How we play on the river has changed drastically since the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Whitewater rafting excursions draw a whopping 20 million people per year with Colorado being one of the top states for whitewater sports fanatics.
A prime spot for whitewater sports in Colorado is the Royal Gorge, a growing area just eight miles from the edge of Cañon City, Colorado, which boasts a rafting and whitewater activities culture unmatched to other areas of the state.
Not only can locals and guests alike enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding, they can immerse themselves in less adrenaline invoking water activities like surfing, swimming, and tubing in Cañon City’s local whitewater park.
PREPARING FOR YOUR RAFT TRIP
If you’re opting for rafting trips in the Royal Gorge Region, choose from one of many rafting companies including Royal Gorge Raft Company, Raftmasters, Echo Canyon, Arkansas River Tours, Clear Creek Rafting, or River Runners.
Before booking, consider how extreme of a rafting trip you’d like to experience. For beginners, try an invigorating trip down Bighorn Sheep Canyon—perfect for families with kids and those who don’t want high waves. For thrill seekers or more advanced rafters, choose the Royal Gorge rafting experience, complete with higher waves and tighter curves.
Be mindful of your raft experience class type. Classes I through III are great for beginners and have lower wave levels that don’t toss you overboard. Classes from III to V experience higher waves at more intense cubic feet per second (CFS).
If you’re not sure which rafting adventure best suits you, contact your preferred rafting company directly before booking to get their insights.
KAYAKING, TUBING, AND SUP IN CAÑON CITY’S WHITEWATER PARK
Why spend your days at a swimming pool when a whitewater park is free and readily available? Once the runoff mellows out (about June or July), Centennial Park, Cañon City’s man-made whitewater park, fills with children of all ages for surfing, swimming, and tubing.
While there’s no place for people to rent kayaks or SUPs in Cañon City, if you’re equipped with a kayak or SUP for rougher tides, this aquatic playground is a perfect place to practice your rollovers. The wave further downstream towards the bridge is one of the best places for kayakers to ride the wave and practice their tricks.
As for paddleboarders, drop in just a hundred yards upstream and take a swift ride down the river and over the two massive waves. Just be mindful of any swimmers and surfers along the way and always wear your helmet and life vest.
Upstream from the main bridge is a large wave for people to boogie board or surf. Just paddle your way in and let the wave carry your excitement. Be sure to wear a helmet and life vest and always secure your board to your person.
If surfing and boogie boarding aren’t quite your thing, no worries. Hop in a tube for a lazy float down the river or take a plunge in the eddy for a quick spin in the rapid. Always be sure to wear a life jacket and keep your feet up to avoid catching on the rockbed below.
RECOMMENDED RAFTING COMPANIES
Arkansas River Tours
49311 W U.S. 50, Unit B, Cañon City, CO 81212
ArkansasRiverTours.com
Clear Creek Rafting Co.
44650 W U.S., Cañon City, CO 81212
719-275-4500
RaftRoyalGorge.com
Echo Canyon
45000 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
800-755-3246
RaftEcho.com
Raft Masters
2315 East Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
719-275-6645
RaftMasters.com
River Runners
44641 W U.S., Cañon City, CO 81212
719-275-2291
Whitewater.net
Royal Gorge Rafting
45045 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
719-275-7238
RoyalGorgeRafting.com
