Water
Arkansas River Run
Salida / Buena Vista · 2 days · Moderate
About This Trip
The Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument is America's most-rafted whitewater. Class III–IV rapids, towering granite walls, and bighorn sheep on every trip.
Highlights
- Browns Canyon Class III–IV rapids
- Royal Gorge — Class V for experienced paddlers
- Bighorn sheep sightings almost guaranteed
- Buena Vista hot springs soak
- Monarch Mountain bike trails (day 2)
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
Browns Canyon Full Day — Class III Whitewater
- Half-day Browns Canyon (shorter, great for beginners)
- Numbers section (Class IV–V, experienced paddlers only)
Day 2
Monarch Crest Trail — Mountain Bike or Hike
- Hot springs at Mount Princeton — recovery soak instead of biking
- Cottonwood Lake hike — shorter, 5 miles, wildflowers in season