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Browns Canyon Rafting

Crested Butte
White Water Rafting

 crested butte colorado rafting trips
Welcome To Browns Canyon Rafting

Rafting Trips Near Crested Butte, CO

Browns Canyon Rafting, a family- and guide-owned whitewater rafting company near Crested Butte, CO, delivers thrilling river adventures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re gearing up to conquer the heart-racing rapids of The Numbers or enjoy a tranquil float through the breathtaking Browns Canyon National Monument, we offer the perfect trip for every adventurer. Immerse yourself in Colorado’s untamed beauty and create lasting memories on its pristine rivers!

Call Today To Book

(719) 275-2890

rafting near crested butte colorado
Browns Canyon Rafting Adventures

Most Popular Rafting Trips Near Crested Butte, CO

At Browns Canyon Rafting, we provide unforgettable adventures for every skill level, from first-time rafters to adrenaline junkies. Embark on thrilling whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking experiences with our variety of half-day, full-day, and overnight trips, all conveniently located near Crested Butte, CO.

 
Browns Canyon Half Day Rafting Trip

Browns Canyon Half Day

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. Highlights
  • Approximately 10 river miles
  • Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume and Big Drop
  • Family intermediate white water rafting
  • $106
  • ~3.5 Hours
  • III & IV
The Numbers Half Day Rafting Trip

Numbers Half Day

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.
  • $115
  • ~3 Hours
  • IV
Family float half day rafting trip in Colorado through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River.

Family Float Half Day

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. Highlights
  • Approximately 10 river miles
  • Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume and Big Drop
  • Family intermediate white water rafting
  • $106
  • ~3.5 Hours
  • II
Browns Canyon Full Day

Browns Canyon Full Day

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. Highlights
  • Approximately 10 river miles
  • Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume and Big Drop
  • Family intermediate white water rafting
  • $106
  • ~3.5 Hours
  • II
Number Full Day Rafting Trip

Numbers Full Day

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. Highlights
  • Action packed Intermediate to advanced Colorado white water rafting
    • No experience necessary but good physical condition recommended
  • Free wetsuit, splash top and footwear rentals
  • Experienced and entertaining guides
  • Majestic Rocky Mountain views
  • Fresh and delicious deli style lunch
  • $175
  • 5 Hours
  • IV
Private Full or Half Day Raft Trip - Browns Canyon Rafting

Private Full or Half Day Raft Trip

Enjoy a fully customizable private raft trip on the Arkansas River. This trip is exclusive to your group. We will create a custom trip with your own private shuttle, raft, guide… your own adventure! Choose which river section and what time you would like to raft. Browns Canyon National Monument (anytime between 9am and 3pm), The Numbers (any time between 9am and 2pm) or our Family Float (anytime between 9am and 3pm). This trip includes all rafting equipment, wetsuit packages and lunch on the full day. The listed price is for one raft with up to six guests. If your group is larger please let us know and we can give you a custom quote. Give us a call and we can create the best trip for you and your group! Highlights
  • Private Shuttle And Raft
  • Custom Trip Time
  • Free Wetsuit, Splash Top, And River Shoe Rentals
  • World-Class White Water
  • $995 - $1395
  • Half or Full Day
  • II – IV
Browns Canyon Half Day Rafting Trip

Browns Canyon Half Day

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. Highlights
  • Approximately 10 river miles
  • Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume and Big Drop
  • Family intermediate white water rafting
  • $106
  • ~3.5 Hours
  • III & IV
The Numbers Half Day Rafting Trip

Numbers Half Day

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.
  • $115
  • ~3 Hours
  • IV
Family float half day rafting trip in Colorado through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River.

