Rafters in a teal SRA raft smiling as they paddle through a Browns Canyon rapidOrange raft running a rapid in Browns Canyon with more rafts following upstream
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Ages
7+ / 50 lbs

Browns Canyon ¾ Day Rafting: 14 Miles and 12 Rapids

🕒
3.5–4.5 hours
|
📍
14 miles
|
👥
7+ / 50 lbs
$139 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Moderate
River Section
Browns Canyon
|
✓ Book online until
18 hours before departure if no one is booked yet; 3 hours before if the departure already has bookings

Overview

The Browns Canyon ¾ Day is a Class III–IV rafting trip through the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument. It covers about 14 miles (depending on water levels) and 12 major rapids in 3.5 to 4.5 hours, May 1 to August 15.

Meet us at the outpost to get outfitted before loading the shuttle. This classic run takes you through the most remote part of the canyon, with technical whitewater at Silver Bullet, Pinball, Zoom Flume, The Staircase, Widow Maker, Raft Ripper, Seidel's Suckhole and Twin Falls.

It's the sweet spot for a lot of groups: more river than the half day, and you're back at the outpost with time left in the afternoon to change and check out your photos. Every trip includes a wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge.

Who it's for

Rafters who want more than the half day without committing to a full one. Great for active families and groups.

Highlights

  • 12 major rapids through the remote heart of the canyon
  • About 14 miles of river
  • Morning and afternoon departures
3.5–4.5 hours
Duration
14 miles
Distance
Rapids Class
7+ / 50 lbs
Minimum Age

River map

Locations are approximate. Not for navigation.

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
  • 12 rapids through the remote heart of the canyon
  • About 14 miles of river
  • Morning and afternoon departures

Your day, step by step

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 hang out on the back patio until it's time to load the shuttle.

  • Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
  • Departures at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm
2
Raft the heart of Browns Canyon

It's a 20 to 30 minute ride to the put-in, and your guide gives the safety talk on the way. Then it's about 14 miles and 12 major rapids through the most remote part of the canyon.

  • Silver Bullet, Pinball, Zoom Flume, The Staircase, Widow Maker, Raft Ripper, Seidel's Suckhole and Twin Falls
  • A granola bar snack on the river
3
Back at the outpost

You're back at the outpost with time left in the day to change, dry off and check out your photos.

  • About 3.5 to 4.5 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
  • Granola bar snack
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
🌊
May 1, 2027
–
August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 12:30 pm

At high water, usually in June, Browns runs 12-foot waves and gets serious. By July it settles into the classic summer run.

Guest Reviews

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FAQ

Common questions about this trip.

What do I get on the ¾ day that I don't get on the half day?

About 14 miles and 12 major rapids through the most remote part of Browns Canyon, including Twin Falls and Seidel's Suckhole. A snack is included, and you're back with time left in the afternoon.

What times does the ¾ day leave?

8:30 am and 12:30 pm, May 1 to August 15.

How many people do we need to book?

It needs 4 people to run if nobody else has booked yet. If the trip already has bookings, you can join with 1.

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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