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Browns Canyon + The Numbers - 2 Day

Guided

Duration: 2 days

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Features

Locally Owned
Instant Book
Shuttle Included
$535 Adult
(Ages 18+)

Description

Arkansas River Multi-Day Rafting Trip - The Numbers + Browns Canyon

Combine two of the most incredible sections of whitewater on the Arkansas river with this multi-day rafting adventure! We start off with The Numbers, camp on the banks of the Arkansas river, in the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument, and then run Browns Canyon the next day. All meals are provided during the trip, so all you have to do is focus on paddling and having fun! 
Day 1 - The Numbers
Situated in the heart of the Rockies, the Arkansas River threads its way through a whitewater paradise in the center of Colorado. From the headwaters at Leadville, Colorado (11,000 ft.), you will run the Numbers 1-10 rapids which is truly home to world-class challenges of class IV rapids - running solid thrills from top to bottom. It's an incredible section of whitewater, with pine forest lining the river banks and the peaks of the Collegiate Mountains tower over 14,000 feet above the river corridor!  Note: You must have previous experience paddling at least class IV rapids.
Located near Buena Vista and Salida, CO, The Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers some of the most thrilling Class II-V rapids in Colorado. With its steep drops, technical maneuvers, and continuous whitewater, The Numbers provides an exhilarating challenge for rafters, testing your endurance and paddling experience. It's the ultimate advanced whitewater rafting adventure!
Overnight Camping in Browns Canyon National Monument
As the day winds down, you’ll arrive at a scenic riverside campsite on the banks of the Arkansas River within Browns Canyon National Monument for an evening under the stars. Upon arriving at camp, there will be time to set up your tent and relax while your guides put camp together and get started on dinner. Enjoy a hearty, freshly prepared dinner while soaking in the beauty of the river and sharing stories around the campfire. Your only job for the evening is to kick back and enjoy the beauty of Browns Canyon. 
Day 2 - Browns Canyon 
Brown's Canyon is one of America's most popular whitewater rafting trips!  Take in the rugged granite cliffs, colorful rock outcroppings, and stunning Rocky Mountain vistas surrounding the Arkansas River. With it's class II-IV rapids and the recently established 'Browns Canyon National Monument,'  this stunning canyon attracts visitors from around the world.
The canyon is renowned for its pink granite cliffs, forested hills, and diverse wildlife, offering a unique way to experience Colorado's natural beauty. Together, we'll travel through remote wilderness where wildlife still resides in natural beauty under the big Colorado sky. The mix of Class II-III rapids provides an exhilarating adventure suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Professional guides will share their expertise and add insight into the area's features and will point out wildlife, such as deer and bighorn sheep when they are visible. The thrill of navigating rapids makes rafting in Browns Canyon a memorable and fun activity for all ages. 

Duration

2 Days, 1 Night

Location / Where to Meet

17921 U.S. Hwy 285
Nathrop, CO, 81236
Our location is easily accessible from Buena Vista and Salida, making it an easy and exciting addition to any Colorado vacation. 

Ages & Requirements

  1. Ages 18+
  • Must be in good health with a good knowledge of paddling skills!
  • You must have previous experience paddling at least class IV rapids

What's Included

  1. All on-river meals beginning with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day
  2. Round-trip shuttle to and from the river
  3. All rafting equipment & safety gear
  4. Camp chairs
  5. Experiences guides

Not Included

The following are not included in the trip cost. We offer rental equipment in case you don’t have camping gear, don’t want to bring yours, or just want to try out something new. See FAQ for full details on what to bring and what's available to rent.
  1. Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad)
  2. Personal clothing
  3. Wetsuits & booties
  4. Alcoholic beverages (see FAQ)
  • Gratuity
After you add your trip to your online cart here, you will be prompted to add Raft Trip Equipment Rentals. Choose your trip start date and time then choose your trip length.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Dvorak Expeditions

FAQs

When do Browns Canyon & The Numbers run?

Great question! Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations and more.

Is previous experience required?

Yes, this advanced trip is suitable for rafters with previous Class IV rafting experience. Beginners should consider alternative sections, such as the Browns Canyon Overnight.

Is there a minimum number of guests required?

Overnight trips require a minimum of 6 persons.

What should I pack for a multi-day rafitng trip on The Numbers + Browns Canyon?

Clothing

  • Hat for sun protection
  • Poly-pro or synthetic layers (top & bottoms)
  • Nylon/synthetic shorts or swimsuit – quick-drying
  • Nylon or synthetic shirt (Avoid cotton)
  • Short-sleeved shirt
  • Long-sleeved shirts (one light, one warm)
  • Warm jacket or windproof or fleece (water resistant)
  • Rain parka and pants (DVK can provide by arrangement)
  • Shorts
  • Long pants (one lightweight pair to block the sun, one fleece, synthetic or wool/warm pair for night)
  • Stocking cap or wool, fleece type beanie

Footwear

  • Watersport shoes/sandals with secure straps (Teva, Chaco, Keen style)
  • Wool or poly-pro socks in shoes or sandals for cold water (neoprene boots available to rent)
  • Camp shoes or lightweight hiking shoes (NO heavy boots)

Cold Weather Gear

  • Long john wetsuit and booties (cold months May, June, Sept or Class IV+ trips recommended; see form above for rental rates)

