Our most popular trip

BROWNS CANYON RAFTING

COLORADO RAFTING

BROWNS CANYON RAFTING

Browns Canyon is our most popular trip and the Arkansas River is America’s most popular white water rafting destination for good reason. The character of this section is challenging to seasoned rafters, yet forgiving enough for first time rafters.
Starting at
$79
Per Person
DETAILS
  • May 1 to Labor Day
  • Beginner to intermediate class III-IV rapids
  • Experienced guides in each raft
  • Trips depart from Buena Vista, Colorado
  • Ages 7 and up*

*Minimum age will increase during high water

Browns Canyon White Water Rafting

The Browns Canyon rafting section of the Arkansas River is the most popular white water section in the U.S., because it is challenging enough for experienced rafters, yet forgiving enough for first-timers.

This boulder-strewn canyon sports large, exciting rapids, each followed by a calm pool that allows time to recover and prepare for the next big rapid. It is this pool-drop character that makes Browns Canyon white water rafting suitable for a wide range of ability levels. Its unparalleled scenery is why Colorado’s Browns Canyon was named a National Monument in 2015.

Browns Canyon rafting is great for everyone! First-timers, experienced rafters and families are all compatible with this classical pool-drop section of white water.

Pricing

  • Adult Half-Day: $84
  • Youth (7-12) Half-Day: $79
  • Adult Full-Day : $134
  • Youth (7-12) Full-Day: $129

Price listed includes transportation to the river and back to our office. Price listed does not include land and water access fees (9%) or gratuity for your guide.

What To Look Forward to:

  • Most popular section of the Arkansas River
  • Suitable for any experience level
  • Class III-IV rapids

CHOOSE YOUR OPTION

Full-Day Browns Canyon Trip

Launch on the ultimate adventure with Wilderness Aware’s full-day Browns Canyon rafting trip. Dive deep into the breathtaking beauty of Browns Canyon National Monument as you navigate thrilling rapids and soak in the views of the Colorado Rockies. Join us for an unforgettable day of white water excitement and a riverside deli-style lunch.

  • Beginner to intermediate class III-IV
  • Departs at 9:30 AM
  • 4 ½ to 5 hours and 18 miles on the river
  • Deli-style lunch included
Adult- $134
Youth (7-12)- $129

Half-Day Browns Canyon Trip

Embark on an exhilarating journey with Wilderness Aware Rafting’s half-day trip through Browns Canyon, where every moment is packed with adrenaline-pumping excitement. Delve into the heart of this iconic national monument, tackling thrilling rapids while surrounded by inspiring natural beauty. Perfect for adventurers short on time but hungry for thrills.

  • Beginner-Intermediate class III-IV
  • Departs at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
  • 2 to 2 ½ hours and 10 miles on the river
Adult- $84
Youth (7-12)- $79
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We survey over 5,000 guests each year to find out what made their experience with us exceptional and what we could do to make it even better. Using that input, here are a few examples of the efforts we have made that set us apart as a leader in the outdoor industry:

• 1/2 to 10-day adventures on six Colorado and Arizona rivers
• Outstanding safety record
• Elite handpicked guides – some of the most highly trained professionals on the river
• Helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly office staff
• First class amenities – clean restrooms, retail store, and licensed food preparation facilities
• Top-of-the-line equipment – cleaned and upgraded regularly
• 2-way radios for better safety
• Custom-tailored trips to provide you with the best possible experience
• Free use of our dog kennel

For full-day trips, we provide all rafting equipment, including Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, rain ponchos, wool sweaters, and waterproof storage for your personal items. Transportation to and from the river is included, and we serve a deli-style lunch. Wetsuits, booties, and paddle jackets are available for rent if needed.

On multi-day trips, in addition to everything offered on full-day trips, we provide fresh meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We also set up a kitchen shelter, camp chairs, and a portable toilet at camp. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

For full-day trips, bring quick-dry clothing (shorts and a swimsuit are recommended), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. We’ll have water refills available at lunch. We also provide a complete packing list for your convenience.

For multi-day trips, in addition to your river gear, pack a change of clothes for camp, toiletries, personal drinks (if you’d like to supplement the provided lemonade and water), and entertainment. You can bring your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent them from us if needed. A full packing list is available for trips as well.

A guide captains every boat. Our guides represent the most qualified professionals in the industry. Guides must attend a 5-day interview trip prior to being hired. They are thoroughly experienced in the techniques of river running and are first-aid and CPR-certified. Before guiding their first commercial trip, our guides receive river training that far exceeds the state requirement. What sets our guides apart is the personal attention they give our guests. Our crew of fun-loving professionals is dedicated to making each and every trip the finest possible.

We regularly conduct interpretive workshops to provide our guides with additional information on the natural, cultural, and political history of the rivers we run. We are proud of our staff and we know you will enjoy this fine group of people.

Up to seven guests plus the guide can paddle in a raft. We can take eight people if someone is willing to ride in the middle of the raft as a passenger. Groups larger than eight people must split between multiple rafts. We reserve the right to split groups as necessary and may adjust the maximum boat loads based on water levels.

Cancellation Policy (NON-discounted reservations): If your group or any person in your group cancels more than 14 days before the trip’s check-in time, a full refund will be provided. If cancellations are made within 14 days, no refund will be provided for any reason.

Cancellation Policy (DISCOUNTED reservations): If your reservation has a discount applied and you wish to cancel, you will not receive a refund. You may reschedule or receive a trip credit (digital gift card code) with the purchase of cancellation insurance.

Discounted Trip Cancellation Insurance: Available for 7.5% of the total trip cost at the time of booking. With insurance, giving at least 24 hours’ notice for single-day trips or 5 days’ notice prior to multi-day trips would allow discounted trips to be rescheduled one time or cancel and receive a gift certificate valid for one calendar year. Rescheduled trips become non-refundable.

Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. Our guides are high quality service workers. A tip of 10 – 15 percent per guest is customary. You will have the opportunity to tip your guide directly at the conclusion of your trip.

If you had the time of your life, then the sky is the limit! We also appreciate your comments. We use your feedback to recognize extraordinary customer service and to discover areas where we can make improvements. Our goal is to exceed your expectations!

In Colorado, we rarely have an entire day of bad weather. It is sunny in the morning almost every day. Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common in July and August and are typically mild and short-lived. In Arizona, it can still get chilly in March, and during that time we typically suggest you wear a wetsuit, etc. In April and early May in Arizona, it is typically very warm or hot.

We raft rain or shine. We will not cancel or cut short trips due to rain and/or thunderstorm conditions (including lighting).

Many people come with only their normal vacation attire. We can outfit you with anything you need that is special for rafting or camping. See our full FAQ page for more information.

Drugs or alcohol are not to be consumed before or during your trip. This includes marijuana. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to the trip. On multi-day camping and rafting trips, alcohol may be consumed while at camp. Please remember that rafting trips operate in a very remote area with difficult access for emergencies. Try to avoid glass containers.

If you join us on a multi-day trip, we can offer whitewater merit badges instruction!

PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP

Get set for your adventure! Here, you’ll find everything you need to gear up and get ready. From essential packing lists and detailed directions to convenient waiver forms and comprehensive river maps, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to dive into the excitement of white water rafting with confidence and ease.

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Years In Business
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