½ Day
First-timers and families. The classic.
NATIONAL MONUMENT · SALIDA, COLORADO
Browns Canyon Rafting Trips from Salida, Colorado
The most popular rafting trip in Colorado, through a national monument with no roads in. Half day, full day or overnight, all from our shop in Salida, 20 minutes south of Buena Vista.
NATIONAL MONUMENT · SALIDA, COLORADO
Browns Canyon Rafting Trips from Salida, Colorado
The most popular rafting trip in Colorado, through a national monument with no roads in. Half day, full day or overnight, all from our shop in Salida, 20 minutes south of Buena Vista.
Browns Canyon rafting trips: half day, ¾ day, full day and overnight
Our most popular
Browns Canyon, CO
Browns Canyon Rafting Trips
From $109
Raft the granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument from our Salida shop. Pick a half day, ¾ day, full day or overnight, with wetsuits and splash jackets included.
Duration
3 hours to overnight
Trip type
Day trips & overnight
Whitewater class
Class III–IV
Minimum age
7+
Need help picking the right Browns trip? Call (719) 626-1350 or send us a message.
¾ Day
More rapids, more canyon, no full-day commitment.
Full Day
Groups who want the whole canyon and a riverside lunch.
Overnight
Families, groups, anyone who wants a night under the stars.
Why Browns Canyon is Colorado's most popular rafting trip
Browns Canyon runs through a national monument with no roads in, just a true wild and scenic canyon between Buena Vista and Salida. Granite walls, boulder gardens and rapids with names like Zoom Flume, Pinball, Widow Maker and Raft Ripper. Between rapids, the water calms down and you get to look around.
It's Class III: bigger waves, and you'll definitely get wet. That's exciting for first-timers and still fun for people who've done it before.
What Browns Canyon looks like
Granite walls, boulder gardens and pine forest, with no road in sight. Here's Browns Canyon from the river. Tap any photo to see it bigger.
Why raft Browns Canyon with Salida River Adventures
Really good river guides
Owner-run, with guides trained right here in Salida.
We spread trips out
We stagger departures so the canyon feels less crowded.
Everything included
Wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets and life jackets. No rental fees.
Photos after
Check out shots from your trip back at the shop.
Your Browns Canyon rafting day, step by step
1
Check in at our shop in Salida and finish your online waiver.
2
Gear up: wetsuit, splash jacket, helmet, life jacket.
3
Hang out on the back patio, then ride 20–30 minutes to the put-in. Your guide gives the safety talk on the way.
4
Raft Browns Canyon.
5
Back to the shop to change, dry off and see your photos.
Browns Canyon rafting reviews
Browns Canyon rafting FAQ
Do I need rafting experience for Browns Canyon?
No. Our guides teach you to paddle at the put-in, and every trip includes a safety talk. Browns is Class III–IV whitewater: plenty of action, but it works well for first-timers and families.
What's the minimum age?
All our Browns Canyon trips are for ages 7 and up. If you have younger kids, try the Salida Town Run or Upper Big Horn Sheep Canyon (ages 5+).
Which Browns Canyon trip should I choose?
The ½ Day (3 hrs) is our most popular trip: 10 miles and 7 Class III rapids, back by lunch. The ¾ Day (3.5–4.5 hrs) adds the remote heart of the canyon and 12 major rapids. The Full Day (6–7 hrs) runs the whole canyon with a riverside lunch. The Overnight adds riverside camping, with meals and camping gear included. Late in the season, the Lower Browns ½ Day (2.5–3 hrs) is a shorter 5-mile run with Zoom Flume and Twin Falls.
What's included?
Every trip includes a life jacket (PFD), helmet, splash jacket, wetsuit and professional guides, all at no extra charge. Full-day trips add a riverside lunch made by your guides. Let us know about any dietary restrictions when you book.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear quick-dry clothing (no cotton) and water shoes or sandals with straps. Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, any medications you need (EpiPen, inhaler, insulin), and a dry change of clothes for afterward. The water is chilly early in the season, so bring a warm layer.
Where do we meet?
At the Salida River Adventures outpost, 7330 US-50, Salida, CO 81201. We'll get you outfitted, then drive you to the put-in. After the trip you come back to the outpost to change and look through the day's photos.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel 72 hours or more before your trip for a full refund. Inside 72 hours, there's no refund. You can rebook for free up to 72 hours before your trip. Inside the 72-hour window, you can move to another date and time in the same calendar year, if space is available, for $10 per person ($100 per person on the Overnight).
Do you offer group or private trips?
Yes. Groups of 8 or more get a discount. Call (719) 626-1350 or email info@salidariveradventures.com to plan your trip.
Want Browns Canyon for your group?
Up to 50 people on a half day. Everyone books their own seat with one link.