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Rafting in the Royal Gorge
On the Water • Shuttle Included • Locally OwnedDuration: 4 hours
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Features
On the Water
Shuttle Included
Locally Owned
Instant Book
$139 Adult
(Ages 18+)$139 Child
(Ages 14-17)Description
Royal Gorge Colorado Whitewater Rafting - Arkansas River
Royal Gorge Rafting is for those who want the most whitewater thrills. As the Arkansas River narrows to only 25-feet wide, this adventure-packed whitewater rafting trip winds its way through the 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge. Famous for its steep drops, huge waves, and continuous Class III to Class V whitewater, the spectacular scenery, and Royal Gorge’s famous rapids thrill even the most experienced whitewater rafting veterans. Minimum age varies with water levels, but generally age 14+ on the Royal Gorge Rafting tour.
Once you’re in the boat and heading down the Arkansas River, you will enjoy a short float where you can get to know your guide and practice your paddle strokes. Then the river narrows to only 25 feet wide and disappears into the 1100-foot deep gorge.
You and your crew will navigate this adventurous trip famous for its steep drops, huge waves, and action-packed rapids like Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer, and Boat Eater. Upon exiting the canyon, the water calms and you’ll find yourself arriving in Cañon City and heading back on a very short bus ride to Raft Masters. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs for your friends and family and view the action-packed photos taken of you and your group on the biggest rapid of your trip.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed trip full of surprises, the Half Day Royal Gorge is for you! As you raft under the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, you’ll be able to experience breathtaking views and the thrills of the most adventurous section of the Arkansas River.
Duration
Approximately 3.5 hours total, with 2.5 hours on the water.
This trip is available 7 days/week, with typical check-in times of 8:15 am and 12:45pm.
Location
Ages
This trip is typically available for ages 14 and up, but varies depending on water levels.
What's Included
Rafting Gear
Complimentary use of wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes. Helmets and life jackets are also required and provided.
Complimentary Lunch
A complimentary lunch (grilled hot dog or hamburger) is provided for trips departing Memorial Day weekend though Labor Day at our on-site cafe, which is open from daily from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. For morning trips, lunch is provided when you return to our headquarters, and for afternoon trips, lunch is provided in advance of your trip.
Lunch is not available before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day, as our cafe is not open. However, your guide will be happy to recommend their favorite places to eat in town!
Free Photos
Free photos are provided on all trips from Memorial Day weekend though Labor Day. Photos are not available before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. There will be a photographer at the river to get photos of your group once you are on the water. FREE digital downloads are available for guests after the trip.
Experienced Rafting Guides
Our top-notch guides know all about the historic and scenic Arkansas River like the backs of their paddles.
Transportation
Shuttle is provided from our headquarters to and from the river.
What to Bring
Please bring a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt. Synthetic sports material is best. Cotton is cold when wet and should be avoided.
We also recommend bringing sunglasses, a sunglasses retainer (e.g. Chums), sunscreen, lip balm, towel, and a dry change of clothes for after your trip. These are all available to purchase in the gift shop.
FAQs
When Do I Check In?
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.
How Many Guests Per Boat?
We typically fit 6-8 people per boat depending on water levels and trip selection.
Is Rafting Safe?
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.
How are Water Levels Measured?
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.
When is the Best Time to Go?
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.
Is Previous Experience Required to Raft the Royal Gorge Section?
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.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim?
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.
Is Transportation Provided To and From the River?
All transportation from our offices to and from the river is provided.
What if the Weather is Bad the Day of the Trip?
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.
Are Tips Expected?
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.
Can I Bring a Camera or Cell Phone on My Trip?
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.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Colorado Jeep Tours
Cancellation Policy
Payment in full is required at the time of the reservation. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the tour receive a refund of the amount paid, less a $20 Cancellation Fee per person. NO REFUNDS are given for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the tour. All trips depart as scheduled, regardless of weather. In the unlikely event that Colorado Jeep Tours cancels a tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded.
Colorado Jeep Tours maintains its jeeps and equipment to a high standard and we do our best to be prepared for unforeseen situations that may occur on tour. We reserve the right to alter tours based on weather, road conditions, time allowances, and the safety of our clients and staff. Smoking is strictly prohibited in our Jeeps and only in designated areas during the tour.
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Availability
September 2024
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