10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Lower Browns Canyon Rafting: Half Day from Salida
$109 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Moderate
River Section
Lower Browns Canyon
✓ Book online until
3 hours before departure
Overview
Lower Browns Canyon is a Class II–III half-day rafting trip through the lower part of Browns Canyon National Monument. It covers 5 miles in 2.5 to 3 hours and runs August 15 to September 30.
Meet us at the outpost to get outfitted, then it's a 15-minute shuttle with our professional drivers to the Colorado State Parks river access. From there, your guide leads you through rapids like Zoom Flume and Twin Falls, with towering canyon walls and views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
It's a great lower-water trip for the end of the season. Afterward, head back to the outpost to change and see the photos from your day. Every trip includes a wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge.
Who it's for
Families and first-timers in late summer, when the water drops and this stretch is at its best.
Highlights
- Zoom Flume and Twin Falls
- Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo views
- Wetsuit and splash jacket included
Trip Highlights
What's Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
What to Expect
- Zoom Flume and Twin Falls
- Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo views
- Runs August 15 to September 30
Your day, step by step
1Check in and gear up
1
Check in and gear up
Check in at our outpost at 7330 US-50 in Salida, finish your online waiver and get fitted for your gear. Then our professional drivers take you on a 15-minute shuttle to the Colorado State Parks river access.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departures at 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm
2Raft Lower Browns Canyon
2
Raft Lower Browns Canyon
Your guide leads you through 5 miles of Class II–III water in the lower part of Browns Canyon National Monument, under towering canyon walls.
- Rapids like Zoom Flume and Twin Falls
- Views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Time to swim when the water allows
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Ride the shuttle back to the outpost, change out of your gear and check out the photos from your day.
- About 2.5 to 3 hours in total
- Bring a towel and dry clothes for after
What's Included
Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
Not Included
- Trip photos
- Guide tip
- Water shoes
- Sunglass strap (chums)
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- We sell photos, water shoes, chums, sunscreen and water at the shop
What to Bring
- Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts, or leggings (comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft). No cotton
- Early season: a wool or synthetic layer to wear under your wetsuit
- Shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops
- Sunscreen and a bottle of water
- A strap (chums) if you wear sunglasses
- Any medication you need, like an EpiPen or inhaler
- Your phone only at your own risk, in a waterproof pouch. Leave it behind at high water
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
August 15, 2027
– September 30, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm
When the water drops in late summer, Lower Browns is where we go. It runs August 15 to September 30.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
How is Lower Browns different from the Browns Canyon half day?
It's a shorter, 5-mile run through the lower half of Browns Canyon National Monument, made for late-summer water. You still hit Class III rapids like Zoom Flume and Twin Falls, in 2.5 to 3 hours.
When does Lower Browns run?
August 15 to September 30, with departures at 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm.
How far is the Lower Browns put-in?
About a 15-minute shuttle to the Colorado State Parks river access.
Will I get wet?
On Beginner trips, a little. On Intermediate and Advanced trips, yes. That's why wetsuits and splash jackets are included.
Which trip is right for my group?
Go with the least experienced person in the group. Beginner trips are calm, Intermediate trips have real rapids, and Advanced trips are for experienced rafters. Still stuck? Call us at (719) 626-1350. We want you on the trip you're supposed to be on.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts. Lots of women find leggings comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft. Skip cotton. Early season, add a wool or synthetic layer under the wetsuit and splash jacket we give you. Wear shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops.
What if it rains?
We raft rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway. We'll only cancel for lightning or unsafe conditions.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel 72 hours or more before your trip for a full refund. Inside 72 hours, there's no refund.
Can I change my date?
Free if it's 72 hours or more before your trip. Inside 72 hours, you can pick a new date and time in the same calendar year, if space is available, for a $10 rebooking fee ($100 per person for overnights).
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