WHO CAN RAFT
THE ROYAL GORGE:
Travelers, on vacation in Colorado, from all over the world come to experience the beauty and challenge of this incredible natural wonder. Often called the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River, The Royal Gorge is a must do on any Colorado vacation.

The Royal Gorge offers an incredible combination of whitewater and scenery. This rafting trip is filled with big drops, wild rapids and excellent wildlife. The Royal Gorge is the most popular white water rafting trip near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Children at least 16 years old and 14 years mid season may participate in a Royal Gorge Rafting Trip. This requirement can fluctuate with water flows.

WHAT TO EXPECT RAFTING
THE ROYAL GORGE:
RIVERRUNNERS offers fully guided whitewater rafting trips daily through the Royal Gorge. Raft 1,053 feet below the world's highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge. The walls of the Royal Gorge Canyon are carved by the Arkansas River.

Outstanding rapids and world-class views make this the best rafting trip in Colorado and has been our most popular advanced trip for over thirty years.

This 20-mile stretch is rated at class IV-V and is an excellent full day of rafting. Previous experience is recommended but not required for this trip. Paddle Rafts are also recommended for this trip and hold five to seven paddlers plus a guide.

After meeting at our shop near Canon City we will take a short drive to Pinnacle Rock where we start the trip and our guides give a brief safety talk. The first part of the trip is through "Bighorn Sheep Canyon" where you will encounter big waves to cool you down and class III-IV rapids, like "Three Rocks" and "Spikebuck."

After ten miles of fun and excitement you will be ready for our homemade riverside lunch and ice-cold beverages on the beach at Parkdale.

After a relaxing lunch we will get back on the Arkansas River and get ready for the biggest rapids of the day!

Paddlers will have a little warm-up before entering the river corridor that creates class IV-V rapids like "Sunshine Falls", "Sledgehammer", and "Wall Slammer." Big waves and thrilling action great you at Sunshine Falls so paddle hard as you pass Photographer Rock, as this may be your best photo opportunity.

After a deep breath you will notice you are suddenly beneath massive red canyon walls over 1,000 feet straight above you! More large rapids await as you move downstream and after negotiating Wall Slammer rapid, look up briefly as you pass under the world's highest suspension bridge.

Throughout the day you will have opportunities to cliff-jump and swim in calm areas between rapids, and water fights between boats are always fun considering the 90-degree temperatures that are common in the summer. When the day is done you will have completed 20 miles and over twenty major rapids. We hope you will enjoy an ice-cold beverage of your choice at our river shop.

Choose the full day Royal Gorge rafting trip. This trip is about 6 hours round trip. You will challenge Bighorn Sheep Canyon in the morning, stop for a catered riverside lunch, then you will continue into the grand Canyon of the Royal Gorge. So the full day Royal Gorge is like two rafting trip for the price of one.

For the truly adventurous ask about the Royal Gorge Double Dip. You will run the Royal Gorge half day section twice with a catered lunch in between.

Enjoy the Royal Gorge a challenging, but fun, Class IV-V advanced whitewater rapids.

WHERE TO MEET FOR
THE ROYAL GORGE:
Your Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trip will depart from
RIVERRUNNERS Royal Gorge Rafting Center in Canon City, Colorado.

RIVERRUNNERS Royal Gorge Rafting Center location saves you time on your Colorado vacation. We are centrally located at the turn to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This will allow you to take in two Colorado activities in one day.

Please arrive 1 HR prior to your trip departure time to check in and get outfitted with your rafting gear.

RIVERRUNNERS Royal Gorge Rafting Center in Canon City, Colorado is located 8 miles west of the town of Canon City on US Hwy 50

DRIVE TIMES:
  DENVER 2.5 HRS
  COLORADO SPRINGS 1 HRS
  SKI RESORT TOWNS 2 HRS

WHEN CAN YOU RAFT
THE ROYAL GORGE:
RIVERRUNNERS offers Royal Gorge whitewater rating trips daily
MAY - SEPTEMBER

AVOID SATURDAYS: If you have a flexible schedule please try to avoid white water rafting in Colorado on Saturdays. Many Colorado locals enjoy whitewater rafting on the weekends and Saturdays tend to be very busy.

HIGH WATER is typically the second week of May through the second week of June. This is typically the best time to go whitewater rafting in Colorado. Our age requirements may fluctuate during this time. Safety is our main priority and will not be compromised. We reserve the right to refuse service and alter white water rafting trips at any time.

WHY:
RIVERRUNNERS is a licensed River Outfitter
by the State of Colorado # W-0397

RIVERRUNNERS has been teaching white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado since 1972.

RIVERRUNNERS is a large white water rafting company.
Because of this our rafting guides run each section of the river two and sometimes three times per day. Smaller companies may run once per week.

RIVERRUNNERS guides are some of the most skilled and highly trained whitewater professionals in the world. Our training exceeds state requirements.

RIVERRUNNERS white water professionals come back year after year to guide whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

RIVERRUNNERS convenient family friendly white water rafting locations on the Arkansas River will save you time during your family vacation

CONTACT: RIVERRUNNERS We will help you select the right whitewater rafting trip for you and your group.

Safety is our main priority and will not be compromised.

RIVERRUNNERS offer wetsuits, spray tops and booties to outfit you, and keep you warm, on your Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trip.

We want you to have a great time on your Bighorn Sheep Canyon white water rafting adventure. Proper white water rafting gear at each location is available at each location to keep you warm and happy. The weather in Colorado changes rapidly and often only rains for a very short time.