Browns Canyon National Monument: Colorado's Outdoor Playground
Explore Colorado's Browns Canyon National Monument: Rafting, hiking, history, and stunning scenery await in this outdoor paradise.
Browns Canyon National Monument, located in Chaffee County, Colorado, offers a diverse landscape of granite cliffs, the Arkansas River, and mountain vistas. Designated a national monument in 2015, it's a haven for whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, and exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the area.
A brief summary to Browns Canyon National Monument
- Salida, Colorado, 81201, US
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- The most popular time to visit is during the summer for whitewater rafting, but the fall offers stunning views of the changing aspen trees.
- Access to Browns Canyon is via unpaved roads, so be prepared for potentially rough driving conditions.
- There are no entrance fees for Browns Canyon National Monument, but using the Ruby Mountain or Hecla Junction Recreation Sites requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife pass.
- Bring your camera! The monument offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, landscape photography, and stargazing.
- Be sure to check for seasonal closures, especially on Forest Service roads, to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats.
Getting There
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Driving
The most popular land entrance to Browns Canyon National Monument is the Ruby Mountain Trailhead. From Salida, head north on US-285 N for approximately 16 miles. Turn right onto County Road 300 and follow it to the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site. Parking is free at the trailhead, but using the recreation site's facilities requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife pass, which can be purchased at the AHRA Visitor Center in Salida or at self-serve kiosks at the recreation sites. Daily passes cost around $9.
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Public Transport
While there isn't direct public transportation to Browns Canyon National Monument, Mountain Valley Transit (formerly Chaffee Shuttle) provides shared ride service in Salida and Buena Vista. You can arrange a ride to a closer location to the monument and then take a taxi or rideshare. A one-way fare on the Chaffee Shuttle is free, but donations are appreciated. Taxi services are available in Salida, and a short trip to the Ruby Mountain Trailhead would cost approximately $20-$30.
Discover more about Browns Canyon National Monument
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic Jailhouse
11.5 km
Explore the historic Jailhouse in Buena Vista, Colorado - a captivating glimpse into the past and a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours - The #1 Rated Walking Tour Company in Colorado!
22.1 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Salida, Colorado, with Steve's Original Walking Tours - your gateway to the heart of the Rockies.
Smokestack
22.5 km
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Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center
23.8 km
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Salida Public Works
23.9 km
Discover the backbone of Salida's community at Salida Public Works, a unique glimpse into local infrastructure and services.
Thonhoff Park
24.6 km
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Salida Steam Plant Theater
24.6 km
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Manhattan Hotel Salida
24.7 km
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Boathouse Cantina
24.7 km
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The Biker & The Baker
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228 F St Bridge
24.7 km
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Bunny and Clyde's Corner Cafe and Market
24.7 km
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Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden
24.8 km
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Howl Mercantile & Coffee
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Las Camelinas
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Unmissable attractions to see
Monumental Expeditions Rafting
1.7 km
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Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
2.8 km
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Collegiate Peaks Overlook
7.4 km
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American Adventure Expeditions - Whitewater Rafting
7.6 km
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The Adventure Company
7.6 km
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Wilderness Aware Rafting
7.6 km
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Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions
8.5 km
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
8.7 km
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Performance Tours Rafting
9.8 km
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Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area
18.6 km
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Cottonwood Lake
19.1 km
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Cottonwood Lake Campground
19.8 km
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Sands Lake SWA
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Tenderfoot Hill
24.4 km
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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
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Essential places to dine
Golf Cabin Bar & Grill
24.2 km
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High Side! Bar & Grill
24.6 km
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Pizza Rio
24.7 km
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Sweetie's Sandwich Shop
24.7 km
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216 Ferraro's
24.7 km
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Sprockets
24.7 km
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Mo Burrito
24.8 km
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Sushi Thai Salida
24.8 km
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El Zarape Taqueria
24.8 km
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Tony's Waffles & Coffee
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Shisha City Salida
25.6 km
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PEPE’S KITCHEN
25.7 km
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Yunza Peruvian cuisine
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Dos AA's FoodTrailer
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Sonic Drive-In
25.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jentle & Zion's Treasure
24.0 km
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Salida Vibes
24.7 km
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True Vintage Finds & Homegoods
24.8 km
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Adventure Outpost by Howl
24.8 km
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Copper Kettle Apothecary
24.8 km
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MOONY GOODS
24.8 km
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Eye Candy Art and Treasure
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Ruby Blues
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Fierce and Foxxy Clothing
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Drift & Amble
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Yolo Clothing
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Riveting Experience Jewelry
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Salida Books
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Oveja Negra Downtown Retail
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Four Winds Gallery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Office Bar
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The Velveteen
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Affinity Salon
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Pastime Saloon
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Scarlet Tavern
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Before & After, Coffee & Cocktails
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The Manhattan Bar
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White Water Bar & Grill
70.6 km
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I Bar Ranch
76.5 km
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Alamo Saloon
78.2 km
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1880 Tapas & Spirits
78.2 km
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Crested Bucha
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El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant
78.3 km
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Ol' Miner Steakhouse
78.3 km
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High Alpine Brewing Company
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