Browns Canyon
National Monument

Welcome to Browns Canyon National Monument 

Stretched between the communities of Buena Vista and Salida in Central Colorado, Browns Canyon National Monument covers more than 20,000 acres of rugged canyons with picturesque rock formations and backcountry forests of ponderosa, aspen and  piñon adjacent to the Gold Medal trout fishery and destination whitewater of the Arkansas River. Browns Canyon is open to hikers, horseback riders, and wildlife enthusiasts (look for the herds of bighorn sheep) in addition to rafters, kayakers, and anglers. The Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, home to some of the highest peaks in the state, or “14ers” as the locals call them, are within view across the Arkansas Valley.

Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction campgrounds, part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, (accessible off of Highway 285 and available by reservation) provide excellent Dark Sky viewing opportunities with fantastic reflections of the Milky Way over the Arkansas River on moonless summer nights. In addition to the designated campgrounds off Highway 285, there are dispersed campsites along Aspen Ridge Road (FS185), the eastern boundary of Browns Canyon National Monument. 

The 21,589-acre Browns Canyon National Monument was designated February 19, 2015. The Bureau of Land Management is the lead agency in the monument and jointly manages the monument with the U.S. Forest Service. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages river-based recreation on the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon as part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, which includes the most popular whitewater in North America and 102 miles of Gold Medal trout waters. Friends of Browns Canyon is the nonprofit organization that directly supports Browns Canyon National Monument. 

For centuries, the rugged granite cliffs, colorful rock outcroppings and stunning mountain vistas of Browns Canyon National Monument have attracted visitors from around the world. The area’s unusual geology and 3,000-foot range in elevation supports diverse plants and wildlife as well as a wealth of geological, ecological, riparian, cultural and historic resources.

Our Mission

Friends of Browns Canyon protects and preserves the natural and cultural resources of Browns Canyon National Monument through advocacy, education, and collaboration. We unite conservation voices, engage the public, and work with agencies to ensure responsible stewardship and lasting impact.