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Browns Canyon National Monument – Salida

Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon is a summertime mecca for river boating in the vibrant Upper Arkansas River. It’s Colorado’s newest-appointed national monument, situated between Buena Vista and Salida.

The park includes 11,836 acres of the San Isabel National Forest and 9,750 acres of BLM land. It’s centered around the Arkansas River, so fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are the main attractions. There are also some awesome riverside campgrounds.

Activities

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting Guide Browns Canyon National Monument
Arkansas River rafting thru Browns Canyon National Monument. Photo: BLM

Camping: Riverside campgrounds exist, but are booked through the Arkansas Headwaters State Park.

  • Read about the Camping near Salida, around the Arkansas River.

Fishing: The Arkansas River makes an exceptional place to castle a line. It’s full of brown and rainbow trout.

Whitewater Rafting: Class III rapids are perfect for the thrill-seeking family. Watch our video whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon.

June 13th trip down the Arkansas River at Browns Canyon, flowing at 4000 CFS:

Browns Canyon National Monument Colorado Large Boulders
Large boulders in Browns Canyon National Monument. Photo: BLM

Details

Address: Highway 285, Salida, CO 81201 (south of Nathrop near Buena Vista)

Season: Year-round

Website: fs.fed.us/…

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