Raft Browns Canyon, then soak at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Up to 8 Hours
Rafting, lunch, hot springs
Raft through Browns Canyon National Monument, then head to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort to relax after your time on the river. Your day includes a Burger BBQ lunch at the Riverside Beer Garden.
Check in 45 minutes before departure. Bring extra money for optional guide gratuity, photos, and souvenirs.
Fewer than 10 guests: full refund if you cancel more than 72 hours before departure; no refunds within 72 hours. Groups of 10+: full refund if you cancel more than 1 week before departure; no refunds within 1 week.
Product ID: TW5G5U
Arrive and check in 45 minutes before the 9:00 am departure.
Bring a swimsuit, quick-drying clothes (no cotton or denim), sunglasses, sunscreen, and dry clothes and a towel for after your trip.
Yes. Your trip includes a free wetsuit package: wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes.
Browns Canyon National Monument is one of Colorado's most spectacular stretches of wild country, a 21,500-acre expanse of granite cliffs, ponderosa forests, and rolling whitewater carved by the Arkansas River. Designated a national monument in 2015, this protected corridor sits between Buena Vista and Salida and offers some of the most accessible and exhilarating river rafting in the American West. The combination of dramatic rock formations, abundant wildlife, and consistently splashy rapids makes Browns Canyon National Monument a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
This experience takes you straight into the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument by raft, navigating classic Class III rapids like Zoom Flume, Big Drop, and Seven Stairs as the river twists through towering walls of pink-hued granite. Between the adrenaline-pumping sections, calmer pools give you time to soak in the scenery: bighorn sheep picking their way along the cliffs, bald eagles overhead, and wildflowers spilling down the canyon walls in season. After the river miles, the trip continues to Mount Princeton Hot Springs, where natural geothermal pools at the base of the Chalk Cliffs offer the perfect counterpoint to the cold splash of the Arkansas. The pairing of whitewater inside Browns Canyon National Monument and a long soak afterward is what makes this day trip so memorable.
This adventure is ideal for active travelers, couples, families with older kids, and friend groups looking for a true Colorado mountain day. You do not need previous rafting experience, just a willingness to paddle, get wet, and trust your guide through the rapids. History buffs and nature lovers will appreciate the geology and wildlife of Browns Canyon National Monument, while anyone who enjoys a good soak will find the hot springs finale deeply restorative. If you want one day that captures the wild beauty, the thrill, and the relaxed mountain spirit of central Colorado, rafting Browns Canyon National Monument and unwinding at Mount Princeton delivers all of it.
The guides here really make the experience. Reviewers consistently name-drop their rafting leaders like Max, Emma, Sam, Kyla, and Captain Kirk, praising not just their river expertise but their personalities and ability to make everyone comfortable. First-timers especially appreciate how the staff gets them rowing confidently while keeping things fun and safe, even in challenging conditions like cold snow melt or higher water levels. What stands out is the extra effort this outfit puts into the experience. Beyond just navigating rapids, guides share wildlife knowledge (think bighorn sheep sightings and bird facts), stop for rock jumping, and genuinely connect with families and nervous beginners alike. The quality gear keeps people comfortable even in frigid conditions, and the skilled instruction means groups feel capable rather than terrified at the tricky spots. Multiple families left already planning their return trips, which says plenty about the lasting impression this crew makes on the Arkansas River.
Did a cousins trip to Twin Lakes. While there we had an amazing time white water rafting with Logan and Max, our guides! They were not just knowledgeable but also really passionate about the sport, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We got to climb an embankment and walk along a railroad track, adding a bit of adventure to our day—definitely not for the faint of heart! Log jam! While their jokes could use a little work (I mean, a two-legged cow and their boss’s wife? Haha), they kept the mood light and very fun. Deja Vu Rock was a highlight, and it was fascinating to hear about it over and over again. Not. Haha. Overall, the entire crew was fantastic, and we would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun day outdoors!
JAY SISCO
August 31, 2026
Did a cousins trip to Twin Lakes. While there we had an amazing time white water rafting with Logan and Max, our guides! They were not just knowledgeable but also really passionate about the sport, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We got to climb an embankment and walk along a railroad track, adding a bit of adventure to our day—definitely not for the faint of heart! Log jam! While their jokes could use a little work (I mean, a two-legged cow and their boss’s wife? Haha), they kept the mood light and very fun. Deja Vu Rock was a highlight, and it was fascinating to hear about it over and over again. Not. Haha. Overall, the entire crew was fantastic, and we would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun day outdoors!
JAY SISCO
August 31, 2026
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