Family Rafting Adventure

Class III – IV Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Family rafting near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Why not mix adventure and wildlife together this summer with a whitewater adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Colorado Springs. It is well known that Bighorn Sheep Canyon, the canyon West of Canon City Colorado along US Highway 50, is home to a great population of Bighorn Sheep. Visitors to the area have spotted the four-legged rams and ewes on either side of the Arkansas River. Springtime is great viewing season for young Bighorn Sheep called Lambs. The baby Bighorns are often spotted high on ledges along the canyon walls, seemingly out of range for coyotes and other predators.

Rafting and wildlife near Colorado Springs

Some Colorado Springs visitors might think that viewing the wildlife of Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the adventure in itself. Which it can be, however what better way to view the amazing wildlife scenery of this canyon than by raft. A whitewater rafting adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is fun for the whole family. Children as young as 6 years old and 50LBS can experience whitewater rafting in this Intermediate Class III section on the Arkansas River. Rapids are fun and splashy and provide a great way to cool off during the hot summer months in Colorado.

Family adventures create family stories to share

Rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon near Colorado Springs, Colorado on the Arkansas River

And what’s even better is the fact that experiencing this wonderful intermediate level whitewater adventure is just short drive from any Colorado Springs destination. Families can come to the Royal Gorge Rafting Center, just west of Canon City and experience a Full or Half day whitewater adventure through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Full day trips encompass 5-6 hours, include a hearty riverside lunch and are strongly recommended for those seeking the best whitewater experience. Alternatively, half day adventures are 2-3 hours and incorporate great intermediate whitewater.

Is your family more adventurous?

Families with children at least 14 years old may raft through the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado. Families with older children at least 16 years old may challenge the class V rapids in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. These minimum ages depend on river levels.

Raft at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center

Raft at the Royal Gorge Rafting Center near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip Details

Your rafting trip will start and end in Canon City, Colorado

If you are driving from Colorado Springs, Colorado please allow 1 – 1.5 hours, it is approximately 55 miles to Canon City, Colorado.

• Advanced reservations for your Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip are recommended.
• Please meet at River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center 44641 US Highway 50, Canon City, Colorado 81212.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your trip time. This is to check in and be fitted with your rafting gear.
• Once you check in please allow 3 hours for your half day rafting trip and 6 hours for your full day rafting trip.
• Once you arrive transportation will be provided up the Arkansas River to the Bighorn Sheep Canyon put in.
• Professional photographers will take photographs of you while you are rafting the Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
• After your Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip enjoy a free slide show of your rafting photographs.