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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.
Cap off your day with thrilling rapids and riverside drinks on this one-of-a-kind rafting adventure!
1.5-2 hours / 6 mi
Intermediate - Class III (IV)
12+
River Runners Browns Canyon
Buena Vista, Colorado
$94 Per Person
1.5-2 hours / 6 mi
Intermediate - Class III (IV)
12+
River Runners Browns Canyon
Buena Vista, Colorado
$94 Per Person
The Happy Hour Raft Trip to the Beach is the ideal way to unwind after a day exploring Buena Vista. Paddle six miles down the Arkansas River, navigating exhilarating intermediate class III (IV) rapids along the way. Float past vibrant cottonwood groves, open meadows, and striking views of the Collegiate Peaks, keeping an eye out for wildlife like deer, hawks, and herons along the banks. Finish your adventure at the Beach restaurant and bar, where drinks are half-priced, dinner is optional, and relaxing riverside views await. Whether you’re here with friends or looking for a memorable evening experience, this unique rafting trip will be a highlight of your Colorado vacation.
Make your adventure unforgettable with professionally captured photos from Arkansas Valley Digital Imaging. Their skilled photographers specialize in action-packed imagery, capturing 10-15 photos from the splashiest section of the tour. Images can be purchased individually after your trip.
Essential Items:
Do Not Bring:
What We Provide:
Pro Tips:
Rafting Season:
Rafting on the Arkansas River peaks from mid-May through early September. Early season (mid-May to mid-June) offers thrilling, higher-water rapids due to snowmelt. From late June through July, river flows are ideal for exciting, intermediate rafting adventures. August through early September features calmer, scenic floats.
Trips Run Rain or Shine:
Our trips run in all weather conditions, as rafting is naturally a wet activity! Dress appropriately, embrace the splash, and look forward to an enjoyable river trip no matter the weather.
Alternative Routes & Adjustments:
At River Runners, safety and fun go hand-in-hand. River conditions sometimes require us to alter the trip itinerary without advance notice. If adjustments are needed, we’ll always prioritize your safety and comfort while delivering a memorable rafting experience.
Our Commitment to Safety:
All trips are guided by experienced river experts certified in Swiftwater Rescue, CPR, and first aid. You’ll receive clear safety briefings, quality rafting gear, and comfortable, Coast Guard-approved Type V personal flotation devices (PFDs). Safety and fun are equally important, ensuring an exciting yet secure rafting experience.
Swimming Ability:
The Happy Hour Float offers intermediate rapids suitable for guests 12 and up who are comfortable around water and confident wearing a life jacket. Strong swimming skills aren’t required, as our guides prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the float.
Liability Waivers:
All participants age 18 and older must sign a liability waiver before the trip begins. Guests under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. This ensures everyone understands the nature of rafting and participates confidently in their adventure.
Receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours ahead of your scheduled float. If cancellations occur within 48 hours, you’ll receive a rain check minus a $10 per-person fee.
Explore the thrill and beauty of the Happy Hour rafting experience.
EXCELLENT Based on 576 reviews Posted on Neal MorganJune 7, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a blast. Good trip, ask for split!Posted on Nikii RicheyJune 6, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip. Would go again in a heartbeat. Excitement and adventure in a gorgeous place.Posted on SoapJune 6, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the best time rafting today! Our guide-in-training was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and had a great attitude for the entire trip. If we come back for another rafting experience we will definitely be requesting Ben!Posted on Kelsey BergMay 30, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good!! Traver and Finn where fantastic.Posted on Tiffany (muffinyPS)May 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Overall great experience! Awesome staff, super knowledgeable and friendly and really made our time there one to be remembered. Definitely recommend ☺️Posted on david grayMay 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the best time ever! My guide was knowledgeable and told me where to keep my feet so I deserved when I fell overboard lol. I’ve been rafting before, but you can tell everyone that works here. Loves their job and that’s what made my experience. This was a date idea I had gotten from TikTok and it was totally worth it! If you haven’t done it, make sure you doPosted on Bradley (BradleyG)May 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been rafting quite a few times in multiple countries, but my 19 year old son had never been before and while in Colorado I booked us a last minute trip down Browns Canyon. We had a great time! It was a little slow for me, but it was perfect for my son’s first whitewater rafting experience … not too slow and not too fast, and trust me when I say I’ve been too fast once or twice 😉 Our guide Fin was awesome. Besides being very knowledgeable about every rapid we were about to hit, he was just a good spirited, fun young man to travel down the river with. We also really enjoyed the beach on the river afterwards… very nice beach! The restaurant had very good food, and it made for just an all around excellent experience. It was a great way to end the day. Hey Fin, next time we’re doin’ Numbers together! BradleyGPosted on Sarah RobertsMay 25, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time on the family float, highly recommend!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Yes, our Happy Hour Raft Trip is suitable for first-timers who feel comfortable with moderate physical activity and a bit more excitement. The intermediate class III (IV) rapids offer a thrilling experience without being overly intense, making this an excellent introduction to whitewater rafting. Our professional, friendly guides will provide clear instruction and ensure you’re comfortable and confident throughout your adventure.
The Happy Hour Raft Trip is moderately active and best suited for guests comfortable with regular physical activity. You’ll paddle through exciting intermediate class III (IV) rapids, which require steady paddling and occasional bursts of effort. Previous rafting experience isn’t necessary, but participants should feel confident engaging in moderate exercise and following guide instructions throughout the trip.
Your rafting package includes professional river guides, all necessary rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, PFDs, wetsuits if needed), shuttle transportation from our Browns Canyon Outpost. We do not charge additional fees for standard equipment rental.
During your Happy Hour Raft Trip, you’ll enjoy beautiful canyon landscapes, lush riverside vegetation, and stunning mountain backdrops along the Arkansas River. Wildlife sightings often include mule deer grazing along the banks, bighorn sheep on canyon walls, hawks, great blue herons, and sometimes bald eagles soaring overhead. It’s the perfect blend of exciting rapids, scenic beauty, and memorable wildlife encounters.
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