Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Raft the most iconic stretch of whitewater in Colorado — Browns Canyon National Monument where exciting rapids meet unforgettable mountain scenery.
This half-day adventure on the Arkansas River is our most popular trip for a reason. With consistent Class III rapids like Zoom Flume and Pinball, you’ll enjoy a fun, splash-filled ride that strikes the perfect balance between excitement and accessibility.
Surrounded by granite canyon walls and sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks, this trip delivers a true Colorado experience — whether it’s your first time rafting or your tenth.
Led by professional guides with decades of experience, every trip is designed to be safe, engaging, and memorable.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 7 years old
What To Expect
Experience Colorado’s most popular whitewater adventure as you raft through the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. We have been proving rafting adventures for over 30 years through the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument where exciting Class III rapids meet some of the most scenic landscapes in the Rockies. Browns Canyon National Monument where exciting rapids meet unforgettable mountain scenery. This half-day adventure on the Arkansas River delivers the perfect balance of splashy, action-packed rapids and relaxing scenic floats, making it ideal for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a true Colorado experience. Navigate iconic rapids like Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Big Drop as you wind through granite canyon walls with panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Along the way, your guide will keep things fun, safe, and engaging with local stories and expert instruction.
Options
Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Trip
What‘s Included
Rafting Equipment - Lifejackets, Helmets, Wetsuits, Splash Jackets, and River Shoes
Professional Whitewater Raft Guide
Digital Photos (available to purchase after trip)
Guide Gratuity
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Rafting!
Flyer27459595897,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Colorado Rafting Adventures is a great rafting company located on the extremely popular Arkansas River near Buena Vista Colorado. They are a slightly smaller company than some of the others, but that was a great benefit to us as it made our bus ride out and overall trip much more enjoyable. Our introductory instructor was Evan who is guiding this river for his second year (I believe) and he was funny while teaching us what to do in situations we may run into on the river. Our actual guide was Brett (Evan was in the other raft) who has been running the river for 4 years. He did an awesome job telling us about the area, the river, and rafting. He also took the time to get to know our family (2 adults and 3 kids) and was full of jokes. This was our 2nd rafting trip as a family (different locations) and my 3rd. Brett knows his river and craft better than any guide I have had or any of the other guides we saw while on this trip. He kept everything fun for us hitting much bigger waves and drops than many of the other guides in the companies ahead of us. He also made the time when we weren't in rapids very easy as he kept the boat in the main flow or out of the flow as needed to keep proper spacing away from other groups. We kept watching other groups having to paddle and work to get in the right spots or bouncing from rock to rock in sections of the river, but not our boat. The entire experience was great and we highly recommend Colorado Rafting Adventures and specifically Brett if you can request him!
Great experience!
raseitz,Jul 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with Garrett on our half day trip. The cost includes wetsuit and booties and we definitely needed them. It’s a quick drive to put in the raft and another quick drive at the end back to the store. The water was high and “refreshing” at 46 degrees. Garrett was funny and talkative but also gave clear instructions. There were four of us - two kids, ages 12 and 9, and mom and dad. When two Of us fell out and panic ensued Garrett was call And in control and got us back into the raft quickly. Overall the trip was a lot of fun and one we will talk about for years to come. Both the boys are already talking about the next time we go rafting.
Amazing whitewater rafting!
lighthousekirsten,Jul 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This activity was our favorite activity while we were in CO! Our guide Sam, was amazing. He was very knowledgeable about the canyon. He and his friend Sophie, kept us safe and entertained. We would use this company again. They really care about their customers.
Fun, Once we got there
Mark K,Aug 14, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Chuck with Colorado Rafting Adventures was skillful and friendly. The half-day trip was perfect for the family. We had a blast. We were flying a little blind in getting to our reserved time, despite a number of emails from Viator. I found that most of the emails from Viator weren't very informative or helpful, and some of them seemed more oriented around promoting Viator. Getting spammed less and simply having a bridge between Viator and the contracted service provider would be better. If that was in the many emails I received, it was buried in a bunch of fluff. I managed to find CRA's number and just call them directly, to ensure where I needed to be.
Great raft trip
Scott f,Jul 21, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Right amount of fun for a short rafting trip. Guides were fun and skilled. Get out and swim if you can
A half day at Browns Canyon
Trippinwiththeateam,Jul 6, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time on our half day trip! Our guide Skylar was great and knew the canyon so well. We saw beautiful sights and our 12 and 13 year old are now hooked on rafting.
While in Buena Vista you must...
MattP37,Jun 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife Holly and I had a great half day trip down the Browns Canyon under the expert guidance of Jason with Colorado Rafting Adventures in Buena Vista Colorado. We were very fortunate to be in his boat as Jason was the team leader for all the boats that day. He takes your safety seriously and he watched over each boat to be sure they were trained and working as a team before we all started our adventure. The trip down river was a great combination of starting easy as we gained confidence in our team's ability to paddle as instructed to gaining speed and increased challenging white water rapids. Jason gave us advance instruction as we approached each rapid as to what instruction to expect. We look "forward two" another trip down the river with Jason and the Colorado Rafting Adventures group.
Brett was a great guide....
Kylee B,Jun 19, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Brett was a great guide. He helped the smaller kids get confident, and was quick on his feet when we had someone fall out of the raft, he pulled them back in, in record time
Awesome and fantastic
977autumni,Jun 4, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Landon was amazing 😻!!! We love him !! He had great energy and an awesome personality!! We will definitely come again!!
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Operated by Colorado Rafting Adventures