The Royal Gorge is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Carved by the Arkansas River over millions of years, the canyon stretches more than 1,200 feet deep and is spanned by the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge. While visitors can admire the views from above, the very best way to experience the Gorge is through a guided tour.
Guides provide the gear, safety expertise, and insider knowledge so you can focus on the adventure, whether that’s rafting turbulent rapids, riding historic rails, or climbing the canyon walls.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top tours in the Royal Gorge — from river trips to rails, ziplines, helicopters, and cliffside climbs — to help you choose the adventure that’s right for you.
Rafting the Royal Gorge
Rafting is the crown jewel of Royal Gorge tours. Few experiences compare to paddling through Class IV–V rapids while the bridge towers overhead and sheer granite walls rise on both sides.
Arkansas River Tours offers several rafting options so you can match the trip to your skill level and group:
- Royal Gorge Rafting – High-adrenaline whitewater with technical Class IV–V rapids. Ages 14+. Best for thrill-seekers ready for a challenge.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting – Family-friendly Class II–III rapids with calm stretches for swimming and wildlife viewing. Ages 7+. Great for beginners and families with kids.
- Multi-Day Rafting – Combine whitewater adventure with riverside camping under the stars. Ideal for groups, adventurers with extra time, or those wanting a full-immersion trip.
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Trip Type
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Difficulty
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Age Range
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Duration
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Best For
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Royal Gorge Rafting
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Advanced
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14+
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Half or Full Day
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Thrill-seekers, experienced paddlers
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Bighorn Sheep Canyon
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Beginner–Intermediate
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7+
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Half or Full Day
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Families, first-timers
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Multi-Day Rafting
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Family-friendly to advanced
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Varies
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2+ Days
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Campers, group trips, adventurers
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River and Rail Package
Great for: Families and groups
Adventure Level: Beginner
Can’t decide between excitement and relaxation? The River & Rail Package gives you both.
- Morning: Paddle the Arkansas River with an expert rafting guide.
- Afternoon: Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in a glass-domed car, enjoying lunch while gazing up at the canyon walls.
This package is perfect for couples, multigenerational families, or anyone who wants the thrill of rafting with the comfort of a train ride.
Zip and Dip Package
Great for: Families and groups
Adventure Level: Beginner
Why stop at just one adventure when you can do two in a single day? Experience the Zip & Dip Package, which combines a zipline adventure by The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure and a rafting trip of your choice!
- Start the day with a half-day rafting trip.
- Then soar across the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zipline at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, one of the highest ziplines in North America.
It’s the ultimate “sky and river” combo, popular with groups looking to maximize their time in Cañon City.
Arkansas River Guided Fly Fishing Tours
Great for: Small groups and couples
Adventure Level: We take beginners to avid anglers over the age of 12!
Explore the Arkansas River by raft while fishing Gold Medal Waters filled with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Choose from float fishing, wade fishing, or an overnight trip!
- While it’s not a guarantee to catch fish, we typically see a lot of action!
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting while hitting the best fishing spots on the river.
Via Ferrata: Cliffside Climbing Adventure
The Via Ferrata is a guided climbing route along the canyon walls. Using fixed steel cables and iron rungs, participants clip in with harnesses and traverse the Gorge at heights that would be inaccessible otherwise.
- Guided experience: You’re clipped in and accompanied by professional guides.
- Accessible: Suitable for adventurous families (ages 10+) as well as adults.
- Perspective: Unlike rafting or the train, this gives you a hands-on, vertical experience of the Gorge.
Planning Your Royal Gorge Adventure
A little preparation makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable:
- Best Time to Visit:
- Rafting season runs May–August, with peak flows in June.
- The train and Via Ferrata operate year-round (weather permitting).
- Summer offers warm weather and long days, but spring and fall bring fewer crowds.
- Rafting season runs May–August, with peak flows in June.
- How to Get There:
- From Colorado Springs: ~1 hour drive.
- From Denver: ~2 hours.
- From Colorado Springs: ~1 hour drive.
- How Much Time to Budget:
- Half-day rafting trips: 3–4 hours.
- Combo packages: Full day.
- Helicopter or Via Ferrata tours: 1–3 hours.
- Half-day rafting trips: 3–4 hours.
- What to Bring:
- Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with straps.
- Closed-toe shoes for rafting and Via Ferrata.
- A change of clothes if rafting.
- Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with straps.
FAQs
Is Royal Gorge rafting good for beginners?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the recommended stretch for families and first-timers. The Royal Gorge is best for those comfortable with bigger rapids.
How long are most Royal Gorge tours?
Most guided tours range from 2–4 hours. Combo packages like River & Rail or Zip & Dip last a full day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Rafting trips, ziplines, and especially helicopter flights can sell out in peak summer months. Booking early guarantees your spot.
What’s the minimum age for tours?
- Rafting: 7+ for Bighorn Sheep Canyon, 14+ for Royal Gorge.
- Via Ferrata: Typically 10+.
- Train: All ages welcome.
Can I combine more than one tour in a day?
Absolutely. Packages are designed for that, and you can also add a helicopter flight to round out your adventure.
Plan Your Royal Gorge Adventure
From raging whitewater to scenic railroads, ziplines, helicopters, and cliffside climbs, the Royal Gorge offers a guided experience for every type of adventurer.
👉 Ready to book? Explore our Royal Gorge Rafting Trip or Family-Friendly Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting to start planning today.
Looking for unguided activities too? Don’t miss our Best Things to Do in the Royal Gorge guide.
