Explore the Arkansas River
Browns Canyon
Granite walls, mountain views, clear water, and classic Arkansas River whitewater. Browns Canyon National Monument is one of the defining landscapes of Colorado's upper Arkansas River Valley.
Browns Canyon National Monument
The canyon at the heart of the upper Arkansas
Browns Canyon is where the broad Arkansas River Valley suddenly tightens into a rugged corridor of granite, pine, rushing water, and distant mountain peaks.
The river is the centerpiece. Rafters know Browns for its long sequence of Class III rapids, while anglers, hikers, campers, photographers, and wildlife watchers come for the landscape surrounding it.
Buena Vista lies upstream, Salida downstream, and Nathrop sits nearby, making Browns Canyon an easy centerpiece for an entire Arkansas River Valley trip.
Explore the Arkansas RiverExplore Browns Canyon
More than a whitewater run
Most people first discover Browns Canyon from a raft, but the monument and surrounding Arkansas River corridor offer plenty of reasons to stay longer.
On the River
Rafting
Classic Class III whitewater through one of the Arkansas River's most dramatic canyon landscapes.
River Life
Fishing
Explore trout water along the Arkansas with rugged canyon scenery rising around the river.
On Foot
Hiking
Leave the river corridor and explore rocky terrain, open views, and the quieter side of the monument.
Stay Nearby
Camping
Make Browns Canyon part of a longer stay in the upper Arkansas River Valley.Inside the Canyon
Experience Browns Canyon your way
The canyon changes depending on where you experience it: from the middle of the river, from a trail above it, or from a quiet stretch of shoreline.
The River
Colorado's classic Class III run
Browns Canyon combines continuous scenery with a lively series of rapids, making it one of the most recognizable rafting sections on the Arkansas River.
The experience changes throughout the season. Higher flows generally create faster, bigger water, while lower flows expose more rocks and create a more technical channel.
- Long stretches of runnable whitewater
- Distinctive granite formations
- Mountain views above the canyon
- Commercial and private boating
Beyond the River
See the canyon from above
From the river, Browns Canyon feels narrow and enclosed. Climb into the surrounding landscape and the perspective changes completely.
Open slopes, granite outcrops, piñon and pine country, and views toward the surrounding mountains reveal how large the Browns Canyon landscape really is.
- Hiking and primitive routes
- Rocky high-desert terrain
- Excellent photography
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Slow It Down
Fishing, wildlife, and quiet water
Not every visit to Browns Canyon needs to revolve around whitewater. The Arkansas River also provides opportunities to fish, explore the shoreline, watch wildlife, or simply spend time beside the water.
Early mornings and evenings can show a very different side of a canyon that feels energetic and busy during the heart of a summer rafting day.
Explore Arkansas River FishingPlan Your Visit
Know before you go
Browns Canyon is a wild-feeling place surrounded by a busy recreation corridor. A little planning makes the experience considerably better.
River Conditions
Check the flow
Arkansas River conditions can change considerably through the season. Check current flows before rafting, fishing, or planning time along the river.
Weather
Watch the mountains
Summer mornings can be beautiful and calm while afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly over the surrounding mountains. Bring layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Public Lands
Leave the canyon wild
Use established access areas, pack out trash, protect riverside vegetation, and leave rocks, wildlife, and cultural resources where you find them.
Guided Browns Canyon Trips
Want to experience the canyon from the river?
Guided rafting is the easiest way for most visitors to see the heart of Browns Canyon. Local outfitters provide boats, safety equipment, transportation, and guides who know the river.
Arkansas River Guide highlights locally based outfitters and helps visitors compare river sections before choosing a trip.
Compare Rafting TripsStay Nearby
Three towns, one canyon
Browns Canyon sits between some of the most useful basecamps in the Arkansas River Valley. Stay close to the river or build the canyon into a larger trip.
Nathrop
Hot springs, camping, mountain access, and a central location beside the Arkansas River.
UpstreamBuena Vista
River parks, restaurants, mountain views, trail access, and adventures throughout the upper valley.
DownstreamSalida
Historic downtown, riverfront parks, food, art, trails, and easy access to the lower Arkansas Valley.
Resources
Plan with current information
Check official sources for current access, regulations, restrictions, river conditions, and public-land information.
National Monument
Bureau of Land Management
Official information about Browns Canyon National Monument, recreation, public lands, and monument management.
Browns Canyon BLM InformationArkansas River
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Find current information about Arkansas River recreation, boating, camping, access, and river management.
Visit AHRAARG Tools
River Map & Conditions
Explore the Arkansas River corridor and check current river flows before heading out.
Open River MapCheck River Flows
Arkansas River Country
Follow the river beyond Browns Canyon.
Browns Canyon is one chapter in a river that runs from alpine headwaters and mountain valleys to deep granite gorges and Colorado's high desert.