This Canon City rafting trip is known for the famous rapids of Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, The Narrows, and many more. Plus, you'll cut through "The Royal Gorge Arch" a thousand feet below the rim of the Gorge. Epic!
Check In 45 Minutes Before Your Tour
This Royal Gorge river rafting option departs from our exclusive riverside beach access at the entrance of the Royal Gorge. The half-day trip is 10 miles in length and is one of the best whitewater runs in the world! Class III/IV/V (3,4,5). Ages 13+ (16 at highwater)
Our Safety Promise
The safety of our guests and employees out on the water is our top priority. That's why EVERY trip is supported by a safety kayaker, watching your raft and ready to assist you in getting back into the raft and back into the action. Priceless!
Trip Photos
We are the only company to offer in house photo services. Our photographers are able to get many shots throughout the trip not limited to action shots in the rapids, but scenic and candid group photos as well to truly capture the substance and spirit of your adventure.
Check In 45 Minutes Before Your Tour
This trip combines the best of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon & the Royal Gorge. Run 10 miles of Class II,III,IV rapids (2,3,4), then relax and refuel with a delicious lunch prepared by your guides and kayakers on our private riverside beach. Our lunches are as much of a highlight as the whitewater!
After lunch, we drop into the heart of the Royal Gorge, running 10 miles of mostly continuous Class III/IV/V (3,4,5) whitewater rapids in one of the world's most beautiful and awe inspiring locations. This is an advanced trip; the minimum age is 13 years and 16+ in high water.
Our Safety Promise
The safety of our guests and employees out on the water is our top priority. That's why EVERY trip is supported by a safety kayaker, watching your raft and ready to assist you in getting back into the raft and back into the action. Priceless!
Trip Photos
We are the only company to offer in house photo services. Our photographers are able to get many shots throughout the trip not limited to action shots in the rapids, but scenic and candid group photos as well to truly capture the substance and spirit of your adventure.
Swimming ability
Swimming ability 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.
If you are pregnant, you will not be permitted to go rafting
Consider that you won’t always be pregnant, but the river will always be here. We do not think it is worth the chance of risking it, no matter how early you are in your pregnancy. We think moms are special – we know you agree and appreciate your cooperation!
No drugs or alcohol
For the safety of yourself and others we refuse service to anyone under the influence of Drugs/Alcohol prior to or during any activity with RGR and in turn you immediately forfeit a refund.
We recommend wearing:
The type of clothing you would wear to the beach such as:
Optional items to bring with you:
Pro Tip: Avoid rubbing sunscreen on your forehead. You will be wearing a helmet that will cover your head and sunscreen put on your forehead can run into your eyes creating an uncomfortable burn in your eyes.)
We provide:
What not to wear:
Temperatures
Earlier summer temperatures tend to be in the 70's to 80's with occasional and often refreshing rain showers and later summer months can reach into the high 90s and are typically drier months.
Trips run rain or shine
What's a little rain? You are going to get wet on our rafting trips anyway! In the rare occurrence that the weather becomes too extreme, we reserve the right to alter or cancel trips for your safety. In the event we change a trip due to water levels, the price of the trip remains the same as we will provide an extended trip on a comparable section of river.
Rafting seasons
Our trips run from early April to mid-September and we consider these months to be the best. Typically April and early May, water levels are lower and begin to rise into the middle of May.
Higher water
As the water gets higher in volume typically from late May through June and into July the water gets swifter and rapids become larger creating some of the best whitewater in the world.
Moderate water levels
In late July through August & September, the air temperatures rise, and the water slowly drops in volume usually ending its run off in the middle of September. All of these months provide an excellent opportunity to get into world class whitewater combined with some of the most amazing scenery seen on any river trip!
In the rare event that sections become un-runnable, we will switch the trip's location to a comparable section of whitewater.
We issue every guest a Type 5 U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD, Life Jacket). We also begin each trip with a thorough pre-trip safety orientation to inform you of some of the hazards that can be encountered on and off of the river.
Kayak support
On our Royal Gorge Rafting Trips we provide additional assistance for our guests in the form of kayak support as an important safety feature. We were the first company to offer this service on the Arkansas River and remain at the forefront of finding new ways to make your rafting trip a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Waiver
Any participant under the age of 18 years must have a Release Waiver signed by a parent. Fill out your WAIVER here, or we will email them to you, and they will be filed electronically upon completion. (No printing necessary)
We get it. Plans change and life happens. We offer a Standard and Worry Free Cancellation Plan to provide you the most flexibility in the event of having to cancel or reschedule your trip.
Standard Cancellation Plan
We require 10 days advanced notice for cancellations with a $15.00 per person cancellation fee. For groups of 12 or more, we require a 30 day notice.
View full Standard Cancellation policy.
Worry Free Cancellation Plan
You can cancel and reschedule your rafting trip with very few limitations if you opt into this plan for a 10% fee when making your reservation.
View full Worry Free Cancellation policy.
With your safety in mind, we reserve the right to alter trips at our discretion due to water levels or unpredictable events. In the event we change a trip due to water levels, the price of the trip remains the same as we will provide an extended trip on a comparable section of river.
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 addictive and an unforgettable experience! Statistically, there are more people injured en route to a rafting outfitters office than there are river rafting.
Royal Gorge Rafting offers free use of all river gear including wet-suits, booties and splash tops. Although not all companies offer free gear use, we feel as though it is an essential option for both your safety and comfort. Not only is the gear free, it is all top of the line!
Bighorn Sheep Canyon (easiest) If it is your first time rafting or you are experienced and you are not looking for the most challenging rapids we recommend our Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip which consists mostly of class III whitewater rapids.
Royal Gorge (more challenging) If you are an experienced rafter or it is your first time rafting, and you are looking for a more challenging, exciting, and demanding stretch of whitewater, we recommend you run the Royal Gorge. This is our most popular stretch of river with about 80% of our clientele and is our expertise!
Check out the Compare our raft trips page to get all the details.
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 kayak support and safety here.
Our trips run from early April to mid September and we consider these months to be the best. Typically April and early May water levels are lower and begin to rise into the middle of May.
Our guides aim to individualize each trip specific to the group to ensure you come away with a first rate experience. If you feel your guide has provided you with professional service, then a tip is a great way to express your appreciation.
Yes, we are required to charge both land use access fees and Colorado State parks fees as a rafting company within the state park known as the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area. All fees are added to the price of the trip and are not exempt. Taxes are levied on vacation rentals, retail sales items, photo purchases, or food items at our restaurant.
