Rafting in the Bighorn Sheep Canyon

Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled trip time. Failure to arrive within 15 minutes of your check-in time may result in the cancellation of your trip.

We typically fit 6-8 people per boat depending on water levels and trip selection.

Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport. All participants should be aware that it does involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. Due to the unpredictable conditions such as water level and temperature, each trip is unique. No reputable outfitter should tell you that it is absolutely safe. Our guides are triple-trained compared to what the state of Colorado requires and are prepared to handle some of the most extreme situations. The purpose of our rigorous guide training course is to ensure the safety of our guests to the best of our ability.

Water is measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) passing a fixed point. A cubic foot is about 7½ gallons of water. On the Arkansas River, low water is <600 cfs, medium is 600 – 2000 cfs, and high is >2000 cfs. On Clear Creek, low is <300 cfs, medium 300 – 700 cfs, and high >700 cfs.

There is really no “best time” to go rafting. Our season runs from mid-March to late October. Each trip offers its own unique experience as water levels, air temperatures, and water temperatures fluctuate throughout the season. High water is typically late May to late June and offers some of the best adrenaline packed whitewater adventures. Keep in mind that above 3200 cfs on the Arkansas River, Colorado State Parks advises all commercial outfitters to not run the Royal Gorge section. We go by their advisement, as do all other outfitters. If the Royal Gorge section is closed, these trips will be moved to the last section of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. At the high-water levels, this section is comparable to the Royal Gorge at normal water levels with class 3 – 5 rapids.

No. Previous rafting experience is not required on any of our trips. However, it is important to consider the needs of your entire group before deciding which trip to take. This includes the ages of all the participants, physical condition, length of trip, and the type of raft (paddle, paddle-assist, or oar) you prefer.

You do not need to know how to swim in order to go rafting. Our guides are rigorously trained to take everyone down the river – from the first timer to the avid adventurer. It is important, however, that you are comfortable enough with the water that you are able to listen to and follow the instructions of your guide in any situation.

All transportation from our offices to and from the river is provided.

We raft rain or shine! With our FREE use of wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes, we do our best to keep you warm on the river so that you can “Experience the Thrill Without the Chill!” In the unlikely event conditions arise that make it necessary for us to cancel your trip, you will be given the option to reschedule for a different time or receive a full refund.

Tips are accepted and appreciated. Our guides are adequately compensated, but the difference between a good river trip and a great river trip is frequently the guide. If you are inclined to tip your guide, a good reference would be how you tip at a restaurant.

We do not recommend you bringing anything of value on your rafting trip. We rent Go-Pro cameras, or if you have your own we rent helmets with helmet mounts. We also offer professional digital photos of your raft trip. These digital photos are provided free of charge on all Arkansas River trips.

Great question! Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations, and more.