For a wild time, set your sights on a Colorado Springs whitewater rafting trip along the Rocky Mountains. While there is plenty to see here, we’re all about things to do along the Arkansas River. Especially our favorite Colorado Springs rafting trips! Colorado’s old slogan was “fresh air and fond memories served daily”. That is exactly what we offer here at Arkansas River Tours.
Here are the 5 Best Colorado Springs Rafting Trips available to you, your friends and family.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting
- Royal Gorge Rafting
- Browns Canyon Rafting
- Cottonwood Canyon River Float Trip
- Multi-Day Premier Arkansas River Rafting Trip
1. Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting
River: Arkansas River
Water / Rapids: Class II – III rapids
Trip Length: Half-Day (3.5 hrs in total) and Full-Day (6+ hours in total )
Distance from Colorado Springs: This trip has two departure outposts that are both within ~1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Half-Day trips depart from both locations (Canon City or Cotopaxi). The Full-Day Big Horn Sheep Canyon rafting trip departs only from the Cotopaxi Outpost.
Rafting Trip Overview:
This ten-mile stretch is packed with eleven class II and III rapids that are sure to excite both the rookie and returning Colorado Springs rafting enthusiast. Finesse your way through 3 Rocks, punch through the waves of Spike Buck, and ride the bull through Last Chance. In between rapids, enjoy the beauty of the canyon landscape, view the diverse flora, and keep your eyes peeled for the fauna for which this stretch is named.
There are morning and afternoon trips leaving from both the Cotopaxi and Canon City office. This popular trip is accessible from the Springs or Salida. The minimum age requirement is 7 to 8 dependent on the water level.
2. Royal Gorge Rafting
River: Arkansas River
Water / Rapids: Class III – IV+ rapids
Trip Length: Half-Day (3.5 hrs in total) and Full-Day (6+ hours in total )
Distance from Colorado Springs: This trip departs from the Canon City outpost, which is ~1 hour from Colorado Springs.
Rafting Trip Overview:
How about running two back-to-back sections of some of the finest whitewater rafting Colorado Springs has to offer?
You will start your day in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, where you’ll raft rowdy rapids like 3 Rocks, Five Points, Spikebuck, and Sharkstooth. These class III rapids offer big splashes. It’s an opportunity to refine your techniques and teamwork in preparation for a mighty afternoon.
Before you sink your paddles into rafting the Royal Gorge, enjoy a riverside lunch. After you wipe the homemade cookie crumbs from your lips, hop back into the boat to rip through class IV and V rapids. Rapids like Sledgehammer, Wallslammer, Boateater, the Narrows, and the infamous Sunshine Falls are the thrills of the day. Make sure to look around in the few quiet moments between rapids as the scenery is just as intense as the steep drops and huge waves.
The towering cliffs, the Royal Gorge Bridge, and the relics of the water pipeline that served Canon City in the early 1900’s should not be missed! Royal Gorge white water rafting trips leave from our Canon City office, just an hour away from Colorado Springs. This Colorado Springs rafting trip is recommended for adventurers in good physical shape who are ready for continuous rapids and aggressive paddling. The minimum age requirement is 15 but dependent on the water level.
3. Browns Canyon River Rafting
River: Arkansas River
Water / Rapids: Class II – IV rapids
Trip Length: Full-Day (6+ hours in total )
Distance from Colorado Springs: This trip departs from the Cotopaxi outpost, which is ~1.5 hours from Colorado Springs.
Rafting Trip Overview:
The Full Day Browns Canyon River Rafting near Colorado Springs is certain to not disappoint! As the river bends away from Highway 285 and takes you into Colorado’s newest National Monument, you will find yourself in a wonderland of class III-IV rapids. From Canyon Doors to Seidel’s Suckhole, you’ll leave this canyon with a smile as big as the waves.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled between rapids, as you might catch sight of trout swimming the crystal clear river. Thrill-seekers of all levels will enjoy this full-day rafting experience. The Browns Canyon rafting trip includes a riverside lunch and leaves from our Cotopaxi office. Minimum age requirement is contingent on the water level.
