Thrilling & Very Active

Browns Canyon Express

Experience the best of the Arkansas River on this 3/4 day trip through class III rapids and the majestic Browns Canyon National Monument. You’ll get the best of our Brown’s Canyon half-day with even more splashy fun and a later start to your day.

The Highlights Of Your Trip

The Browns Canyon Express is 6 miles longer than the Browns Canyon Half Day and is a great Buena Vista whitewater rafting trip for groups looking for a‭ ‬shorter option than our full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler‭.‬ ‭ First-timers and more experienced rafters alike will enjoy the opportunity to paddle exciting whitewater down Colorado’s most iconic river and explore this national treasure by raft.

Book this trip

1

How much

Pricing

From $129

Ages 13+

From $124

Ages 7-12

2

What's included

Activities

  • Rafting
3

Trip Length

Duration

3/4 day

4

How Hard

Difficulty

Thrilling & Very Active
5

Who can go

Minimum Age

7 years old & Up

What AVA’s Browns Canyon Express RAFTING looks like

What to expect

On Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure

arkansas river rafting

Trip Overview

Experience the ultimate Colorado summer adventure in the Brown’s Canyon Express whitewater rafting  trip. Leaving from our Buena Vista‭ outpost, ‬the Browns Canyon Express is mellow enough for the younger members of your group‭‬‭ ‬but still exciting for the older kids and adults‭.‬ ‭ ‬

This 3/4 day adventure takes you down the best of the Arkansas River, as you paddle through Brown’s Canyon National Monument.‭ Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of the Arkansas River and its valley and splash through thrilling whitewater from Fisherman’s Bridge to Stone Bridge. Compare this trip to our half day Brown’s Canyon experience or full day Brown’s Canyon Sizzler.

group paddling through splashier rapids

Highlights

  • Milder yet exciting class III rapids perfect for all ability levels
  • The chance to raft through a national monument
  • Stunning scenery of the granite walls of Browns Canyon
  • Opportunities for wildlife spotting
group smiling and rafting through whitewater

Trip Itinerary

  • Meet your guide at our Buena Vista outpost
  • Gear up for your adventure
  • Shuttle to the water
  • Listen as your guide instructs you on basic paddling technique
  • Hit the rapids!
  • Paddle through a national monument
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery
  • Return to the outpost and view photos from your trip
Rafters with oars up after Arkansas River rafting trip.

Included Gear & Packing List

All of your gear will be provided for your rafting excursion. This includes:

  • PFD
  • Wetsuit
  • Splash jacket

WHAT TO BRING

  • Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs!
  • Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
  • Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
  • Cash to tip your raft guide

Trip Location

Image of Buena Vista, Colorado.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista, CO 81211

Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista, Colorado sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation, with more 14ers than in any other area in Colorado. The area also hosts the Continental Divide to the east, and the Arkansas River flows through the town, providing opportunities for both mountain and river adventures.

The town of Buena Vista dates back to 1880 and originally gained prominence for its mining and railroad industries. Today, many people visit Buena Vista for its namesake – to take in its “Beautiful views” and experience some of Colorado’s best outdoors. The area offers hiking, biking, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, and numerous other opportunities to explore the outdoors. Buena Vista is also well known for its local hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic and even medicinal qualities!

Our AVA outpost is located just 15 minutes north of Buena Vista, providing easy access to the best of the area’s outdoor adventures.

AVA Blog

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three rafts on the upper colorado river with rocky cliffs on either side.

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