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Exciting Class III rapids perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
Offering the perfect blend of thrilling whitewater and family-friendly adventures through iconic Browns Canyon. Ideal for rafters looking for excitement, spectacular scenery, and riverside relaxation.
Home to Colorado’s most exhilarating rapids beneath towering canyon walls, delivering bucket-list whitewater experiences. A must-visit for thrill-seekers craving legendary adventure.
Exciting Class III rapids perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
Offering the perfect blend of thrilling whitewater and family-friendly adventures through iconic Browns Canyon. Ideal for rafters looking for excitement, spectacular scenery, and riverside relaxation.
Home to Colorado’s most exhilarating rapids beneath towering canyon walls, delivering bucket-list whitewater experiences. A must-visit for thrill-seekers craving legendary adventure.
2 Days (Overnight)
Beginner/Intermediate (Class III/IV)
12+
River Runners Brown’s Canyon Outpost
Buena Vista, Colorado
$449 (min. 6 people)
2 Days (Overnight)
Beginner/Intermediate (Class III/IV)
12+
River Runners Brown’s Canyon Outpost
Buena Vista, Colorado
$449 (min. 6 people)
Immerse yourself in Browns Canyon National Monument with two full days of rafting, exploration, and riverside camping in a pristine Colorado wilderness. Paddle exciting yet approachable class III (IV) rapids, including iconic favorites like Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Sidell’s Suckhole, all while surrounded by spectacular granite cliffs, lush pine forests, and panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Wildlife sightings are frequent—look out for bighorn sheep navigating rocky ledges, mule deer grazing by the riverbanks, and majestic eagles soaring overhead. After an exhilarating day on the river, unwind around a cozy campfire beneath starry mountain skies, savoring delicious meals prepared by your guides. This trip provides the ideal mix of outdoor adventure, family bonding, and relaxation, perfect for first-time rafters, families, or seasoned adventurers seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience. Make lasting memories as you disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature and your loved ones.
Take home the ultimate souvenir—professionally shot, action-packed photos from your rafting adventure! Our experienced photographers specialize in dynamic outdoor imagery, capturing thrilling action shots and unforgettable memories that you can purchase at the end of your trip. Photos can be purchased individually after your journey. River Runners endeavors to include a photography boat with each trip—confirm availability when booking or upon arrival.
Essential Items:
Do Not Bring:
What We Provide:
Pro Tips:
Rafting Season:
Rafting on Colorado’s Arkansas River is best from mid-May through early September. The early season (mid-May to mid-June) features high water levels and exhilarating rapids. Conditions from late June through July are ideal, offering thrilling yet approachable rapids. By August and early September, water levels gradually decrease, providing slightly calmer conditions and beautiful scenery.
Trips Run Rain or Shine:
Rafting is a water sport—rainy days simply enhance the adventure! We run trips rain or shine, with wet weather often bringing a unique river experience. Dress appropriately and prepare for a memorable rafting trip regardless of the weather.
Adjustments to Trip Itineraries:
Safety and enjoyment always come first. Occasionally, river conditions require us to modify trip plans without advance notice. Rest assured, any changes will prioritize your safety and comfort, ensuring a wonderful rafting experience.
Our Safety Commitment:
Every Browns Canyon rafting trip is guided by experienced, Swiftwater Rescue-certified guides trained in first aid and CPR. We provide detailed safety briefings, quality rafting gear, and Coast Guard-approved Type V personal flotation devices (PFDs) to ensure your safety and comfort.
Swimming & Comfort Levels:
Browns Canyon offers rapids suitable for beginners, families, and children ages 12 and up. Basic swimming skills and comfort in water are recommended, although no advanced swimming ability is necessary.
Liability Waivers:
All rafters age 18 and older must complete and sign a liability waiver before the trip. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian’s signature. This ensures all participants understand rafting activities and associated risks.
Cancel your trip at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours of your trip, you’ll receive a rain check minus a $10 per-person fee.
