Top Buena Vista Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with family friendly Colorado rafting through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River. Exciting class III-IV rapids intermixed with calm water in between make Browns Canyon rafting great for beginners and experts alike.

Enjoy a full-day rafting trip in Browns Canyon, considered a top rafting destination in Colorado and the United States. Depart from Buena Vista in the morning for transport to the Arkansas River where it runs through Browns Canyon National Monument. Your guide shows you the basics of paddling, then hops into a raft with you for a thrilling ride through both whitewater and calm stretches of the river. Your tour includes lunch, paddling instruction, all necessary equipment, guide, and round-trip transportation from Buena Vista.

The Browns Canyon National Monument whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River in Colorado is arguably the best family whitewater rafting trip in the country. Just outside of the little mountain town of Salida Colorado, the Browns Canyon rafting trip offers awesome and exciting class III+ rapids that is great families with kids 7 and older and whitewater enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Novice and advanced rafters alike agree that running Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River makes for a fun-filled day on the water. Admire canyon scenery as you head through white water, including rapids such as Pinball and Big Drop. Lunch is also included for you to enjoy partway through the trip.

Ask about ghosts in Salida, and you’ll hear plenty of stories. Learn about this Colorado town's haunted history on a tour of Salida’s grisly past. Let your guide take you through the dark streets, pointing out the infamous red light district and the exact locations of murders and active spirits. See where ghosts wander to this day. 

The Numbers Rafting is the ultimate Colorado rafting adventure! Experience the non-stop thrills and excitement of rafting in Colorado at the headwaters of the Arkansas River. You’ll navigate through tight passages, steep drops, and continuous action on this incredible Colorado river rafting trip.

Paddle 'The Numbers,' a challenging section of the Arkansas River, on a thrilling white-water rafting trip from Buena Vista. You'll shoot through a series of rapids, drops, and tight channels, with continuous white water that makes for a high-adrenaline experience from beginning to end. After a morning on the water, this Arkansas River rafting trip includes a barbecue lunch, a great way to refuel and relax after a classic Colorado adventure.

Enjoy the beauty and excitement of Browns Canyon National Monument on a half day whitewater rafting tour down the Arkansas River. Your guide will go over safety procedures, paddling techniques and tell you about the area’s unique history, flora and fauna. This tour departs directly from the River Runners Browns Canyon outpost, a riverside property just south of Buena Vista, Colorado. Transportation is provided from the take-out at Hecla Junction back to River Runners. All gear is included in the price of the trip. Choose from 10 am and 2 pm departure times (check-in is 45 minutes prior).

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River is our most popular trip! The unique combination of lots of exciting whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, great mountain views of some of Colorado’s highest mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife make this the ideal raft trip. Exciting enough for seasoned paddlers, but not too scary for first-timers. You will want to bring your friends and family for epic rapids such as Pinball, Zoom Flume, and Big Drop! This trip includes our Ultimate Fajita Feast hot lunch!

Explore Browns Canyon National Monument on a white-water rafting adventure. Spend a few hours shooting the Class III rapids, perfect for beginner or intermediate paddlers, in the company of a guide—perfect for families who want to raft together. Keep a lookout for local wildlife such as big horn sheep and blue heron as you paddle, learning about the area through your guide's commentary.

Enjoy a scenic class II float through scenic mountain vistas and the beautiful historic downtown of Salida Colorado.

A wonderful family friendly white water rafting trip in Colorado! Splash, swim, and take in the stunning views while a professional river guide rows you down the river without the interruption of paddling (unless of course, you want to paddle)! Enjoy bouncy wave trains, man made white water park, and wildlife sightings on this calm and picturesque section suitable for children as young as 4.

See historic Salida through the eyes of a local on this intimate small-group walking tour. Experience Salida’s wild west past, history, culture, and architecture with a professional guide. Be captivated by fascinating tales of Salida's exciting, and sometimes violent, history. Visitor and residents alike come away with hidden secrets of this unique town.

ADVANCED -IV-lV+ – ARKANSAS RIVER This stretch of river contains some of Colorado’s most exciting whitewater! With some soaking splashes, a few medium-sized drops and nearly non-stop action, you will want to be in good physical condition and be a good swimmer. Enjoy amazing views of the impressive, snow-capped Collegiate Peaks while resting between long rapids. Perfect for the whitewater veterans and adrenaline-seeking first timers. Min age: 14 Meeting location:  Buena Vista Run Level:  Advanced

Get your adrenaline pumping as you embark on this whitewater rafting excursion down the Arkansas River. Navigate Class IV and IV+ rapids with your group and guide. take in the beautiful scenery along the way, and refuel with a fajita feast right on the banks of the river. This tour is suitable for those in good physical condition and can swim; no prior rafting experience required but is recommended.

