Book With Confidence
Royal Gorge rafting has several safety measures in place to help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience:
1. Professional Guides: Every raft is led by a highly trained guide who has completed extensive safety training and exceeds Colorado Parks and Wildlife requirements. The guides provide pre-trip safety briefings on equipment use, river hazards, and rescue procedures.
2. Safety Equipment: All participants must wear Coast Guard-approved Type V life jackets and helmets. Guides ensure proper fitting to maximize safety and comfort.
3. Pre-Trip Instructions: Guides explain how to handle situations like falling out of the raft, swimming to safety, and using throw bags for rescues. Guests are also taught proper bracing techniques to stay secure in the raft.
4. Safety Kayakers: Royal Gorge and High Water Bighorn trips include safety kayakers who assist in emergencies, providing an extra layer of protection on the river.
5. Trip Adjustments: Trips may be altered or canceled depending on water levels or weather conditions to prioritize participant safety.
6. Hydration and Sun Protection: Guests are advised to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as high altitudes and sun exposure can increase risks like dehydration or sunburn.
These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable rafting experience for all participants.
No, the majority of people who go rafting in Colorado are first time rafters. Prior to every trip, you are given a thorough river orientation to inform you of the possible hazards encountered white water rafting.
Before your trip, each guide will go over paddle instructions for you so you know exactly what needs to be done to maneuver your raft down river. It is natural to be apprehensive about whitewater rafting in Colorado but once you experience the thrill, it will become an addictive and unforgettable experience! Statistically, there are more people injured en route to a rafting outfitters office than there are river rafting.
Swimming is recommended but is not a necessary requirement. You should know that there is always a chance that a participant could fall out of their raft. For this reason, we ask that you inform us while making your reservation if you are a non-swimmer. During high water levels through the Royal Gorge it is recommended that you have swimming experience to be able to aid in your own rescue should you come out of your raft unexpectedly. Of course, you will be provided with a licensed professional guide who will inform you of trip safety, and life jacket and equipment.
You can read more about our rafting safety here.
No coupons needed! Get the best deals with our full day adventure packages.
You can find our package details here!
🎖️ We proudly offer a 10% military discount on your reservations as a thank-you for serving our country and upholding the values of democracy! It's crucial to support those who protect our freedoms and stand against any attempts to undermine our democratic principles. To receive the discount, use code MILITARY during checkout, or give us a call at 719-275-7238. You will need to show your ID when you arrive.
The discount applies to each individual who served and not the entire group.
Optional items to bring with you include:
Wear clothing that is similar for a day at the beach. Acceptable options include:
For White Water Rafting:
We strongly recommend you do not wear cotton clothing on your river trip (denim jeans, cotton t-shirts, hoodies, etc.). This is due to the fact that cotton becomes extremely heavy and loses its ability to keep you warm when wet.
Our Address Changes depending on the season. So check our Directions Page.
Here are some directions to help you find your way:
• From Colorado Springs: Take US-50 West towards Cañon City. The drive is approximately 45 minutes.
• From Pueblo: Take US-50 East towards Cañon City. The drive is about 45 minutes.
• From Denver: Take I-25 South to US-50 West towards Cañon City. The drive is roughly 2 hours.
Royal Gorge Rafting and Zipline Tours offers two cancellation options: the flexible Trip Assurance Cancellation Plan and the Standard Policy. Both consider exceptions for emergencies 🚑 with proper notice and documentation. The Worry Free Plan costs extra 💵 but gives you more peace of mind in case your plans change. 🕊🧠
Restrooms are not available while you are on the river. We recommend using the restroom facilities at our rafting base before your trip begins or at the beach before departure, although.
If you need to urinate during the trip and there are no developed bathrooms along the route, the standard practice—endorsed by river outfitters and environmental guidelines—is to urinate directly into the flowing river, not along the banks, to ensure proper dilution and protect the ecosystem.
For solid waste, all outfitters on the Arkansas River, including Royal Gorge Rafting, are required to carry on-river solid waste disposal systems. If you need to use these, please let your guide know—they are equipped to assist with these situations discreetly and hygienically.
On multi-day trips or at camp, portable toilets are set up for guests’ use, and hand sanitizing or handwashing stations are always available before meals and after restroom use for proper hygiene
