Cañon City: Full-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour

For thrill-seekers, the Cañon City Full-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour is an exhilarating chance to tackle class 3, 4, and 5 rapids on the Arkansas River. At £230.10 per person, this 7.5-hour adventure includes a knowledgeable guide and all necessary safety gear. As rafters glide beneath the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, they’ll enjoy a riverside picnic lunch surrounded by the breathtaking canyon scenery. But the real excitement awaits those who dare to confront the river’s powerful currents.

Key Points

• The Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour is a 7.5-hour adventure that navigates class 3, 4, and 5 rapids under the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge.
• The tour includes a 10-mile rafting experience along the Arkansas River, with challenging rapids like Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer, and Sunshine Falls.
• Participants will enjoy a 45-minute riverside picnic lunch during the adventure, providing an opportunity to refuel and appreciate the stunning scenery.
• All necessary equipment, including helmet, life vest, wetsuit, and splash jacket, is provided, and a thorough safety briefing is conducted before the tour.
• The tour is recommended for individuals in good physical shape who can swim, and is not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or non-swimmers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour from Cañon City offers a thrilling full-day adventure through the dramatic Royal Gorge.

A thrilling full-day adventure through the dramatic Royal Gorge, courtesy of the Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour from Cañon City.

Priced at £230.10 per person, the tour lasts 7.5 hours and includes a live English-speaking guide.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Rafters will navigate class 3, 4, and 5 rapids, passing under the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge and enjoying a riverside picnic lunch.

While an exhilarating experience, the tour has safety requirements and isn’t suitable for all.

Whitewater Rafting Experience

Rafters on the Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour can expect an exhilarating journey through class 3, 4, and 5 rapids along the Arkansas River.

They’ll navigate challenging rapids like Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer, and Sunshine Falls as they pass under the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge. The narrow canyon walls plunge 65 feet per mile, creating a thrilling ride.

After 10 miles of rafting, guests will stop for a 45-minute riverside picnic lunch before continuing through the dramatic gorge.

The tour is recommended for those in good physical shape who can swim, as aggressive paddling is required throughout the adventure.

Passing Under the Royal Gorge Bridge

As rafters float beneath the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, they’re treated to a breathtaking perspective of this engineering marvel.

Towering 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River, the bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Rafters revel in the sheer scale of the bridge’s steel cables and red steel frame as they navigate the Class III-V rapids of the gorge.

This thrilling moment offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the bridge’s impressive design and the stunning natural scenery surrounding it. Passing under the Royal Gorge Bridge is a highlight of the whitewater rafting experience.

Riverside Picnic Lunch

After navigating 10 miles of thrilling whitewater, rafters enjoy a 45-minute riverside picnic lunch during the tour.

Rafters enjoy a 45-minute riverside picnic lunch after navigating 10 miles of thrilling whitewater during the tour.

The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and take in the stunning scenery of the Royal Gorge. The lunch menu typically includes:

1. Deli sandwiches

2. Fresh fruit and vegetables

3. Snacks and beverages

This midpoint stop allows guests to recharge before tackling the second half of the whitewater adventure.

The riverside setting creates a picturesque backdrop for a well-deserved break amidst the excitement of the rafting experience.

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Navigating Dramatic Gorges

While navigating the dramatic gorges, rafters plunge 65 feet per mile through the narrow canyon.

They encounter thrilling class 3, 4, and 5 rapids like Sledgehammer, Wall Slammer, and Sunshine Falls.

The towering canyon walls loom overhead as they pass under the famous Royal Gorge Bridge.

Paddling with precision is essential to navigate the powerful currents.

Adrenaline surges as they conquer each rapid, feeling the rush of whitewater splashing around them.

This exhilarating journey through the rugged gorges promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking an active outdoor experience.

Encountering Thrilling Rapids

Paddlers confront an exhilarating series of class 3, 4, and 5 rapids as they navigate the dramatic Royal Gorge.

The tour highlights three thrilling rapids:

1. Sledgehammer, a choppy, wave-filled rapid that crashes through the narrows.

2. Wall Slammer, a fast, turbulent rapid that sends rafters surging against rock walls.

3. Sunshine Falls, a technical rapid with a stormy series of drops and channels.

These heart-pounding experiences are sure to leave rafters with an unforgettable adrenaline rush as they conquer the powerful Arkansas River through the stunning canyon.

Safety Precautions and Equipment

To ensure the safety of participants, the tour provider supplies all necessary equipment and conducts a thorough safety briefing before the adventure begins.

Professional guides lead the tour and provide a helmet, life vest, wetsuit, and splash jacket to each rafter. Participants receive instructions on proper paddling techniques and safety precautions.

Professional guides equip participants with necessary safety gear and provide thorough instructions on paddling and safety before the whitewater adventure.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, non-swimmers, or those with low fitness levels. Proper attire is required – no sandals or flip-flops allowed.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase following the exhilarating whitewater experience.

Tour Logistics and Important Information

The tour begins at the supplier’s office located 1.5 miles west of Cañon City, where participants meet their professional guide.

The itinerary includes:

1. Starting with class III rapids to learn paddling techniques.

2. Stopping for a 45-minute riverside lunch after 10 miles of rafting.

3. Continuing with challenging rapids in the narrow canyon before returning to the meeting point.

Important information: The tour is recommended for rafters in good physical shape who can swim.

It requires aggressive paddling, and sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase.

Ask Away

Can I Reschedule My Rafting Trip if the Weather Is Bad?

Yes, you can reschedule your rafting trip if the weather is bad. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so you can easily rebook for another day.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water Bottle for the Tour?

No, you don’t need to bring your own water bottle. The tour provider supplies drinking water throughout the day. Just focus on enjoying the whitewater adventure without worrying about bringing extra gear.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. Customers can pay an additional fee to have a private guide and raft just for their group. This allows for a more personalized experience on the river.

Can I Bring a Gopro Camera to Film the Rafting Experience?

Yes, guests can bring a GoPro camera to film the rafting experience. However, the tour operator recommends securing the camera properly and being aware of the potential for splashing and rapid movements during the whitewater rafting.

How Many Other People Will Be in My Rafting Group?

The group size for the whitewater rafting tour typically ranges from 6 to 12 other people, though the exact number can vary. The tour operator aims to create an intimate and personalized experience for each group.

Final Words

The Cañon City Full-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the breathtaking Arkansas River. Priced at £230.10, the 7.5-hour journey includes a live guide, safety equipment, and a riverside picnic lunch. Guests will navigate class 3, 4, and 5 rapids, passing under the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge for an unforgettable experience amidst stunning canyon scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: