Browns Canyon (Arkansas River)

The Arkansas River’s busiest Class III canyon run.

Between Buena Vista and Salida the Arkansas drops through the granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, with named Class III rapids like Zoom Flume, Pinball and Widow Maker. Half-day raft trips take kids from about age 6 or 7, and private boaters get a remote-feeling canyon. The towns at either end add whitewater parks, hot springs and breweries.

At a glance

Rapids

Class III (III–IV at high water)

Half-day trip

About 9–10 river miles

Access

Ruby Mountain put-in to Hecla Junction take-out

Monument

21,589 acres, designated 2015

River park

152 miles of the Arkansas in the AHRA

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Whitewater
• Guided tours
• Boat rentals
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• AVA Rafting

  Half-day Browns Canyon raft trips for ages 7 and up.

• Wilderness Aware Rafting

  Half- and full-day Browns Canyon trips, ages 6 and up; 2027 trips are booking now.

• CKS River Supply

  Buena Vista shop renting SUPs, rafts, kayaks, river surfboards, wetsuits and drysuits; hosts Paddlefest.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalMemorial Day weekendUsually

  CKS Paddlefest

  Buena Vista’s river weekend of races, clinics, gear demos, films and music.

• FestivalMid-June (Father’s Day weekend)Usually

  FIBArk Whitewater Festival

  America’s longest-running whitewater festival, with races and events on the river in Salida.

Where to stay

• lodgeMount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

  Hot springs resort with lodging and soaking pools near Nathrop.

  15 min drive
• hotelShorehouse Hotel

  Small hotel on East Main Street in Buena Vista, close to the river.

  20 min drive

Nearby

• Mount Princeton Hot Springs · 15 min drive

  Soak in the hot pools after a day on the river.

• Buena Vista Whitewater Park · 20 min drive

  Surf waves for boats and boards on the Arkansas in town.

• Eddyline Brewing · 20 min drive

  Buena Vista brewery and restaurant.

• Salida · 25 min drive

  Historic downtown on the Arkansas River and home of FIBArk.

Getting there

• Denver International (DEN) · about 2 hr 45 min drive
• Colorado Springs · about 2 hr
• Denver · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps