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Full-Day Browns Canyon Rafting in Colorado

Age:

7 yrs+

Difficulty:

Moderate

Location:

Buena Vista

Time on River

2-4 hrs

The Best Rafting in Colorado: Browns Canyon National Monument Rafting

Browns Canyon became a national monument for a reason — it's one of the most scenic and unspoiled stretches of the Arkansas River. Class 3+ rapids like Pinball, Bigdrop, and Zoomflume keep you on your toes, and the 14,000-foot peaks framing the canyon make it hard to look anywhere but up between runs.

Browns Canyon is where most people fall in love with the Arkansas River — the current is honest, the scenery earns your attention, and the rapids give you just enough to talk about at dinner. It works whether it's your first time in a raft or your fifteenth. 

We run Browns Canyon white water rafting tours as a half-day trip and a full-day trip. The half-day covers the heart of the monument — the classic stretch most people picture when they think of Colorado rafting. The full day adds more river, more canyon, and a delicious riverside lunch.

Not sure how Browns Canyon rafting stacks up against other Arkansas River white water rafting trips? We broke down the differences here to help you choose the right rafting trip for your group.

Browns Canyon in Action

Full Day

9:15 AM

Adult Price

$177

Child Price

$175

Total Activity Time

Approx 6 Hours

Rafting Made Easy

Free Wetsuits

& Gear

Complimentary wetsuits, 
booties, and splash jackets

Unmatched 
Safety Record

Professional guides with
 extensive safety training

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Flexible Cancellation 
Policy

Cancel 72 hours in advance for 
a full refund

Award-winning
Customer Service

Happiest guests on the 
river since 1986

More Rafting Adventures

3 rafts full of rafters whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado with rapids and large rocks

Half Day Browns Canyon National Monument Rafting Trips

Adult:

$112

Child:

$110

Allow for:

Approx 4 Hours

Time on River

2 hours

Meet Times

9:15 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM
Learn More
People whitewater rafting down a river in Colorado. Rafting in Browns Canyon National Monument going over large rapids

Full-Day Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting in colorado

Adult:

$177

Child:

$175

Allow for:

Approx 6 Hours

Time on River

4 hours

Meet Times

9:30 AM
Learn More

Browns Canyon Rafting Tours Meet in Buena Vista, CO

Hit the Road for Scenic Delights. Buena Vista, CO is Less than 100 Miles from Top Tourist Hotspots!

Breckenridge:

1hr 15 mins

Vail:

1hr 30 mins

Colorado Springs:

1hr 45 mins

Denver:

1 hr 30 mins

115 Gregg Drive
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Get Directions

This trip meets in Buena Vista 45 minutes prior to departure time. Guest arrival time is indicated on your reservation confirmation. There is no need to arrive earlier. Once you have arrived at the office in Buena Vista, CO, Performance Tours will provide all shuttles. 

We have ample parking at the Performance Tours Rafting office for whitewater rafting guests in Buena Vista, CO.

Performance Tours will provide transportation from the meeting location/office to the river, and back to the office where your vehicle is parked following the trip.

Performance Tours provides changing rooms at all our full-service offices in Buena Vista, Canon City, and Frisco, CO. Our facilities are clean, comfortable, and designed to enhance your experience.

Browns Canyon Guest Reviews

5.0

2550+ reviews

5.0

355+ reviews

Meet Your Guide

happy group rafting in Coloradorafting adventures in Colorado

Meet your raft guide

Christian

Hometown: Tempe, AZ

Professional Raft Guide Since 2024

"My favorite Colorado rafting trip to guide? The high-water, full-day Browns Canyon float! I love the excitement of paddling through the rapids, enjoying a riverside lunch with guests, and taking in the stunning canyon scenery on this unforgettable adventure."

Faq

Browns Canyon rapids are predominantly Class II and Class III, with the possibility of encountering Class IV rapid under certain water flow conditions. This combination offers a blend of moderate to challenging whitewater experiences suitable for a wide range of rafting enthusiasts.

Yes, the full day Browns Canyon whitewater rafting trip is family-friendly. This trip is perfect for adventurous families looking to experience the thrill of rafting together. Plus, full day Browns Canyon guests get to enjoy a delicious riverside lunch! The rapids in Browns Canyon provide a balance of excitement and safety, making it an ideal adventure for families with first-time rafters or those seeking a fun day out on the water.

The best time of year to go whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon National Monument typically spans from late spring through the summer months. From May through early September, Browns Canyon offers optimal conditions for a memorable and enjoyable rafting experience, offering a mix of exhilarating rapids and stunning scenic views along the Arkansas River.

  1. Yes, beginners can participate in the full day Browns Canyon whitewater rafting tours. These tours are designed to accommodate rafters of all skill levels, including browns canyon beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Our professional raft guides provide instruction and support throughout the trip, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable rafting trip.

Yes, many of our guests that raft Browns Canyon stay in Breckenridge during their time in Colorado. Browns Canyon is accessible for day trips from Breckenridge, allowing visitors staying in the area to enjoy the thrilling experience of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. To get to Browns Canyon from Breckenridge, guests will drive 1 hour and 15 minutes south, experiencing beautiful mountain scenery. Click here for directions to Buena Vista, CO.

Yes, Performance Tours offers group rafting discounts for groups with 10 people or more. Plus, the 14th-guest rafts for FREE! Request a quote online or call and speak to our reservation specialists.

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Voted Best Rafting Company in Summit County for 15 years

Colorado’s most experienced rafting outfitter since 1986.

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