Experience the thrill of some of Colorado’s most exciting whitewater rafting on this incredible full-day trip. Raft down the picturesque Arkansas River and gaze upon rocky mountain views between thrilling bursts. Hurtle down the rapids, including some medium-sized drops and prepare to get wet. The rafting is fast-paced and continuous, so this trip is designed for strong swimmers and those with previous rafting experience.

E-Bikes are a new way to have fun exploring the Buena Vista, CO area. They level the playing field and overcome the altitude and wind issues in this area. BV eBikes are the eBike experts in Buena Vista. We can accommodate E-Bike rental groups of up to 8 guests and will deliver bikes to your location. With our expertise guests will be directed out to beautiful Cottonwood Lake, or head out to Historic St. Elmo or up the hill to the top of Cottonwood Pass (the Continental Divide) at 12,197 feet along with other options based on skill level.If you want to have a lot of fun in BV, you need to book a ride with us!

Advanced -IV-lV+ rafting on the Arkansas River! This stretch of river contains some of Colorado’s most exciting whitewater! With some soaking splashes, a few medium-sized drops and nearly non-stop action, you will want to be in good physical condition and be a good swimmer. Enjoy amazing views of the impressive, snow-capped Collegiate Peaks while resting between long rapids. Perfect for the whitewater veterans and adrenaline-seeking first timers! This Trip includes our Ultimate Fajita Feast hot lunch! 

COVID 19 Pre-trip screening for all guests: MASKS are required during transportation. This DAILY trip includes 14 miles and 4 hours of clear, crisp Class II-III+ whitewater crashing through the Browns Canyon National Monument. We have added 6 more miles to make this the most rapids in a 3/4 day no lunch adventure. A professional river guide and all boating equipment: splash jackets, drinking water, and PFD, personal floatation device. Bring your personal water bottle, noncotton clothing, secure footwear or rentals of wetsuits and boots available to reserve. Situated in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River's 145 miles, threads its way through a vacationer's paradise. From the river's source in the beautiful Arkansas Valley with dramatic 14,000-foot peaks to the bottom of the Royal Gorge, Arkansas River has it all.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this professionally guided, half-day excursion. Ride along the clear, crisp waters of the Arkansas River, with beautiful views of the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Crash through the Class II rapids, which are less technical but no less exciting for an introductory river experience. It’s a perfect balance for kids and adults wanting to share a fun day on the river. All boating equipment — rain gear, drinking water and a personal floatation device — are included.

Mini-Me Rafts are 9' long and accommodate 2 people and a dry bag or cooler quite easily. You can fit up to 4 people if you prefer, but be prepared to be in close quarters. These rafts are one of the most fun ways to go down a stretch of river and they are surprisingly stable for their size as long as you keep them straight they hardly flip and are difficult to rap on rocks. Guiding experience is necessary. The responsible party is liable for all losses and damages or replacements.

History nerds love Buena Vista. Our fascinating history rivals any wild west town. On this 5-star rated tour, you will relive deadly shootouts, visit the bawdy red-light district, and learn about devastating fires that leveled the town. Our guides provide engaging storytelling and historic photographs from the 1880s that you won't soon forget. Costumed guides lead this intimate, small-group walking tour. See historical Buena Vista on this intimate, small-group walking tour. Be entranced by fascinating tales of Buena Vista's remarkable history. Visitors and residents alike are amazed to learn the many hidden secrets of this cool little mountain town. A portion of what you'll experience: ~ Learn why the town name is pronounced so unusually (Bewna not Buena) ~ See the original jailhouse which housed notorious outlaws ~ Uncover interesting details of Victorian-era structures ~ Visit the brothel of Cock-Eyed Liz, our most famous madam ~ Shootouts that made newspapers around the nation

Rent the beast for 1/2 Day (Use of SUPSQUATCH)! Don't forget to bring appropriate footwear, swimwear, and sun protection. Enjoy your activity with us.

Spend a stress-free day on the Arkansas River with a rafting tour through Salida Canyon, a mild stretch that’s ideal for beginners and families with kids. Grab a paddle and navigate relatively gentle class II rapids, or simply enjoy the ride as you float past unspoiled Colorado scenery. It's a great way to get your feet wet with this popular outdoor sport, with all equipment and a picnic lunch included.