Browns Canyon Rafting: Colorado Whitewater & Cliff Jumping

Run the rapids and jump the cliffs on your own terms.

Browns Canyon rafting near Buena Vista is a full-day activity where you paddle through Colorado whitewater, swim in the river and jump from cliffs, with a certified guide, lunch and all equipment included. The trip runs six hours and suits families with children from age seven. Check in 45 minutes before departure and dress for the weather, as trips operate rain or shine.

The experience

What makes Browns Canyon different from other Colorado rafting is the combination of thrilling rapids and the chance to jump and swim in the river itself. You'll paddle through sections filled with exciting whitewater, then pull over at spots where the water is calm enough to jump from the rocks or take a swim. The canyon walls rise around you the whole time, and the scenery is part of what you're paying for, not just the adrenaline. A certified professional guide leads the group and handles the technical parts of navigation. Your job is to paddle when instructed and hold on through the bigger drops.

The day runs six hours total. Lunch is prepared riverside by your guides and included in the price, so you eat where you are instead of packing something in. All the gear you need comes with the booking: a personal flotation device, helmet, paddle, wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes. Colorado State Parks fees are covered. You'll need to arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and get fitted. The trip operates in all weather, so bring clothes that can get wet and dry quickly.

Browns Canyon works for families because children from age seven can go, and they ride with an adult. The rapids are exciting but not extreme, and the swimming and jumping breaks give everyone a chance to catch their breath and enjoy the water. If you've never rafted before, the guide walks you through the paddle strokes and what to expect. If you're experienced, you'll find enough current to keep things interesting. Public transportation is available to reach the put-in, so you don't need a rental car to get there.

What’s included

• A certified professional guide leading the group.
• all required equipment including personal flotation device, helmet, paddle, wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes.
• lunch prepared and served riverside.
• Colorado State Parks use and land access fees.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Aug 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by American Adventure Expeditions

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so if that's your language, you'll follow the instruction and the commentary without strain. Families with kids from seven up work well here because the rapids are exciting without being extreme, and the swimming and jumping breaks give younger paddlers a chance to rest and play in the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the rapids like in Browns Canyon?

Browns Canyon has plenty of fun and exciting rapids throughout the day, mixed with calmer sections where you can swim and jump from the rocks. The whitewater is thrilling enough to keep the adrenaline up but manageable for families and first-time rafters paddling with a guide.

Do I need rafting experience to book this trip?

No experience is required. A certified guide leads the group and teaches you the paddle strokes and technique before you start. You just need a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to follow instructions in the water.

What's included in the price and what do I need to bring?

The price includes a certified guide, all required equipment (PFD, helmet, paddle, wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes), lunch prepared riverside, and Colorado State Parks access fees. Bring a change of clothes and shoes that can get wet, sunscreen and a towel. The guide will tell you what else to pack when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in all weather conditions, so rain or cold doesn't cancel it. Dress in layers and bring clothes that dry quickly. The guide will advise you on what to wear when you confirm your booking time.

How long does the whole day take, including check-in?

The rafting itself is six hours on the water. You need to arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in and get fitted for your gear, so plan for about seven hours total from the time you arrive at the put-in.