white water rafting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
As a family company, we are committed to sharing the best possible outdoor experiences with our guests and always maintaining the highest regard for safety. Our goal is to share our passion for the outdoors by using our years of experience and knowledge to make the wilderness safely accessible and benefit each one of our guests.
At Browns Canyon Rafting, you can expect a more personal experience right from the start. We all strive to be attentive to each one of our guests individual needs and expectations. We consider you part of our family and simply wish to share our love of white water and the great outdoors with you.
As a family company, we are committed to sharing the best possible outdoor experiences with our guests and always maintaining the highest regard for safety. Our goal is to share our passion for the outdoors by using our years of experience and knowledge to make the wilderness safely accessible and benefit each one of our guests.
At Browns Canyon Rafting, you can expect a more personal experience right from the start. We all strive to be attentive to each one of our guests individual needs and expectations. We consider you part of our family and simply wish to share our love of white water and the great outdoors with you.
Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. Our half day Browns Canyon rafting trip takes you down approximately 10 miles of the exciting and beautiful Arkansas River. This Colorado white water rafting trip is appropriate for most ages and abilities. There are plenty of fun class II-III+ rapids and majestic views of the beautiful granite canyon. Whether you’re a first time rafter, an experienced paddler or a family looking for some excitement, Browns Canyon is the place for you!
Expect to get wet on this adventure as a member of our highly trained and certified staff guide you through this fun stretch of river. This 3+ hour trip offers incredibly scenic views of the Collegiate Peaks, an abundance of protected wildlife, and crystal clear Rocky Mountain white water. Between rapids, you’ll have time to relax and catch your breath as you get to know your guide and learn more about the majestic views all around you.
Our half day trips leave our Buena Vista white water outpost at 9 am or 1:30 pm check in 30 minutes prior.
Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. Our half day Browns Canyon rafting trip takes you down approximately 10 miles of the exciting and beautiful Arkansas River. This Colorado white water rafting trip is appropriate for most ages and abilities. There are plenty of fun class II-III+ rapids and majestic views of the beautiful granite canyon. Whether you’re a first time rafter, an experienced paddler or a family looking for some excitement, Browns Canyon is the place for you!
Expect to get wet on this adventure as a member of our highly trained and certified staff guide you through this fun stretch of river. This 3+ hour trip offers incredibly scenic views of the Collegiate Peaks, an abundance of protected wildlife, and crystal clear Rocky Mountain white water. Between rapids, you’ll have time to relax and catch your breath as you get to know your guide and learn more about the majestic views all around you.
Our half day trips leave our Buena Vista white water outpost at 9 am or 1:30 pm check in 30 minutes prior.
Browns Canyon trips are the most popular white water rafting trips on the Arkansas River and in the country for good reasons. Designated a national monument in 2015, this beloved section of the Arkansas river boasts 16 miles of class II-IV whitewater rapids that really are great for the whole family. There is plenty of excitement for experienced rafters, yet forgiving enough for first time rafters.
Begin your day at our Buena Vista white water rafting outpost where we have everything that you and your family will need for this wet and exciting ride. You will paddle together as you navigate through rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume, Widow Maker and Seidel’s. Browns Canyon is an ideal mix of fun rapids and slower moving pools that allow you to catch your breath and enjoy the magnificent scenery. A fresh and delicious river side lunch is included and prepared by your guide along your journey.
Our Browns Canyon full day trip departs from our Buena Vista white water outpost at 9 am and typically returns around 3 pm. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Browns Canyon trips are the most popular white water rafting trips on the Arkansas River and in the country for good reasons. Designated a national monument in 2015, this beloved section of the Arkansas river boasts 16 miles of class II-IV whitewater rapids that really are great for the whole family. There is plenty of excitement for experienced rafters, yet forgiving enough for first time rafters.
Begin your day at our Buena Vista white water rafting outpost where we have everything that you and your family will need for this wet and exciting ride. You will paddle together as you navigate through rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume, Widow Maker and Seidel’s. Browns Canyon is an ideal mix of fun rapids and slower moving pools that allow you to catch your breath and enjoy the magnificent scenery. A fresh and delicious river side lunch is included and prepared by your guide along your journey.
Our Browns Canyon full day trip departs from our Buena Vista white water outpost at 9 am and typically returns around 3 pm. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
The Numbers on the Arkansas River is one of the best sections of white water rafting in Colorado if you are looking for a fun, action packed, non-stop ride. This class IV intermediate to advanced rafting trip is great for experienced rafters or adventurous first timers. Participants should be in good physical condition and ready to paddle!
The Numbers half day section has 7 major rapids, numbered off one through seven (real original names, I know) but that’s not all, there are plenty of other rapids in-between the major ones. This section is very continuous without much down time. Not only is this section exciting but it is beautiful too. There are many majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito mountain range located just north of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Trip times are at 10 am and 12:45 pm out of our Buena Vista outpost. We recommend participants to be 15 years old or older. Free wetsuit, splash top and river shoe rentals are included.
We are sure to give you and your group the thrill of a lifetime with this rafting tour.
The Numbers on the Arkansas River is one of the best sections of white water rafting in Colorado if you are looking for a fun, action packed, non-stop ride. This class IV intermediate to advanced rafting trip is great for experienced rafters or adventurous first timers. Participants should be in good physical condition and ready to paddle!
