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Browns Canyon Rafting

Arkansas River
Rafting Trips

 Guided Rafting Trips on the Arkansas River in Colorado
Browns Canyon Rafting

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting

Arkansas River rafting trips stand out as Colorado’s premier white water rafting adventures, no question! With its exhilarating rapids and stunning scenery, the Arkansas River provides a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a mild float or a thrilling ride, there’s something for everyone, making our Browns Canyon National Monument and The Numbers trips the favorites among visitors of all ages and skill levels.

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(719) 275-2890

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White Water Rafting Trips on The Arkansas River in Colorado
White Water Rafting Trips on The Arkansas River in Colorado
Book Online
Browns Canyon Rafting Adventures

Most Popular Arkansas River Rafting Trips

Explore a diverse range of rafting options on the Arkansas River, Colorado’s top-ranked white water rafting destination. Whether you prefer half-day excursions through scenic canyons, full-day adventures tackling challenging rapids, or overnight trips combining rafting with camping under starlit skies, we offer something for every adventurer. Join us for an unforgettable experience on the Arkansas River, where thrilling rapids and breathtaking landscapes await.

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

Browns Canyon is our most popular trip and the most popular trip in the country for good reason. It is fun and challenging enough for experienced rafters yet forgiving enough for first timers. It goes through a National Monument on the Arkansas River out of Buena Vista, Colorado. Recommended for 7 years old and up.

The Numbers is an intermediate to advanced trip that offers Class IV rapids. Participants that book this trip should be at least 14 years or older and in good physical condition. 

This scenic section of the Arkansas River is an ideal trip for experienced rafters and brave first timers that enjoy a challenge. Full day and half day trips through the Numbers are available that offer challenging rapids and beautiful vistas. 

Pine Creek is one of the most extreme whitewater rafting trips in Colorado and an advanced section of the Arkansas River. 

Located in Buena Vista, CO – Browns Canyon Rafting offers full day rafting trips for advanced rafters on this Class V section of the Arkansas River. The minimum age for Pine Creek is 16 years. Rafters should be in good physical condition. 

Breckenridge Rafting FAQs

The prime season for rafting on the Arkansas River spans from May through early September, coinciding with spring snowmelt that ensures ample water levels for thrilling rafting excursions. Peak water levels typically occur in early June, providing exciting rapids and picturesque landscapes. For those seeking milder conditions while still enjoying rafting, July and August also offer excellent opportunities. Water releases continue until August 15th, maintaining a fun medium flow; after this date, the river transitions to natural flow.

Some of the most sought-after whitewater rafting experiences in Colorado await on the Arkansas River. Renowned for its thrilling rapids and stunning vistas, the Arkansas River is an iconic destination beloved by rafting enthusiasts. Browns Canyon stands out as the premier section, featuring exhilarating Class III rapids weaving through a national monument’s breathtaking canyon landscapes. Browns Canyon offers a challenge suitable for experienced rafters yet remains approachable for first-timers. For those seeking a more intense adventure, The Numbers provides an excellent choice with its challenging Class IV rapids and continuous whitewater. Both options promise unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

Yes, there are minimum age requirements for rafting on the Arkansas River, which may vary based on the river section, water levels, and individual qualifications. For the Family Float section, we recommend a minimum age of 4 years old and up. In Browns Canyon, the recommended minimum age is 7 years old, while for The Numbers, it is 14 years old. If your children are younger than the recommended ages for any section, please contact us to discuss water levels and suitable alternatives.

We recommend wearing quick-drying clothing, water shoes or sandals with secure straps, sunscreen, and sunglasses with a strap. Synthetic or wool layers are also beneficial for sun protection and additional warmth, such as leggings and long-sleeve synthetic shirts. For early-season trips when the weather may be cooler, we provide wetsuits, splash tops (river rain jackets), and booties in various sizes. Our retail shop offers everything you might need or want, including sunscreen, sunglass straps, synthetic shirts, t-shirts, and more. Please avoid wearing cotton on the river whenever possible.

Yes, we offer rafting trips designed for beginners, featuring sections with Class II and III rapids that provide an enjoyable experience without excessive challenge. For those seeking exciting yet manageable Class III rapids amidst stunning scenery, Browns Canyon is highly recommended. It offers the perfect blend of thrilling rapids and picturesque landscapes. If you have children under 7 years old or prefer a leisurely ride to relax and soak in the scenery, our Family Float trip is ideal.

Prices for Arkansas River trips vary based on the trip length and section. For specific pricing details tailored to your desired trip, please contact us directly or visit our website. Trip prices start at $106 per person. If you have a group of 10 or more, please inquire about group discounts by contacting us.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about the rafting on the Arkansas River, call our reservation office to speak with an expert on our team to help you choose the best trip for your group.

Call Today To Book

(719) 275-2890

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about the rafting on the Arkansas River, call our reservation office to speak with an expert on our team to help you choose the best trip for your group.

Call Today To Book

(719) 275-2890

Book Online