For a wild time, set your sights on Colorado Springs whitewater rafting 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 and your friends.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip
- Royal Gorge Rafting Trip
- Browns Canyon River Rafting Trip
- Cottonwood Canyon River Float Trip
- Multi-Day Premier Arkansas River Rafting Trip
1. Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip
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 River Rafting Trip
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 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 leaves 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 Trip
The Full Day Browns Canyon River Rafting near Colorado Springs is certain not to 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
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
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. Our Colorado multi-day rafting trips are more than just white water fun.
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 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 Colorado Springs rafting trips 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 rafting trip online today!