Family Float Half Day

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. Highlights
  • Approximately 10 river miles
  • Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Rapids such as Pin Ball, Zoom Flume and Big Drop
  • Family intermediate white water rafting
  • $106
  • ~3.5 Hours
  • II
Private Full or Half Day Raft Trip - Browns Canyon Rafting

Private Full or Half Day Raft Trip

Enjoy a fully customizable private raft trip on the Arkansas River. This trip is exclusive to your group. We will create a custom trip with your own private shuttle, raft, guide… your own adventure! Choose which river section and what time you would like to raft. Browns Canyon National Monument (anytime between 9am and 3pm), The Numbers (any time between 9am and 2pm) or our Family Float (anytime between 9am and 3pm). This trip includes all rafting equipment, wetsuit packages and lunch on the full day. The listed price is for one raft with up to six guests. If your group is larger please let us know and we can give you a custom quote. Give us a call and we can create the best trip for you and your group! Highlights
  • Private Shuttle And Raft
  • Custom Trip Time
  • Free Wetsuit, Splash Top, And River Shoe Rentals
  • World-Class White Water
  • $995 - $1395
  • Half or Full Day
  • II – IV
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Crested Butte Rafting FAQs

The best time to go rafting near Crested Butte, CO is typically from May through early September, when spring snowmelt fills the rivers and creates ideal conditions for whitewater adventures. Water levels peak in early June, bringing fast, exciting rapids paired with stunning scenery. If you prefer a milder ride while still enjoying great rafting, July and August are fantastic months. Thanks to scheduled water releases, the Arkansas River maintains a fun, medium flow until August 15th. After that, the river returns to its natural flow, offering a more relaxed and scenic experience on the water.

Just outside of Crested Butte, the Arkansas River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the region, renowned for its exciting rapids and breathtaking scenery. The river’s most iconic stretch, Browns Canyon, features Class III rapids that deliver just the right mix of thrill and beauty—a great choice for both beginners and seasoned rafters. Looking for more adrenaline? The Numbers section steps it up with Class IV rapids and nonstop whitewater action for those craving a serious challenge. Whether you choose the adventure of Browns Canyon or the intensity of The Numbers, both trips offer unforgettable experiences on the river.

Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for rafting near Crested Butte, which can vary based on the river section, water levels, and other factors. For the  Family Float, we recommend children be at least 4 years old. For Browns Canyon, the suggested minimum age is 7 years old.For the more challenging The Numbers, the minimum age is 14 years old. If your children are younger than the recommended ages, feel free to give us a call—we’re happy to discuss current water conditions and help you choose the most suitable trip for your group.

 

We recommend wearing quick-drying clothes, water shoes or strapped sandals, sunscreen, and sunglasses with a strap. On cooler days, synthetic or wool layers—like leggings and long-sleeve synthetic shirts—provide both sun protection and added warmth. For early season trips when it can be chilly, we provide wetsuits, splash tops (river rain jackets), and booties in a range of sizes. Forgot something? Our retail shop has you covered with essentials and souvenirs like sunscreen, sunglass straps, synthetic shirts, t-shirts, and more. To stay comfortable, please avoid wearing cotton on the river.

Absolutely! We offer rafting trips that are perfect for beginners, featuring Class II and III rapids that are exciting without being too intense—all within a short drive from Crested Butte. If you’re after a fun, scenic adventure with Class III rapids, Browns Canyon is a top choice—it strikes the ideal balance between excitement and natural beauty. For families with young kids (under 7) or anyone wanting a more laid-back experience, our Family Float is a great option—just sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views.

Our trip pricing depends on the length and section you select. For exact rates, please give us a call or visit our website. Prices begin at $106 per person. Planning a group of 10 or more? Reach out to us to ask about available group discounts.

Browns Canyon Rafting is located in Buena Vista, Colorado approximately a 2 hour drive from Crested Butte.

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Have more questions?

For more information about our rafting trips near Crested Butte, CO, contact our reservation office and speak with one of our experienced team members. We’ll help you select the perfect river adventure for your group’s unforgettable experience.

Call Today To Book

(719) 275-2890

Have more questions?

For more information about our rafting trips near Crested Butte, CO, contact our reservation office and speak with one of our experienced team members. We’ll help you select the perfect river adventure for your group’s unforgettable experience.

Call Today To Book

(719) 275-2890