Browns Canyon – Colorado’s Most Iconic Rafting Trip

Difficulty: Class III–IV
Trip Length: Half-day to full-day options

Scenic Highlights:
Browns Canyon is a designated National Monument, famous for its granite walls, wildlife sightings, and sweeping mountain views. It’s one of the most photographed and celebrated rafting destinations in the country.

Why Choose Browns Canyon:

Perfect for families, beginners, and mixed-experience groups.

Combines splashy rapids with calmer stretches for relaxing and taking in the views.

Known as a must-do trip for first-timers seeking the best whitewater rafting in Colorado without feeling overwhelmed.

👉 Recommended for: families, groups with kids, or anyone new to rafting.

The Numbers – Nonstop Action

Difficulty: Class IV+
Trip Length: Half-day and full-day intense runs

Scenic Highlights:
Set against the backdrop of the Collegiate Peaks, The Numbers offers rugged alpine views—but you won’t be looking around much while navigating the continuous rapids.

Why Choose The Numbers:

Designed for seasoned rafters who crave non-stop action.

Tight channels, technical moves, and almost no breaks between rapids.

Pure adrenaline for those who want to level up after Browns Canyon.

👉 Recommended for: athletic groups and thrill-seekers ready for advanced paddling.

Pine Creek – Colorado’s Ultimate Challenge

Difficulty: Class V
Trip Length: Half-day, expert-level only

Scenic Highlights:
The steepest, fastest section of the Arkansas, Pine Creek is raw, rugged, and dramatic. Its massive drops and narrow channels make it legendary among expert paddlers.

Why Choose Pine Creek:

Considered one of the most technical sections in Colorado.

Big water, big drops, and no room for error.

Often paired with The Numbers for a back-to-back advanced run.

👉 Recommended for: expert rafters with prior Class IV–V experience only.

Browns Canyon Rafting

Best Late Season Rafting in Colorado

As summer starts to fade and the crowds thin out, Colorado’s rivers still hold some of their best adventures. Late-season rafting offers a unique combination of warm days, crisp mornings, and stunning scenery as the first hints of fall color begin to appear. With flows still prime in many sections, this is the perfect time to trade in the busy mid-summer energy for a more relaxed, personal river experience. From the famous granite walls of Browns Canyon to the high-adrenaline challenge of The Numbers, and the scenic floats along the Upper Colorado River and Shoshone, there’s something for every type of rafter.

Whether you’re looking for your first rafting experience or you’re a seasoned paddler craving late-season thrills, these four river sections are among the very best that Colorado has to offer as the season winds down.

Browns Canyon – Arkansas River

Browns Canyon is the crown jewel of Colorado rafting, and for good reason. Designated a National Monument, this section of the Arkansas River runs through towering granite cliffs with sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks. The combination of breathtaking scenery and playful whitewater makes Browns Canyon a perfect choice for late-season trips. The Class III to III+ rapids—including fan favorites like Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Big Drop—offer plenty of excitement without being overwhelming, making it ideal for families, groups, and intermediate rafters.

In August and early September, the water remains lively, but the pace is slightly gentler than during the spring runoff. This allows more time to soak in the views, watch for wildlife like bighorn sheep and eagles, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the calmer stretches. Many late-season trips also come with the bonus of smaller group sizes, meaning more personalized attention from your guide.

The Numbers – Arkansas River

For those who thrive on adrenaline, The Numbers delivers one of the most thrilling stretches of whitewater in Colorado. Known for its relentless pace, this 7-mile section features continuous Class IV rapids that demand precise paddle strokes and teamwork. Rapids like Number 4 and Number 5 are steep, technical, and guaranteed to get your heart racing.

Late in the season, water levels drop just enough to make the run more technical, requiring skillful navigation through tight channels and rocky drops. While this makes it even more exciting for experienced rafters, it’s not recommended for first-timers. This section is best enjoyed by those in good physical condition who are ready for a full-body workout and the thrill of taking on some of the state’s most iconic whitewater.

Upper Colorado River – Scenic Float

If your idea of a perfect river day is less about heart-pounding action and more about peaceful scenery, the Upper Colorado River is the ideal late-season choice. Flowing through wide valleys and gentle canyons, this section offers mostly Class II rapids—just enough to keep it exciting, but mild enough for families with young children, first-time paddlers, or those who simply want to kick back and relax.

Late summer brings calmer flows and warmer water temperatures, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply drifting while taking in the views. The surrounding landscape features colorful rock formations, open meadows, and the occasional glimpse of deer, osprey, or bald eagles. It’s a trip that combines gentle adventure with moments of pure stillness, making it a great way to connect with nature before the seasons change.

Shoshone – Colorado River

The Shoshone section of the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs offers a perfect blend of fun rapids and relaxing stretches. With Class III whitewater, it’s adventurous enough to keep you engaged but approachable for most skill levels.

The trip begins with a lively series of rapids like Tombstone and Maneater, followed by a long scenic float that’s perfect for conversation, wildlife spotting, or simply leaning back and enjoying the views. In late summer, many outfitters offer “laps” through the Shoshone rapids, meaning you can run the whitewater multiple times before drifting downstream. With warm sunshine overhead and the surrounding canyon walls glowing in the late-season light, it’s a rafting trip that feels both energizing and rejuvenating.

Late-Season Rafting Tips

Book early in August for the best mix of warm weather and ideal water levels.
Dress in layers—cooler mornings and evenings can make a light jacket or wetsuit top a smart choice.
Always check river flow reports to see current conditions before booking.
Choose a professional outfitter with experienced guides for safety, insider knowledge, and local history.
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro—late-season lighting makes for some of the best rafting photos of the year.

Quick Comparison

River & Section	Difficulty	Best For	Late-Season Highlights
Browns Canyon	Class III–III+	Families, first-time rafters	Scenic granite canyon, fun and splashy rapids
The Numbers	Class IV	Experienced rafters	Continuous technical whitewater
Upper Colorado River	Class II	Scenic float seekers	Calm water, alpine views, wildlife
Shoshone	Class III	Intermediate adventure	Fun rapids with mellow recovery stretches

Final Paddle

Late-season rafting in Colorado is more than just a way to wrap up summer—it’s an opportunity to experience the rivers at their most peaceful and intimate. Whether you’re paddling hard through the crashing waves of The Numbers, enjoying the perfect mix of excitement and beauty in Browns Canyon, or drifting lazily down the Upper Colorado with the sun on your face, you’ll find that these late-season runs have a magic all their own.

The season may be winding down, but the adventure is still flowing. Grab a paddle, rally your crew, and make your last river trip of the year one to remember. Book your end of summer raft trip today!

best arkansas river rafting sections in colorado

Arkansas River Rafting, Colorado Rafting, Entertainment, Whitewater RaftingSeptember 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by Shanna Salazar

Best Sections of the Arkansas River for Rafting in Colorado

Best Sections of the Arkansas River

Browns Canyon – Colorado’s Most Iconic Rafting Trip

The Numbers – Nonstop Action

Pine Creek – Colorado’s Ultimate Challenge

Browns Canyon vs. The Numbers – Which Should You Pick?

The Best Rafting in Colorado

Best Sections of the Arkansas River for Rafting in Colorado