24 Hours in Browns Canyon
Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country as you paddle and camp in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies.
The Highlights Of Your Trip
Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument and along the Arkansas River over two full days. This adventure is a perfect group adventure and combines paddling with the chance to camp under the stars, relax by the fire, and bond with each other. No need to worry about cooking or lugging heavy equipment – AVA guides have got you covered!
Book this trip
How much
Pricing
From $629
Ages 13+
From $598
Ages 7-12
What's included
Activities
- Overnight Trips
- Rafting
Trip Length
Duration
2 Days. Runs Fridays and Saturdays only.
How Hard
Difficulty
Who can go
Minimum Age
7 years old & Up
What AVA’s 24 Hours in Browns RAFTING looks like
Trip Highlights
A. 2026 Expectations
The Arkansas River is officially flowing for the 2026 season, and Browns Canyon is shaping up for a fun year on the water. With this year’s Colorado snowpack, flows are coming in at more manageable and technical levels compared to some recent high-water seasons, making it an awesome time for families, first-timers, and experienced paddlers alike. Trips on other sections of the Arkansas are also available to book, and our team will keep you updated on current river conditions and any trip options as your adventure gets closer.
2026 River ConditionsB. What to Expect
- Two days of rafting over 22 miles on the Arkansas River
- Paddle intermediate class III rapids
- Hike, play games, fish (fishing license required), and relax at camp
- A delicious dinner and breakfast prepared by your guide
- Stunning scenery through Browns Canyon National Monument and along the Arkansas River
- A gear raft will accompany your trip, carrying all personal belongings, provisions, and camping equipment
- Enjoy campfire stories and the chance to sleep under the stars
- Bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us
C. Trip Itinerary
- Meet your guide at our Buena Vista outpost on day 1
- Gear up and take a short shuttle to the river
- Hit the rapids and spend the day on the water
- Set up camp in the heart of Browns Canyon
- Free time to hike, fish, read, or relax
- Enjoy a riverside dinner made by your guide
- Sleep under the stars
- Wake up to breakfast cooked by your guides
- Spend the morning on the river
- Arrive back at our outpost
- Review photos from your trip
D. Who will love this trip?
- School, scout, church, or team groups looking for an exciting way to get outside and spend time together
- Families hoping for a unique, outdoor vacation or trip
- Groups looking for a convenient camping and rafting experience in Colorado’s great outdoors
What to expect
On Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Multiple days of excitement
This adventure is for those looking to experience the best of Colorado in a convenient, stress-free environment! You’ll hit the water, navigating the Arkansas River’s mellower rapids, and after a couple of hours of rafting, we’ll set up camp in the heart of Browns Canyon for a spectacular evening.
You can go for a hike, tie a line, play games, or relax while we set up camp and cook you a delicious dinner. Enjoy stories around a fire and sleep under the stars, waking up to the aromas of breakfast. After your hearty meal and a hot cup of coffee, we pack up and launch our boats to enjoy a morning of fantastic intermediate whitewater.
Unparalleled Scenery
Over the course of your overnight rafting, you will be captivated by the breathtaking waters of the Arkansas River, framed by the grandeur of Browns Canyon’s granite cliffs. With the opportunity to raft through a National Monument, you will be exposed to the best of Colorado scenery the entire way. Stay alert for glimpses of wildlife such as bighorn sheep, eagles, and trout as you paddle. At camp, you will again be treated to riverside scenery, with the chance to explore the area near your campsite.
Included Gear & Packing List
All of your gear will be provided for your rafting and zipline excursions. This includes:
- PFD
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Helmet
WHAT TO BRING
- Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs! (Rafting)
- Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
- Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
- Cash to tip your raft guides
Continue the Adventure
Discover the abundance of activities awaiting you in Buena Vista and its surrounding area, perfect for a weekend getaway or an evening excursion.
- Relax in one of our cozy cabins or picturesque campsites and wake up rejuvenated for another day of exploration.
- Explore other outdoor opportunities including hiking, biking, fly-fishing, or horseback riding
- Try out Buena Vista’s diverse array of restaurants and breweries, offering flavors to please every palate.
- Conclude your experience by unwinding at either the nearby Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Trip Location
Buena Vista South Main
924 South Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
924 South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211 is our rafting address. If you’re visiting for ziplining or via ferrata, make sure to use our 40579 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211 address.
Experience whitewater rafting in Buena Vista from AVA’s South Main outpost, located just steps from the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. With easy access to Browns Canyon and family-friendly river float trips and family-friendly float trips, this location puts you close to some of Colorado’s best rafting adventures while surrounded by the energy of South Main, the Surf Hotel, Eddyline Brewery, and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Whether you are looking for exciting rapids or a scenic day on the river, AVA’s Buena Vista rafting trips deliver the perfect Colorado adventure.
From our Buena Vista outpost, experience some of Colorado’s best outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. Located in the heart of South Main near the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, our outpost is the perfect starting point for a full day in the mountains. Looking to maximize your adventure? Our multi-adventure packages let you combine multiple activities into one unforgettable Colorado experience filled with scenic views, exciting action, and time on the river.
AVA’s Buena Vista Gold Coast Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.
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