The Story of Browns Canyon: A Canyon Carved by Time

Stretching 13 miles along the Arkansas River between Fisherman’s Bridge and Stone Bridge just south of Buena Vista, Colorado, Browns Canyon was shaped over millions of years by the flow of snowmelt and the uplift of the Sawatch Mountain Range. The section begins in Nathrop, CO just south of Buena Vista.

The Tennessee Pass rail line once carried ore and passengers through this corridor. As mining faded, adventure tourism took its place. Today the canyon is recognized as one of America’s most beloved rafting destinations and protected as a National Monument.

Browns Canyon’s cliffs are composed of Precambrian granite over 1.7 billion years old, polished smooth by eons of water and wind. Look for wildlife such as elk, foxes, and prairie falcons along the canyon rim as you navigate rapids shaped by these same geologic forces.

River Conditions & Seasonality

Rafting season on the Arkansas River runs May through Labor Day Weekend, with river levels strongly influenced by snowmelt from the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges of the Colorado Rockies.

In May and June, flows average between 1,200 and 2,500 CFS, for more than eight class III rapids with splashy waves and thrilling drops. As summer progresses, the river gradually drops to a more moderate 700–1,200 CFS range, offering ideal conditions for families and first-time rafters.

Thanks to supplemental water releases from Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake reservoirs, Browns Canyon maintains steady flows through most of the summer. These releases typically continue until August 15th, ensuring flows of 650cfs or more for excellent rafting conditions during the peak season. After August 15th, the releases tapers off to a recreational base flow of 350 CFS offering a more technical river navigating experience that requires precise maneuvering and plenty of team work paddling.

Check current and historical flows for Browns Canyon on the USGS Arkansas River Gauge at Nathrop, CO.

Trip Details

Browns Canyon covers a 13-mile stretch of the Arkansas River, beginning at Fisherman’s Bridge and ending 13 miles downstream at Stone Bridge. Depending on water levels, trips often take out at Hecla Junction (9.5 miles down river from Fisherman’s Bridge) during lower flows. The takeouts are accessed with country roads 194 and 291 off of U.S. Highway 285.

The river drops an average of 31 feet per mile, keeping the water moving quickly. Expect about two hours on the water for the half day trip, and approximately four hours on the river for the full day adventure, which includes lunch supplied from our favorite bakery in Buena Vista served riverside. The full day experience lasts roughly six hours total round trip.

Along the way, rafters encounter 14 named Class II and III rapids. Notable rapids include Screaming Right Hand Turn (III), Canyon Doors (III), Pinball (III), Zoom Flume (III), Egg Beater (III), The Squeeze (III), Hemorrhoid Rock (III), Heckle Jeckle (III), Big Drop (III), The Seven Stairs (III), Widowmaker (III), Raft Ripper (III), Graveyard (III), and the playful Last Chance (II) near the stone bridge takeout.

Between rapids, calmer pools offer time to soak in ponderosa pines clinging to granite cliffs, juniper studded slopes, and the occasional bighorn sheep or bald eagle. Access to this section is provided via County Roads 291 and 191 or US Hwy 285.

Trips meet daily at our Buena Vista location off Hwy 25, with convenient departure times to fit your schedule:

The ½ day trip lasts 2 hours on the water, 4 hours round trip with meet time options at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm daily.

The full day trip lasts 4 hours on the water, 6 hours round trip and meets at 9:00 am daily.

The 2 day 1 night trip meets at 9:30 am on Mondays and Fridays.