Buena Vista Guided Rafting
White water rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado offers access to two of the best rafting sections in the state for both family friendly and high-adventure experiences. Browns Canyon, known for its smooth granite walls, rolling waves, and clear pools filled with rainbow trout, begins at Fisherman’s Bridge, just six miles south of town on Highway 285. The Numbers, located fifteen minutes north of Buena Vista on Highway 24, delivers continuous Class II and III whitewater punctuated by six distinct Class IV pool drop rapids.
- Family friendly and high adventure trip options.
- 1/2, 1, 2, & 3 day trip options.
- Alpine river canyon views with 14,000ft peak backdrops.
- Wild life spotting like golden eagles, brown trout, and elk.
- Optimal water flows all summer long from recreational reservoir releases.
- Company division dedicated to risk management, guide training, and continuing guide education.
More About Buena Vista Rafting
Trip option details
Browns Canyon National Monument, composes a thirteen-mile stretch of the Arkansas River beginning at Fisherman’s Bridge and ending at Stone Bridge. The section contains fourteen named Class II–III rapids such as Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Staircase. Daily trip options include a half-day and full day trip. The half day trip covers eight miles and the full day trips span the 13 mile canyon stopping for a riverside lunch midway. The browns canyon multi day option spans 2 days with 1 night camping in the river canyon.
The Numbers delivers Colorado’s most consistent and technical Class IV whitewater. The six-mile main section drops roughly seventy feet per mile from the Numbers Put-In to Railroad Bridge, featuring 6 big drop class IV rapids. For full-day trips, the adventure continues downstream through The Narrows, adding another 7 miles of Class II–III whitewater for a change of pace and stunning scenery after lunch. Half-day trips focus entirely on the core rapids for those who want maximum action in a short time. Multi day expeditions begin here as well, combining The Numbers with Browns Canyon, the Royal Gorge, and/or Bighorn Sheep Canyon for 2 or 3 day options.
River Conditions and Seasonality
During the early season, flows range between 1,500 and 3,000 CFS, producing powerful whitewater and cooler water temperatures around 45–50°F. By July and August, flows hold between 700 and 1,200 CFS, and water temperatures typically rise to 55–60°F, ideal for family trips and full-day adventures. Warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal humidity define the rafting season, with average highs in the 80s and 90s.
Local Culture and History
Founded in 1879 as a mining supply hub, Buena Vista has always been shaped by the Arkansas River. The river corridor once filled with ore and freight on the Tennessee Pass Rail Line now draws visitors from around the world to raft, fish, and explore. The town’s historic Main Street preserves its 19th-century architecture while embracing a vibrant outdoor culture. Locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor gear outfitters fill the downtown blocks for a charming, laid-back, and welcoming feel.
Trip Options
Arkansas River Daily Rafting Trips
Arkansas River
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on a Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.
Arkansas River
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside deli style lunch.
Arkansas River
The quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience. If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.
Arkansas River
The full-day Numbers rafting trip is packed full with some of the most famous Class III-IV rapids on the Arkansas river, and includes a riverside deli style lunch.
Arkansas River Overnight Trips
Browns Canyon National Monument
Boat Options
We offer these boat options so that you can customize your Durango rafting trip to the experience you desire.
Mild to Wild’s Boat Options: Why You’re In the Raft You’re In
Premium Raft
Premium Raft
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Standard Raft
Standard Raft
• Ages 4+
Single Person Kayak
Inflatable Kayak
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.