The Arkansas River flowing through the valley below Buena Vista is consistently rated among the best whitewater rivers in the United States. The stretch through Brown's Canyon, declared a National Monument in 2015, offers Class III and IV rapids accessible to intermediate paddlers, while the Numbers section upstream provides Class IV-V runs that attract serious whitewater enthusiasts.
Dozens of outfitters in and around Buena Vista offer half-day and full-day trips. Half-day runs through the Royal Gorge and Brown's Canyon are the most popular, typically running about three hours on the water. Full-day trips cover more ground and include a riverside lunch. Late spring through early summer offers the highest water and most exciting conditions; late summer runs are mellower but still excellent. Book in advance during summer weekends.