4. Cottonwood Canyon River Float Trip
River: Arkansas River
Water / Rapids: Class II – III rapids
Trip Length:Quarter-Day (2 hours) and Half-Day (3.5 hours)
Distance from Colorado Springs: This trip departs from the Cotopaxi outpost, which is ~1.5 hours from Colorado Springs.
Rafting Trip Overview:
Our Cottonwood Canyon River Float Trip is a great choice for those who are looking for a beginner trip or to soak in the scenery while enjoying class II-III Colorado Springs rafting trip fun. This trip is great for young children at least 35 pounds to seniors and is an excellent Colorado Springs whitewater rafting family trip.
The Cottonwood stretch is conveniently located in the vicinity of our Cotopaxi office. From here, you can enjoy the towering Sangre de Cristo range, as well as the beautiful boulders and cliffs that line the canyon sides.
5. Multi-Day Premier Arkansas River Rafting Trip
River: Arkansas River
Water / Rapids: Class III – VI+ rapids
Trip Length: Two-Day or Three-Day options (4-5 hours on the water each day)
Distance from Colorado Springs: This trip departs from the Cotopaxi outpost, which is ~1.5 hours from Colorado Springs.
Rafting Trip Overview:
What better way to get acquainted with the Arkansas River than to raft three full days and experience three different sections of the river? Our three-day trips are customizable to accommodate beginner, intermediate, and advanced rafters. Perhaps you spend your first day rafting the Bighorn Sheep Canyon, the next day traveling through Browns Canyon, and finish off your three-day extravaganza with the Royal Gorge.
A multi-day rafting trip in Colorado is so much more than just white water fun, it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. It’s the chance to wakeup along the river, sip your coffee with a view or unwind around a campfire and take in the stars. An overnight rafting trip is a chance to totally disconnect from your routine while reconnecting with nature.
You will enjoy riverside meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our exclusive camping area is located along the river. Located below the towering red cliffs of our Cotopaxi office, where you can spot bighorn sheep across the river. Minimum age requirements are dependent on the trip itinerary and water level.
Why Should You Choose Arkansas River Tours for Your Colorado Springs Rafting Trip?
For Arkansas River Tour guides, every day is a new adventure. Our number one priority is safety and our main goal is FUN! We guarantee that every moment of your experience is an absolute pleasure. From our courteous office staff to our eccentric raft guides we’re all about customer satisfaction.
We offer a number of rafting trips near Colorado Springs and adventure packages in partnership with other local adventure activity providers. There is a trip for everyone at Arkansas River Tours. Come experience the best Colorado Springs whitewater rafting trips. Book your Colorado Springs trip online today!
If you’re in the middle of planning a trip to Colorado Springs, check out some of our recommended places to east and stay, and of course, ways to play with our Colorado Springs Area Guide!
Best Time To Go Rafting in Colorado Springs
Rafting season in Colorado kicks off in late spring/early summer and runs through late summer, with exact dates dependent on weather and snowpack in the mountains. This snow is what creates runoff and supplies our rivers. The more snowpack in a year, the higher the water levels will be. No matter when you decide to go rafting, you can always pick the thrill level that’s most comfortable for you and your group of paddlers!
Late May: Weather and runoff dependent. Less crowded with higher water levels.
June: Highest water levels due to peak snow runoff. Best for thrill seekers and more advanced rafters.
July: The most popular time to raft – book early!
August: Warmer water with more relaxing trips.
Early September: Weather and runoff dependent. Less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rafting in Colorado Springs
The Arkansas River is the most popular river for rafting in Colorado and even the most populaar in the United States! The Arkansas offers both family-friendly and high adventure experiences for rafters.
Those seeking the ultimate in world class whitewater may choose the scenic splendor of rafting the famous Royal Gorge. Those seeking a more mild and scenic float might choose to Cottonwood Canyon float. The most popular section for beginners and seasoned rafters though is the Bighorn Sheep Canyon— big splashes, scenic views, wild life and mellow sections can be found along this stretch of the Arkansas River.
