Explore Trips
Skip Vegas and the same old night at the bar. Give the bride or groom a Rocky Mountain send-off they will actually remember: a day of whitewater, canyon scenery, and real bonding with the crew. Arkansas River Tours has guided Colorado’s most popular rafting river since 1973, and we make planning the whole party easy.
Planning a mountain bachelor or bachelorette party near Colorado Springs? You are closer to the river than you think. Make it a day trip from the Springs or turn it into a full mountain weekend. Either way, we will point your group to the base and trip that fit best.
We match your trip to your group’s energy and experience. Tell us the vibe and we will steer you to the right water.
🌊 Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class II to III). The easygoing favorite. Splashy rapids, calm stretches to relax, and frequent bighorn sheep sightings. Best for mixed groups and first timers.
🌊 Royal Gorge (Class IV to V). Our biggest thrill, plunging beneath canyon walls more than a thousand feet tall and the highest suspension bridge in America. Best for the adventurous crew chasing a rush.
Multi-day trips with camping. Combine full days through Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Royal Gorge with riverside camping in Cotopaxi. Best for a weekend the group will never forget.
Whether you want a half day of splashy fun, a full day of serious whitewater, or a multi-day mountain weekend, we handle the details and make planning easy. Tell us about your group and we will help you send off the bride or groom in style.
How far is it from Colorado Springs? Our Cañon City base is about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, and our Cotopaxi base is about 90 minutes. Both make an easy day trip or a quick drive to start a mountain weekend.
How big of a group can you accommodate? We host everything from a handful of close friends to large parties spread across multiple rafts. For bigger groups, give us a call so we can line up the right number of boats and guides.
Do we need rafting experience? No experience is required on most trips. Our guides handle everything you need to know, and sections like Bighorn Sheep Canyon are a great fit for first timers.
What if some people are nervous about whitewater? That is exactly what our guides are good at. We can put your group on a milder section and keep nervous paddlers feeling supported the whole way down.
Can we drink alcohol on the trip? For safety, alcohol is not allowed on the river, but you can keep the celebration going back at base or around the campfire on overnight trips. Reach out and we will walk you through what is allowed so you can plan accordingly.
What should we bring and wear? Wear quick-dry clothes you do not mind getting wet and secure footwear, and bring sunscreen plus a towel and dry clothes for after. We provide all the rafting gear, so leave valuables in the car.
Can we add other activities to make a weekend of it? Yes. We can pair your rafting with one of our Colorado adventure packages. Our multi-day trips include riverside camping and guide-cooked meals.