The Numbers half day section has 7 major rapids, numbered off one through seven (real original names, I know) but that’s not all, there are plenty of other rapids in-between the major ones. This section is very continuous without much down time. Not only is this section exciting but it is beautiful too. There are many majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito mountain range located just north of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Trip times are at 10 am and 12:45 pm out of our Buena Vista outpost. We recommend participants to be 15 years old or older. Free wetsuit, splash top and river shoe rentals are included.
We are sure to give you and your group the thrill of a lifetime with this rafting tour.
The Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers some of the greatest white water rafting in Colorado and in the country! This Buena Vista white water rafting trip will show you the meaning of excitement. Experience 13 miles of
continuous class IV+ rapids that are sure to provide a heart pounding and adrenaline pumping adventure. If you’re looking for big drops, splashes and non-stop action then this is the rafting trip for you. Pay close attention your expert guide as he instructs and maneuvers the raft with the help of your paddles through the steep drops and narrow channels. Try not to miss the majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks as you navigate eight Class IV+ exciting rapids and continuous whitewater before lunch.
Take a much needed break and catch your breath while enjoying a delicious riverside lunch prepared for you by your guide. We continue the excitement down stream as you raft The Narrows section, also known as Wild Horse Canyon, and tackling six more Class III-IV rapids.
Your trip concludes in our town’s favorite spot, the Buena Vista white water play park. Up for another challenge?
Your guide can surely be talked into surfing the play wave!
This is a physically demanding trip, appropriate for thrill seekers or adventurous first timers. Good physical condition is recommended.
The Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers some of the greatest white water rafting in Colorado and in the country! This Buena Vista white water rafting trip will show you the meaning of excitement. Experience 13 miles of
continuous class IV+ rapids that are sure to provide a heart pounding and adrenaline pumping adventure. If you’re looking for big drops, splashes and non-stop action then this is the rafting trip for you. Pay close attention your expert guide as he instructs and maneuvers the raft with the help of your paddles through the steep drops and narrow channels. Try not to miss the majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks as you navigate eight Class IV+ exciting rapids and continuous whitewater before lunch.
Take a much needed break and catch your breath while enjoying a delicious riverside lunch prepared for you by your guide. We continue the excitement down stream as you raft The Narrows section, also known as Wild Horse Canyon, and tackling six more Class III-IV rapids.
Your trip concludes in our town’s favorite spot, the Buena Vista white water play park. Up for another challenge?
Your guide can surely be talked into surfing the play wave!
This is a physically demanding trip, appropriate for thrill seekers or adventurous first timers. Good physical condition is recommended.
Up to seven guests plus a guide can fit in a raft, however usually we break it up into smaller groups of six or less guests plus a guide in each raft.
In a “Paddle Boat” everyone in the boat paddles with your guide instructing you when and how.In an “Oar boat” your guide does all the work while you sit back and enjoy the ride. We typically run paddle rafts but if you prefer an oar boat just let us know when making your reservation
It is recommended that you book online or call and make a reservation in advanced to guarantee the trip time and date you want. Walk-ins are welcome, however on certain days throughout the season we book up to capacity. We are happy to make last minute reservations as long as there is availability.
Yes, private boat and trip options are available. Please call to reserve a private boat or trip (719) 275-2890.
No, knowing how to swim is not required, however it is strongly recommended on our more advanced trips. We offer a variety of trips from mild to wild. In any river sport there is inherent risk and a chance of falling out of the boat and into the river. Every guest is issued a type five coast guard approved personal flotation device which is designed to keep individuals afloat above the surface of the water in the chance that they fall out.
There is a 9.5% land and river access fee that will be added to each trip at checkout, this pays for the upkeep of river access points, river management, facilities and improvements.
We raft and kayak rain or shine. It is very rare, but if we cancel a trip for any reason we will offer you a full refund or give you the option to reschedule, whichever you prefer.
Tips are never expected but always appreciated. It is customary to tip your guide; guiding is a service industry similar to waiting tables. Typical gratuities are between 10-20%.
For ½ or full day trips a full refund minus a $10 administration fee per guest is available up to 7 days prior of scheduled trip. Up to 48 hours prior to trip a full trip credit is available to put towards another rafting or kayaking trip for a later date. Within 48 hours, no shows and late arrivals there is no refund or trip credit and any balance will be collected.For overnight trips a full refund minus a $40 administration fee per guest is available up to 10 days prior of scheduled trips. Within 10 days there is no refund or trip credit.If Browns Canyon Rafting cancels the trip for any reason a full refund or trip credit is available.
Rafting is the perfect activity for any sized group, the more the merrier! We do offer group discounts please call us for specific details based on your group.
There is a trip for every ability level and age 4 and up. The question is how much excitement and how active you want to be. Our most popular trips are Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers.Our friendly Colorado whitewater adventure experts are here to help you choose the right trip for your group, please call us at (719) 275-2890 to learn more.
Check in 30 minutes prior to your trip time.
Swimwear, shorts and synthetic shirts are great to wear on the river. No cotton on the river please. If it is a little colder a fleece or rain jacket is good too. Footwear that will stay on your feet, either sandals with a strap or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Wetsuits, splash tops, and river shoes are included in our ducky and Class IV and higher trips. Optional rentals are available for our Class III and lower trips as well. Wetsuit packages include wetsuit, splash top and booties (footwear) for $15 or rent a single item for $5. Remember a dry set clothes for after your trip.
There are many reasons to choose Browns Canyon Rafting, our favorite reason is our fun and experienced guides. They make all the differences and love to share their passion for the outdoors and rivers with others. We prioritize safety, fun and customer service. We are a smaller outfitter that is here for you!