Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingSix hours of rafting through Browns Canyon on moderate rapids, suited for both beginners and seasoned paddlers looking for a thrill.
This 6-hour whitewater rafting trip is set in the picturesque Browns Canyon National Monument, providing an exhilarating experience for participants of all skill levels. You'll navigate moderate rapids that are fun yet manageable, making it perfect for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.
The tour allows ample time for on-water instruction and exciting stretches to paddle through. Dress appropriately for the weather and expect to get wet. Bring along sunscreen and a change of clothes for afterward. This adventure showcases the beautiful landscapes of the canyon while delivering the excitement of the river.
Reviews
Browns Canyon is stunning, and the rafting experience is suitable for families, but I advise against using AVA. Our group of 12, including six middle school kids, was excited for the Summer Sizzler after a week of camping in Colorado, but we faced numerous issues. The organization was chaotic, and the administrative staff seemed disinterested in resolving the ongoing problems. Our trip kicked off with a van that didn’t have functioning seat belts, and the guide simply stated that none of their vans were equipped this way. Shortly after, we ran out of gas and waited for 15 minutes on the side of a busy highway in the heat while the guides sought a cell signal. The rescue van that arrived also had faulty brakes, and the third van that took us was likewise without seat belts. It's concerning that a company touting "safety first" would let this happen, as these vans are also used by Peak 1 Transportation in winter. We were looking forward to a riverside hot lunch, but after stopping at Hecla Junction, the guides began to prepare lunch and abruptly stopped for unclear reasons. We hit the river again without any food; lunch was only provided back at the office around 3 pm. Even then, our river trip photos weren't ready. Given the series of mistakes, I expected a sincere apology upon our return, perhaps with food or compensation. Instead, the staff seemed unconcerned despite being aware of the issues. When I asked to talk to a manager, they expressed regret and promised assistance but lacked the authority to issue refunds. The person who could help didn’t return my call for over 24 hours, even though we were back at AVA the next morning for another pre-arranged trip, and their attempts to resolve the situation were inadequate. I’m giving this experience 2 stars instead of one because the guides were competent on the river, the scenery was beautiful, and we spotted some wonderful wildlife, but there are many other outfitters to consider for this adventure.
The experience on the water was fantastic; we enjoyed rafting, had skilled guides, and saw beautiful scenery and some rare wildlife. However, the overall organization was severely lacking. The van ride was a major issue. We crammed into a vehicle with no working seatbelts; the driver dismissed safety concerns by calling it a quick trip. When the van broke down due to running out of gas, we waited in the heat for a new van to arrive, which also had issues, delaying our departure significantly. Ultimately, we set off at 11:00 am, hours after our scheduled check-in. At lunchtime, we stopped for fajitas, but the guides informed us we had to return to the outpost instead, leaving us with limited snacks. It was frustrating to hear that the guides weren’t aware of a regulation preventing them from using gas at our lunch location. After a lengthy return to the outpost, we finally had lunch at 3:30 pm. We received an apology for the issues and were promised a full refund, contingent on management approval. However, despite returning the next day for another activity, we were told we would only get a 25% refund since we completed the trip, which felt unfair given the circumstances. Additionally, the added distance and rapids for the Full Day trip didn't justify the higher cost. While the rafting was enjoyable, the company's lack of organization and transparency was disappointing.
I had an excellent day filled with fun on the river, and the lunch was delightful. Our guide, Kat, was outstanding. I was grateful for the wetsuit and splash jacket because the water was quite chilly.
Brandon, our guide, was fantastic and made our first whitewater rafting experience unforgettable. We enjoyed a lunch stop at a picnic area where he prepared fajitas, white rice, and black beans, which my kids loved. It was my daughter's 18th birthday, and she had a wonderful time. The water was cold, but we had an incredible day overall. Thank you, Brandon!
Erico was fantastic, providing great company and an enjoyable trip. This was my fourth time using their services, and I highly recommend this experience in Colorado.
Will was an excellent guide for our group of eight on the boat! For half of our team, it was their first experience with white water rafting, making it an ideal introduction to Class 2/3 rapids. We had a fantastic time!
Our first rafting adventure was truly enjoyable. The staff, from the reservation process to check-in and the guides, were friendly and knowledgeable. Safety is clearly a priority for the Buena Vista team, which is reassuring for beginners. We covered about 10 miles through Browns Canyon, where there’s so much to see, but be cautious about your phones since you might lose them and you'll need both hands for paddling, leaving no time for photos. They do provide helmets that can hold a Go Pro if you're interested. I recommend buying the photo package during your reservation to save $15 compared to purchasing at the outpost later. This experience is perfect for anyone who appreciates nature and adventure. I will definitely return!
Our family of six had an exciting time on the water. With a 9-year-old grandson, an 8-year-old niece, and two nephews aged 10 and 14, we faced high river conditions. Our experienced guide, Sean, took extra steps to ensure the younger ones stayed in the raft. The class 3 and 4 rapids were thrilling, and Sean continuously reassured my grandson, who was quite afraid but ultimately made it through. His attention to our group made all the difference. We had great guides, friendly interactions, and an amazing experience overall.
Ernie and Cody served as our zip guides, and they were both humorous and friendly, ensuring everyone felt safe and at ease. The rafting experience with Robby was excellent, earning two thumbs up for the entire day. I strongly recommend this outing and plan to return.
We had an excellent day on the river with our guide Brooks, who was very knowledgeable and familiar with the area. My daughters, aged 9 and 13, enjoyed it greatly. I highly recommend this trip for a fun day out.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting Buena Vista?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.