The 15 best things to do in Buena Vista (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Half Day Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure

   Outty Ranking87

   Browns Canyon rafting trips contain the perfect combination of Colorado scenery and adventure and are great for the whole family. If you are considering Rafting in Colorado, Browns Canyon is a must. This section is fille. Exceptional at 87/100, 5.0/5 from 989 traveler reviews, 3h from $100, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Brown's Canyon Half Day

   Outty Ranking85

   Colorado's most popular whitewater rafting trip. Exciting moderate level whitewater through Brown's Canyon National Monument. Spectacular scenery and lots of thrills and memories for a lifetime. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 1,127 traveler reviews, 3h from $117, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Browns Canyon National Monument Whitewater Rafting

   Outty Ranking82

   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 Canyo. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 264 traveler reviews, 4h from $95, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Browns Canyon Intermediate Rafting Trip Half Day

   Outty Ranking82

   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 opportunit. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 508 traveler reviews, 3h from $145, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Full Day Intermediate Rafting Trip in Browns Canyon

   Outty Ranking80

   Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River is our most popular trip! This in an intermediate trip but also not too scary for first-timers. The unique combination of lots of exciting whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, great. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 5.0/5 from 169 traveler reviews, 6.8h from $209, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Brown's Canyon Full Day Rafting

   Outty Ranking80

   Colorado's most popular whitewater rafting trip trough Brown's Canyon National Monument. Enjoy spectacular scenery and thrilling whitewater on this professionally guided river trip. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 5.0/5 from 198 traveler reviews, 6.5h from $172, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Lost Canyon Zipline Tour

   Outty Ranking79

   The Lost Canyon Zipline Tour is a true Colorado eco-adventure. Not only will you experience heart-pounding, leg-shaking thrills as you soar across ancient canyons, but you’ll learn about the history, flora, and fauna of. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 543 traveler reviews, 2h from $116, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Browns Canyon Rafting Half Day Trip

   Outty Ranking79

   Whitewater raft through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River in Colorado! This section is perfect for beginner and experienced boaters alike, ages 6 and up. Bring the whole family and experience over 12. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 357 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $130, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Browns Canyon Rafting Full Day

   Outty Ranking77

   Bring the whole family out for a fun and exciting day on the river, great for ages 6 and up! Whitewater raft through Browns Canyon National Monument. This is not just a float trip, you will paddle through over 12 class I. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 5.0/5 from 116 traveler reviews, 6h from $185, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Rent an E-Bike and experience a fun, new way to explore Buena Vista, CO!

    Outty Ranking74

    Fat tire E-Bikes(electric bicycles) are an awesome way to have fun exploring the Buena Vista, CO area. They level the playing field for all in your group and help to overcome the altitude and wind issues in this area. BV. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 46 traveler reviews, 3h from $79, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Salida Ghost Tour - Steve's Original Since 2018

    Outty Ranking74

    Steve's Original Salida Ghost Tour is the ghost tour locals recommend and visitors consistently rate among Colorado's best. Founded in 2018 by local historian and author Steve Chapman, the tour combines original histor. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 4.8/5 from 122 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $42, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Browns Canyon Half-Day Rafting plus Mountaintop Zipline from Buena Vista

    Outty Ranking73

    Why not make the most of your trip and enjoy a package day to excite the senses! Why just enjoy whitewater rafting when you can add on an exciting zipline tour in one of the most beautiful, scenic places imaginable. On t. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 5.0/5 from 42 traveler reviews, 8h from $205, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Numbers Extreme Whitewater Rafting

    Outty Ranking72

    Extreme Colorado white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista is for experienced rafters or adventurous beginners in good physical condition. The Numbers sections offers some of the most technical white water. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.8/5 from 49 traveler reviews, 6h from $110, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Browns Canyon Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Tour from Buena Vista

    Outty Ranking71

    Raft the nation's favorite stretch of river, 10 miles through Browns Canyon Arkansas River. Together with the rest of the crew in your boat, you will work to negotiate the intermediate (family-level) rapids of the classi. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.9/5 from 46 traveler reviews, 4h from $110, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Canyon Challenge Course

    Outty Ranking71

    Prior to entering the Canyon Challenge Course, guests are fitted with gear, given a safety briefing and instructions, and then off they go! Guests begin on easy courses and graduate to more challenging routes. Once a cou. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 5.0/5 from 24 traveler reviews, 3h from $84, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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