BUENA VISTA RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Raft Browns Canyon, Grill by the River, Then Soak at Mt. Princeton
A full-day Buena Vista outing that pairs a Browns Canyon river run and Riverside BBQ with access to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs — this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and how the day flows.
Raft Browns Canyon, Grill by the River, Then Soak at Mt. Princeton.
Spend a Colorado day moving from action to ease: a guided rafting trip through the sculpted walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, a riverside burger BBQ, and a restorative soak at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. The itinerary stitches together whitewater, sunshine, and thermal pools for an unmistakably Rocky Mountain half‑to‑full day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Browns Canyon National Monument by raft
The heart of the day is rafting through Browns Canyon — scenery and splashes that define classic Colorado river travel and make for memorable photo lines along the canyon walls.
Riverside Beer Garden Burger BBQ
A riverside Burger BBQ in the operator’s Riverside Beer Garden provides a relaxed, social pause after the river — a chance to dry out and refuel before the hot springs.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs soak
The day ends with tickets to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort so you can sink into warm mineral pools and let river fatigue melt away in natural tubs.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing moves deliberately: arrive at the outpost, kit up in a complimentary wetsuit package, launch for a guided Browns Canyon run, pause riverside for a casual BBQ, then transition to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs for a soak — a rhythm of exertion and relaxation anchored in riverside settings and thermal relief.
THE LANDSCAPE
Browns Canyon National Monument by raft
The heart of the day is rafting through Browns Canyon — scenery and splashes that define classic Colorado river travel and make for memorable photo lines along the canyon walls.
THE MEAL
Riverside Beer Garden Burger BBQ
A riverside Burger BBQ in the operator’s Riverside Beer Garden provides a relaxed, social pause after the river — a chance to dry out and refuel before the hot springs.
THE RECOVERY
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs soak
The day ends with tickets to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort so you can sink into warm mineral pools and let river fatigue melt away in natural tubs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
For rafting: swimsuit, quick‑dry clothing (no cotton or denim), sunglasses, sunscreen, dry clothes and a towel for after the trip, and money for gratuities, photos, and souvenirs. For the hot springs: swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, dry clothes and a towel. The operator provides a free wetsuit package (2mm wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes).
A complimentary wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes) is included on all trips. Hot springs passes are provided and picked up at the Buena Vista Rafting Outpost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the trip depart and when should I arrive?
The trip departs at 9:00 am; check‑in is 45 minutes prior to departure.
How long will the outing take?
Allow up to 8 hours, though the exact time may vary depending on conditions.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes — the minimum age to participate is 7 years old.
Are wetsuits and river gear provided?
Yes — a free wetsuit package (2mm wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes) is included on all trips.
How do I access the hot springs portion of the trip?
The trip includes tickets to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort; hot springs passes are picked up at the Buena Vista Rafting Outpost.
What should I bring for the hot springs?
Bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, dry clothes and a towel, and money for any additional items.