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EXCELLENT Based on 951 reviews Posted on Google Jc ConnellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time and our guide Shawn was awesome!Posted on Google Cecilia GreenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolute ahhhmazing experience today. We had Noah as our tour guide and could not have asked for a better time. Thank You! Everything was well explained and the conversations were so helpful and informative as we rafted. Would recommend coming here for any age and stage in life. There were little people on other rafts in our group that did wonderful too.Posted on Google Jakob EkelöwTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guide! Great river! everyone should do it! Thanks Jayson!Posted on Google Neil LaceyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed a great whitewater rafting trip with River Runners near Buena Vista. The River guide Shaun was excellent- he made the trip fun. He was a great coach in guiding us down River. Had a great experience with Courtney in making my trip reservation. They also recently opened a restaurant on the property and serve awesome fish tacos. Check out River Runners for an exciting and fun day on the water!Posted on Google River RunnersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AWESOME TIME! Eryn is the best guide ever. She is the best guide I have ever seen, wow!Posted on Google Shawn McMillanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an awesome trip!! Our guide, "Dodge", was very nice, instructive, professional, kind, and honestly just fun to be with. I highly recommend for anyone!Posted on Google Chris TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I very rarely leave reviews, but we had an awesome run with Tay! She was easily the best guide I've ever rafted with, including my past runs on other rivers in Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina & Georgia. Literally everyone in the boat had a blast, kids and adults included! We will definitely ask for her again.Posted on Google KelseyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been coming to River Runners yearly for almost a decade. It’s one of the highlights of our summer! The guides are ALL fantastic (Ask for William, also known as Mr Pancake), knowledgeable, safe, and entertaining. It's a GREAT activity for families and adults, the scenery is stunning.
Same-day cancellations are not eligible for a refund but will be provided as credit toward merchandise, photos, or a future trip.
After gearing up, lock your vehicle and leave your keys securely with our attendant until you return from the river.
Your rafting package includes professional river guides, all necessary rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, PFDs, wetsuits if needed), shuttle transportation from our Brown’s Canyon Outpost, and meals during the trip. We do not charge additional fees for standard equipment rental. Camping equipment is an additional charge.
Yes! All meals are included on our Private Browns Canyon Two-Day Overnight rafting adventure. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals riverside—including lunch and dinner on the first day, and a hearty breakfast on day two—making your trip both comfortable and convenient.
River Runners provides all group camping equipment, including kitchen gear, food preparation supplies, and personal dry bags. Tents and sleeping bag/pad combos are available to rent. You should bring personal items such as clothing, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any additional comfort items you prefer.
You’ll paddle through spectacular canyon scenery featuring towering rock formations, lush riverbanks, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Wildlife sightings commonly include mule deer, bighorn sheep, hawks, osprey, great blue herons, and occasionally bald eagles.
This is a moderately active rafting trip suitable for most fitness levels. You’ll paddle through manageable class III (IV) rapids interspersed with calm sections, making it enjoyable and comfortable for families and first-time rafters.
Overnight campsites are remote and wilderness-based, so permanent restroom facilities are not available. Your guides will set up private, portable sanitation facilities to ensure your comfort and minimize environmental impact.
Yes! Browns Canyon overnight trips are very safe and designed specifically with families in mind. Suitable for children ages 6 and up, this trip ensures an exciting yet manageable experience, guided by professional, safety-focused raft guides.
Yes, alcoholic beverages are permitted at overnight campsites, provided they are not in glass containers. Enjoy drinks responsibly as you relax riverside around the campfire.
Our standard rafts comfortably seat 6-7 guests plus your professional guide, ensuring you have a secure, enjoyable, and personalized rafting experience.
You’ll spend the night at our scenic riverside campsite, where your guides set up a comfortable wilderness camp. Group camping equipment is provided, and tents and sleeping bag/pad combos are available for rent through River Runners. Drift off to sleep under Colorado’s spectacular starry skies, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the river and nature.
Typically, overnight rafting trips require a minimum group size of 6 people. Smaller groups may sometimes join with others to meet this minimum. Large groups can usually be accommodated easily—just contact us ahead of time to arrange logistics and ensure availability for your desired dates.