Save 15% on Upper Colorado and Arkansas River Rafting Trips. Use Code ARK-UC26 for Online Bookings. Expires June 30th
15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting with CODE: ARK15
Save 15% on Upper Colorado and Arkansas River Rafting Trips. Use Code ARK-UC26 for Online Bookings. Expires June 30th
15% OFF Arkansas River Rafting with CODE: ARK15
The Browns Canyon Rafting Trip is Colorado’s most popular Class III rafting experience, and for good reason. Launched from Downstream Adventures’ Nathrop outpost on the Arkansas River, this trip runs approximately 10 miles through Browns Canyon National Monument, one of the most scenic and protected river corridors in the American West. You’ll navigate named Class III rapids — Zoom Flume, Pinball, and Raft Ripper among them — while the Collegiate Peaks rise above the canyon walls to the north and west.
This is a beginner-to-intermediate trip that doesn’t feel like one. The rapids are real, the canyon is dramatic, and the guides have run this stretch hundreds of times. Half-day and full-day options are available. If you’re looking for more intensity, The Numbers runs Class IV–V water from the same outpost.
Most popular rafting trip in Colorado!
Spend the day in Browns Canyon National Monument.
Note: Neoprene bootie rentals are available for $5 per person.
For more information, check out our recommendations on rafting safety & basics.
All Browns Canyon trips depart from our Nathrop outpost at 17897 US Highway 285, Nathrop, CO 81236, about 8 miles south of downtown Buena Vista and approximately 2.5 hours from Denver and Colorado Springs.
Yes, it’s one of the best family rafting trips in Colorado. We accept participants as young as 7 years old and 50 lbs. Groups with children younger than 7 should consider our Upper Colorado River Float Trip in Kremmling, which accepts guests as young as 3.
Our trips go out rain or shine. It is extremely rare for us to cancel trips based on weather. However, we do reserve the right to cancel or alter trips if we deem conditions to be unsafe.
Colorado high country often calls for rain in the forecast, but the forecast can be deceiving. Rain and thunderstorms are typically scattered and very short-lived. As the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait 15 minutes.”
A basic level of fitness is helpful since you’ll be paddling actively through rapids, but this trip does not require advanced strength or endurance. It’s designed to be accessible for most healthy adults and older children. If you have specific physical concerns, give us a call at 303-848-4595 and we’ll help you assess the right trip.
Every group of rafters that goes rafting with us will have a highly trained, expert guide with them in the raft.
At Downstream Adventures, we guarantee that all of our guides are highly qualified and experienced. Each guide has been certified in CPR/first aid and trained in life-saving swiftwater rescue techniques, and that’s just our minimum requirement! All of our full-time guides have surpassed the highest level of guide qualification recognized by the state of Colorado (level 3).
Join us for an adrenaline-fueled rafting adventure on the Numbers! Experience the thrill of navigating intense Class IV and V rapids through breathtaking Colorado scenery, making it the ultimate challenge for experienced rafters and adventurous first timers seeking an unforgettable white water experience.
Check out the best Intermediate Rafting Trip near Denver. Upper Clear Creek is an ideal white water rafting trip packed with excitement. With more rapids per mile than nearly any other commercially run stretch in the nation, Clear Creek guarantees a rush like no other. And the best part? You only drive 45 minutes from Denver to experience the thrill! Join us for an unforgettable rafting adventure on the rapids of Upper Clear Creek.
An excellent beginner rafting experience that is great for first times and families of all ages. The Middle Clear Creek rafting trips are fun and splash, yet easy going. On your adventure, you will step into history as you start your adventure at the iconic Clear Creek rafting put-in, a spot forever etched in Colorado's gold rush lore thanks to George Jackson's discovery in 1858. Follow Clear Creek's steady currents as they meander through Historic Idaho Springs, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey to the mouth of the Lower Canyon. Perfect for beginners, Middle Clear Creek rafting trips offer an accessible option for white water rafting near Denver, promising a thrilling yet manageable experience for all.