Bighorn Rafting Trip

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 the refund.

We recommend wearing:

The type of clothing you would wear to the beach such as:

• Quick Drying Shorts
• Board Shorts
• Bathing Suit
• Secure footwear (No Crocs or flip-flops please)
• Synthetic or Polyester t-shirt

Optional items to bring with you:

• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (we recommend a retaining strap)
• Hat
• Light weight fleece jacket (if the forecast calls for colder weather)

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:

• We always provide our guests with FREE USE of wetsuits, river boots (booties) and splash jackets, and of course helmets. And it's all top of the line! These are always available and, when weather conditions warrant it, it's here for you.
• Although not all companies offer free gear use, we feel as though it is an essential option for both your safety and comfort
• We require helmets on all stretches of river although in areas your guide may let you take them off.

What not to wear:

• No Crocs or flip-flops, please! Secure footwear only.
• Don't wear cotton clothing on your river trip (denim jeans, cotton t-shirts, hoodies, etc.).
• Cotton becomes extremely heavy and loses its ability to keep you warm when wet.

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 runoff 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 upon 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.