Sleep Gear

  • Tent – lightweight with fly-floor with a ground sheet (DVK rentals; 2-3 person)
  • Sleeping pad – inflatable backpack therm-a-rest or equivalent (DVK rents deluxe Paco Pads and Therma-rests)
  • Sleeping bag – 3-season, lightweight, compact, synthetic holo-fill (Down is not ideal for water sports)

Sun and Skin Protection

  • Sunglasses with retainer strap
  • Sunscreen and/or zinc
  • Lip balm with sunscreen

Personal Items

  • Personal toiletries
  • Insect repellant
  • Prescription medications
  • Retainer strap for prescription glasses
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Biodegradable soap & small camp towel

Optional Comfort Items & Extras

  • Camp chair (Example: Crazy Creek style compact only; DVK provides low river chairs for guests)
  • Waterproof camera or camera with waterproof case (not provided by DVK)
  • Binoculars (waterproof case recommended; Pelican boxes suggested)
  • Reading materials: good book, sketchbook, bird book, flora/fauna book (No electronic items)

Food & Drinks

  • Water bottle
  • Personal drinks (see below)

Can I bring alcohol for camp?

You're welcome to bring alcohol in cans and unbreakable containers on overnight trips for camp. A glass of wine is complimentary with dinners. Our guides can refuse to let you participate in a trip if your safety is at risk due to alcohol or drugs.

Though we carry ample supplies of juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate we encourage you to bring your own extra soda or beer. You can arrange for us to pick up specific beverages for you prior to the trip or bring your own before you meet us at the DVK base. Any liquids you bring must be in cans or unbreakable containers, such as plastic containers of liquor, canned beer, or wine coolers. No glass, please! 

Limited complimentary wine with dinners and some soft drinks will be provided, although if you prefer a certain soda or NO soft drinks, please let us know before your trip. You will have the option to add additoinal alcoholic beverages to your tab - contact the outfitter prior to departure to arrange.

Please note: Alcohol is for the evening at camp only, and will not be available during lunches.

What are the gear rental options?

No gear? No worries! We offer rental equipment in case you don’t have camping gear, don’t want to bring yours, or just want to try out something new.

  • Gear We Rent:
  • Tent – 2-3 person, lightweight with fly-floor with groundsheet
  • Sleeping pad – deluxe Paco Pads and Therma-rests
  • Sleeping bag – 3-season, lightweight, compact, synthetic bags
  • Long John Wetsuits
  • Neoprene Boots
  • Personal Floatation Device
  • Helmets

If you'd like to rent gear for your multi-day trip, reserve your rentals online here after you've reserved the rafting trip.

Want to purchase gear for your trip? You can also check out:

  • Northwest River Supplies for all your boating needs!
  • Clavey Equipment – Rafting & Boating Equipment

What are the meals like?

On overnight trips, all on-river meals are provided, beginning with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day. The food is fresh and hearty and the guides will prepare it for you.

Dinner: A typical dinner menu may include as a main course such as BBQ steak, baked fish, teriyaki chicken, or a combination of entrees. You can also expect fresh vegetables and salads, Dutch-oven desserts or breads, hors d'oeuvres, fresh fruits, fruit juices, coffee, tea and a complimentary glass of wine with dinner.

Lunch: All lunches are buffet style with a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, sliced meats, nuts and juices or sodas.

Breakfast: Breakfast typically includes fresh fruit juice, eggs in all styles, special pancakes, French toast, melons, fruit, cereals with milk, sausage, bacon, coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, we can easily accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions.

I'm celebrating a special occasion on the trip - can you do something special?

We love to plan special surprises for birthdays and anniversaries, so let us know before your trip who is having a special day and the occasion and we will help plan a terrific celebration.

Should I tip my guides?

Gratuities are not included in your trip cost. While tipping is done at your discretion, tipping is one of the gauges we use in terms of customer satisfaction. Your guides work hard to get you down the river safely and prepare amazing meals for you at camp, so gratuity is greatly appreciated. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.

Do I have to paddle?

Yes, this is a Class IV trip and all guests are expected to be active participants. 

Do I have to fill a raft?

Whether you come alone or bring 25 friends, we can accommodate you on a trip. We are limited to maximum group sizes on some rivers, but on many others there is no issue with a larger party.

What happens if there is an emergency on the river?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications.  DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What safety training do your guides receive?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Please call us for specific information about the local facilities for your river trip.  Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications.  DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What if the weather is bad?

Mother Nature is still in control out West, so please realize that we cannot control her weather patterns or the water flows. But we can recommend all things to make your trip a well-prepared and comfortable experience regardless of the changes that may occur. We reserve the right to change river sections, move to adjacent rivers, or postpone the trip if water levels, weather conditions, or circumstances arise beyond our control. The client's river skills and abilities can also determine whether a particular river or trip is substituted.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your reservation, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under stringent federal regulations, which restrict the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We incur substantial expenses before each trip departs. In the event of late cancellation, Dvorak Expeditions cannot recover costs, nor can we make refunds. *ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING or EMAIL.*

For Multi-Day Trips:
  1. An advance non-refundable deposit is required when making the reservation. The total is due 45 days prior to trip.
  2. When cancellation is made more than 45 days prior to departure, all monies are refunded LESS a $100 per person fee.
  3. If cancellation is made between 45 and 14 days prior to departure, the deposit paid is non-refundable.
  4. With less than 14 days’ notice, no money will be refunded. THIS INCLUDES ALL CREDIT CARD CHARGES.
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Availability

January 2025

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There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Reviews

Location

Address

17921 U.S. Hwy 285

Nathrop, CO, 81236

US

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