10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Browns Canyon Full-Day Rafting with Riverside Lunch
$159 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 Full Day is a Class III–IV rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument. It covers 10 to 24 miles (depending on water levels) and 12 rapids in 6 to 7 hours. It leaves at 9:00 am and runs May 14 to August 15.
Meet us at the outpost to get outfitted before loading the shuttle. You'll run the whole classic stretch, through the most remote part of the canyon, with rapids like Silver Bullet, Pinball, Zoom Flume, The Staircase, Widow Maker, Raft Ripper, Seidel's Suckhole and Twin Falls.
Halfway through, your guides set up lunch on the riverbank, and there's time for an optional hike into one of the monument's side canyons. Afterward, head back to the outpost to change and see your photos. Every trip includes a wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge.
Who it's for
Groups and families who want the full Browns experience and a slower pace between rapids.
Highlights
- 12 Browns Canyon rapids
- Riverside lunch included
- Optional side-canyon hike
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
- All 12 major Browns Canyon rapids
- Riverside lunch included
- Optional side-canyon hike
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 load the shuttle for a 20 to 30 minute ride to the put-in. Your guide gives the safety talk on the way.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departs at 9:00 am
2Raft the whole canyon, with lunch
2
Raft the whole canyon, with lunch
Run the full classic stretch of Browns Canyon, 10 to 24 miles depending on water levels. Halfway through, your guides set up lunch on the riverbank.
- All 12 major rapids, from Silver Bullet and Pinball to Seidel's Suckhole and Twin Falls
- Riverside lunch made by your guides. Tell us about any dietary needs
- Optional hike into one of the monument's side canyons
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Ride back to the outpost to change, dry off and see the photos from your day.
- About 6 to 7 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
- Riverside lunch made by your guides
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 water bottle (we bring extra 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
- Tell us about dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) when you book
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
May 14, 2027
– August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
9:00 am
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
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
Is lunch included on the Browns Canyon full day?
Yes. Halfway through, your guides set up lunch on the riverbank, and there's time for an optional hike into one of the monument's side canyons.
How far do we go on the full day?
10 to 24 miles, depending on water levels, and all 12 major rapids. Plan on 6 to 7 hours. It leaves at 9:00 am, May 14 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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