A tourist group engaged in a thrilling kayaking experience on the river

Brown’s Canyon National Monument Half Day Raft Trip

Raft Browns Canyon National Monument, one of the best sections of whitewater in the country. Enjoy the perfect blend of thrilling rapids and calm water—ideal for families looking for a little excitement.

Group of tourists enjoying Browns canyon whitewater rafting

Brown’s Canyon National Monument Full Day Raft Trip

Hold on tight as you surf the rapids on one of the world’s most popular whitewater rafting trips! Our signature Arkansas River rafting adventure offers the perfect mix of Colorado whitewater and calm water as well as a riverside lunch.

Tourists going through rapids while whitewater rafting Arkansas

Brown’s Canyon National Monument Extreme Raft Trip

Rafting Browns Canyon National Monument, with all its famous rapids, is exciting enough. But put yourself in a nine-foot raft with two other people—one of whom is your guide—and you’ll elevate your river experience to a whole new level!

A far away picture of a group engaged in Browns Canyon rafting

Browns Canyon National Monument Overnight Raft Trip

Take your Browns Canyon rafting trip to a new level by making it an overnight experience. Be one of the few to camp along the banks of the Arkansas River in Browns Canyon National Monument.

A couple engaged in zip-lining amid one of our Big Bend river tours

Zip and Raft

Book our Zip and Raft the Arkansas River trip for a morning of rafting Colorado’s favorite whitewater followed by an afternoon of ziplining. - two fun, quintessential Colorado activities in one easy, incredible day.

Off-Road Rentals

Raft the Arkansas River and explore Colorado in a jeep rental or side by side rental. Home to the incredible Arkansas River, Four Mile Recreation Area and the Collegiate Peaks. Buena Vista is the perfect home-base to explore Colorado by rafting and ATV rentals. Choose from 2 door or 4 door vehicles.

Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Adventure

The Arkansas River runs through Browns Canyon National Monument, surrounded by the snow-capped 14ers of the Collegiate Peaks. This Class II-III stretch of river is one of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes you’ll find in the United States. 

With a rich history dating back to the Colorado mining boom days, Browns Canyon rafting is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the Arkansas River and has been coined the most iconic whitewater rafting in Colorado. This trip combines a unique outdoor experience for the whole family, stunning scenery, and rapids that will thrill any whitewater rafting adventurer. 

Browns Canyon Rafting Trips 

Located in Buena Vista, CO, Browns Canyon is an outdoor lover’s paradise. In addition to rafting, you’ll find world-class fishing, mountain biking, hiking and so much more. Here are some of our trip options:

Browns Canyon Half-Day

The Browns Canyon half-day rafting option provides about 2 ½ hours on the water (flow dependent). This is one of the most accessible Browns Canyon adventures. A solid class III whitewater adventure, our half-day trip will pack fun for the whole family without being too intimidating.

Browns Canyon Full-Day

Take a 4+ hour trip down the Arkansas river and enjoy a lunch along the river, courtesy of your guide! An excellent way to spend the entire day on the river, our full-day trip blends class III whitewater with stunning scenery and a stop for lunch along the way.

Browns Canyon Overnight

There’s nothing quite like a night on the river, and our Browns Canyon rafting overnight trip is an adventure that includes class III whitewater along with a night of camping along the banks of the Arkansas River where you’ll wake up to fresh coffee and hot breakfast before starting your second day of river fun.

Browns Canyon Extreme

Our classic half-day Browns Canyon rafting trip, but in much smaller boats. Paddle hard and dress to swim…you WILL get wet.

Useful Tips For Rafting in Browns Canyon

1. Prepare for the elements

The weather can change rapidly during Browns Canyon rafting trips, so it’s important you’re ready for anything since we depart rain or shine!  

2. Dress to get wet

You’ll definitely get wet, so wear quick-drying clothes or synthetics, as cotton gets colder when wet and doesn’t dry quickly. Don’t worry, we have wetsuits and splash tops we can issue you just to cover the bases during Browns Canyon rafting.

3. Don’t bring any valuables

It’s best to leave expensive sunglasses, hats, and other accessories in the car. Cell phones are also common casualties on rafting trips, and we recommend leaving them in the car. If you absolutely must bring your phone, consider placing it in a dry bag with a lanyard or leash for safekeeping.

4. Hydrate and Fuel

Browns Canyon rafting is a workout, and the sun and elevation can effect everyone differently, so be sure to hydrate and fuel up beforehand. We don’t stop for snacks and discourage generating potential trash on the river. Full-day trips offer a riverside lunch prepared by your guides.

5. Listen to your guide

Your guide has extensive river navigation, rescue, and medical training. So help them do their job (which is to keep you safe!) by listening to them at all times.

Browns Canyon Rafting History

As you float along the Arkansas river during Browns Canyon rafting, you’ll probably notice some abandoned railroad tracks along the river bank. Mining in this area stretches back to the 1880s, and there were 3 main railroads that served this area. Large amounts of gold, lead, copper, and zinc were found in this area, and the mining town of Leadville significantly contributed to pollution in the Arkansas River at this time.

Luckily, thanks to the ardent work of local environmentalists, today we have clean, safe water and only a few remaining human-introduced obstacles within Browns Canyon National Monument for the perfect whitewater rafting adventure.

Browns Canyon Wildlife

Along with varieties of fish and birds, make sure you scan the river banks for bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, mule deer, bobcats, falcons, and other large mammals that make Browns Canyon rafting one of Colorado’s most memorable experiences.

Contact the Best Browns Canyon Rafting Company for your Next Adventure!

KODI Rafting in Colorado is the company you can count on for the best whitewater rafting trips. We serve different areas in Colorado, and to find the closest outpost and river to you, please visit our whitewater rafting locations page. 

Experience a memorable vacation with KODI – the best Browns Canyon rafting company you’ll find. Book your trip now!