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 Range. The section begins near Nathrop, where the USGS flow gauge at Fisherman’s Bridge monitors water levels for this portion of river.

From Rails to Rafts

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.

Ancient Granite & Wild Beauty

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 waves 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 Sawtooth 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 Reservoir, Browns Canyon maintains steady flows through most of the summer. These releases typically continue until August 15th, ensuring flows of 650cfs or more making for excellent rafting conditions during the peak season. After August 15th, the releases tapers off, to a recreational base flow of 350 CFS for 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 (just south of Buena Vista off of HWY 285), near Nathrop and ending downstream at Stone Bridge. Depending on water levels, trips often take out at Hecla Junction (9.5 miles) during lower flows or continue to Stone Bridge (13 miles) when the river is higher. The takeouts are accessed with country roads 194 and 291 respectively. 

The river drops an average of 31 feet per mile, creating the perfect blend of fun and excitement without being overly technical. Expect about two hours on the water for the ½-day trip, and approximately four hours on the river for the full-day adventure, which includes a locally supplied bakery lunch served riverside. The full-day experience lasts roughly six hours total round trip, including gear-up, shuttle time, and your mid-day meal.

Along the way, rafters encounter 14 named Class II and III rapids, each with its own rhythm and splash factor. 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 the view—Ponderosa pines clinging to granite cliffs, juniper-studded slopes, and the occasional bighorn sheep or bald eagle sighting. 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 285, with convenient departure times to fit your schedule:

½-Day Trips: 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm

Full-Day Trips: 9:00 am

2-Day Overnight Trips: 9:30 am on Mondays and Fridays