Smiling rafters in helmets and life jackets on the Arkansas River with snowy peaks behindOrange raft approaching a boulder-strewn rapid in Browns Canyon under granite peaks
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Featured
Ages
7+ / 50 lbs

Browns Canyon Overnight Rafting and Camping Trip

🕒
24 hours
|
📍
20 miles
|
👥
7+ / 50 lbs
$399 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Moderate
River Section
Browns Canyon
|
✓ Book online until
72 hours before departure

Overview

The Browns Canyon Overnight is a 24-hour, Class III–IV rafting and camping trip covering about 20 miles of Browns Canyon National Monument. It leaves at 11:30 am, runs May 14 to August 15, and needs at least 72 hours' notice to book.

Leave the bustle behind as you float deeper into the canyon, camp on a secluded riverbank and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. We supply all the rafting and camping gear, set up camp and cook every meal by the river, so you can focus on exploring and spending time together.

It's a perfect mix of river time and exploring, whether you're after some quiet or a shared adventure with your crew.

Who it's for

Families, youth groups, corporate teams and bachelor or bachelorette groups who want more than a day trip.

Highlights

  • Camp overnight inside the national monument
  • All gear, camp setup and meals included
  • About 20 miles of river over two days
24 hours
Duration
20 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
  • Camp overnight inside the national monument
  • All gear, camp setup and meals included
  • About 20 miles of river over two days

Your day, step by step

1
Check in and launch

Check in at our outpost at 7330 US-50 in Salida, finish your online waiver and get fitted for your gear. We hand you a dry bag for your overnight things, then shuttle to the river and start floating into Browns Canyon National Monument.

  • Departs at 11:30 am
  • Book at least 72 hours ahead
  • Rafting and camping gear provided
2
Camp in the canyon

Your guides pick a secluded riverbank, set up camp and cook dinner, so you can explore, swim and relax. Then it's a night under a sky full of stars.

  • Tent and sleeping pad provided
  • Every meal cooked by your guides
  • Campsite setup done for you
3
Day two and back to Salida

After breakfast by the river, you pack up and float the rest of the canyon, about 20 miles of river over the two days. The shuttle brings you back to the outpost.

  • Class III rapids through the heart of the canyon
  • About 24 hours from launch to take-out

What's Included

Included
  • Your river guides
  • Wetsuit and splash jacket
  • Helmet and life jacket
  • Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
  • Tent and sleeping pad
  • A dry bag for your stuff
  • Campsite setup
  • Every meal, cooked by your guides
Not Included
  • Sleeping bag
  • Extra drinks and snacks for camp
  • Trip photos
  • Guide tip
  • Water shoes
  • Sunglass strap (chums)
  • Sunscreen
  • 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 sleeping bag
  • Warm layers for camp
  • Dry shoes for camp
  • A headlamp
  • Pack light. We give you a dry bag for your stuff

Water levels & Season

Season
🌊
May 14, 2027
–
August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
11:30 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

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FAQ

Common questions about this trip.

What gear do I need for the overnight?

We provide everything except your sleeping bag: tent, sleeping pad, a dry bag for your stuff, and every meal, cooked by your guides. Pack light, and bring warm layers, dry shoes for camp and a headlamp. Flying in and can't bring a sleeping bag? Call us and we'll sort it out.

When does the overnight leave and get back?

It leaves at 11:30 am and gets you back the next day, about 24 hours later. It runs May 14 to August 15.

How far ahead do I need to book the overnight?

At least 72 hours ahead. It needs 4 people to run (2 if others have already booked), with up to 18 per trip. Rebooking inside 72 hours is $100 per person.

Where do we camp?

On a secluded riverbank inside Browns Canyon National Monument.

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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