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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.
9:15 AM

Complimentary wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets
Professional guides with extensive safety training

Cancel 72 hours in advance for a full refund
Happiest guests on the river since 1986



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
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.
5.0
2550+ reviews
5.0
355+ reviews


Meet your raft guide
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."
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.
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.




Colorado’s most experienced rafting outfitter since 1986.
Who Is Performance Tours?