Rafting the Royal Gorge
Whitewater Rafting through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River”
Rafting the Royal Gorge offers a thrilling Colorado whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River that is sure to excite anyone from experienced rafters to adventurous and fit first-timers.
One of the quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting trips, the 1100-foot walls of the Royal Gorge will astound you almost as much as the paddling. Lose yourself in the continuous III-V rapids found on the Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trip. Often called the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge will leave you breathless, not only by its scenery but by its amazing whitewater. Rafting in the Royal Gorge is action packed with its steep drops, huge waves and challenging rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Grateful Dead, Boat Eater and Wall Slammer!
Go big or go home!
- Half or Full day Advanced Class III-V
- Meets at our Canon City Outpost: Map It
- Trip Duration: Half day- 2.5 hours on the river. Full Day – 5 to 6 hours on the river.
- Approximately 10 miles of river on half day and 20 miles on the full day!
- Departure times: Half day- 12:15 pm, Full day- 9:15 am
- Minimum requirements: at least 16 years old
- Must be in good physical condition
- Life jackets and helmets are provided
- Wetsuits and splash jackets are available for an extra fee
- Close to Colorado Springs
- Awesome scenery!
Check out one of Colorado’s most popular attractions in a different way: from a raft! Afraid of heights? No worries, you can admire the Royal Gorge Bridge – the world’s highest suspension bridge – from below as you travel through Colorado’s deepest canyon. Construction on the bridge began in June 1929 and was completed in November of the same year, costing a total of $350,000. To build a bridge like that today would cost over $20 million! With the granite canyon walls towering 1,100 feet above you, this will truly become a trip of a lifetime!
Book or Quote: Royal Gorge full day rafting trip
Book or Quote: Royal Gorge half day rafting trip
Watch Video: Royal Gorge Rafting
The history of the Royal Gorge is just as interesting as the bridge itself. Early Native Americans wintered and followed buffalo herds around the area, but it wasn’t until the late 1600s and early 1700s when fur traders and trappers visited. In the early 1800s, Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike set up camp and sent out an exploring team. A few years later in 1877, silver was discovered and a war between the Santa Fe and the Rio Grande railroads companies broke out. After a long court battle, dynamite, gun shots and over 100 man posses, the Rio Grande railroad won and construction started on a system to bring down the silver. Canon City and the Royal Gorge area provide many more stories like this one, making a visit here fun and educational! Just don’t tell the kids!
Looking for more to do? Canon City has something for everyone!
- Walk or drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge and see what you just rafted!
- Fly over the Canyon in an amazing Helicopter tour
- Dare to ride on the world’s scariest SkyCoaster!
- Travel in the world’s steepest Incline Railway
- Soar across the Canyon on the longest single span Aerial Tram
- Take a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Check out the historic turn-of-the-century architecture in the downtown area
- Enjoy the many shops and eateries!
- Visit the Dinosaur Depot!!
- And many other Colorado activities such as rock climbing, fishing, cycling, hiking and kayaking!
