Royal Gorge Adventures
Whitewater Rafting

CONQUER THE ARKANSAS RIVER

From family-friendly floats through Bighorn Sheep Canyon to the legendary Class III-V rapids of the Royal Gorge — find your perfect river adventure.

Book Your Trip

Safety First

Professional guides, top-tier equipment, and rigorous safety protocols on every trip.

Expert Guides

Decades of combined experience on the Arkansas River. Your safety and fun are their passion.

4.9★ Rated

Nearly 3,000 five-star reviews from adventurers just like you.

CHOOSE YOUR TRIP

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

4.9(2851)

Family Friendly Rafting

Float through the stunning Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River. Class II-III rapids provide the perfect balance of excitement and scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the canyon walls above.

Half day (~3 hours on water)
Beginner to Intermediate
  • Class II-III rapids — great for beginners and families
  • Stunning canyon scenery with wildlife sightings
  • Professional guides with decades of experience
  • All equipment provided including wetsuits
$139/ Per person
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Royal Gorge

4.9(2851)

World-Class Whitewater Rafting

Conquer the legendary Royal Gorge — miles of Class III-V rapids through walls rising 1,000 feet on either side. This is the bucket-list rafting trip that puts Canon City on the map.

Half day (~3-4 hours on water)
Intermediate to Advanced
  • Class III-V rapids — thrilling advanced whitewater
  • Towering 1,000-foot canyon walls
  • Views of the Royal Gorge Bridge from the river
  • Professional guides and all equipment included
$149/ Per person
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WHAT TO EXPECT

Your river adventure in three easy steps.

Step 01

Check In

Arrive at our riverside base camp 30 minutes before your trip. Meet your guide, get fitted with a wetsuit and PFD, and get a safety briefing.

Step 02

Hit the River

Board your raft and paddle through stunning canyon scenery. Your guide handles navigation — you handle the fun.

Step 03

Celebrate

Return to base camp, relive the highlights, and grab lunch at Whitewater Bar & Grill right next door.

WHAT TO BRING

We handle the gear — you just show up ready for adventure.

WE PROVIDE

  • Wetsuit
  • PFD (life jacket)
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Splash jacket (cold days)
  • Professional river guide

YOU BRING

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Water shoes or sandals with straps
  • Sunglasses with retainer strap
  • Change of clothes for after
  • Sense of adventure
  • Camera (waterproof recommended)

COMMON QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know before hitting the river.

What's the minimum age for rafting?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is open to ages 6 and up — perfect for families. The Royal Gorge section requires riders to be at least 15 years old due to the Class III-V rapids.
Do I need experience to go rafting?
Not at all. Our guides handle the technical paddling. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is great for first-timers. The Royal Gorge is better for those who are comfortable in the water and ready for bigger rapids.
What if I fall out of the raft?
It happens! Your PFD keeps you floating, and our guides are trained in swift-water rescue. We cover what to do in the safety briefing before every trip.
What should I wear?
A swimsuit or quick-dry clothes under the wetsuit we provide. Avoid cotton. Bring water shoes or sandals with straps — no flip-flops.
How long is the trip?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is about 3 hours on the water (half day total). The Royal Gorge is 3-4 hours on the water. Plan about 4-5 hours total including check-in and shuttle.
Is rafting safe?
Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport with inherent risks, but safety is our top priority. All guides are certified, carry rescue equipment, and complete extensive training. We've been running these rivers for over 20 years.