Royal Gorge Rafting Center the best place for Rafting near Denver, Colorado

River Rafting 2.5 HRS from Denver, Colorado

The Royal Gorge Rafting Center is the best place for whitewater rafting near Denver, Colorado.
Select a Royal Gorge Rafting Trip and raft under the highest suspension bridge in the world. Adventurous families enjoy rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River.

Denver, Colorado provides an excellent urban base camp for any Colorado vacation. You can enjoy a variety of summer activities in Denver ranging from outdoor concerts and festivals, to professional sporting events and theme parks. Eventually though you might want to escape to the mountains for a unique Colorado experience, and whitewater rafting should be right at the top of the list. Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River, the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort is an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver. Enjoy our private beach and launch site for Browns Canyon, picnic areas, group camping on the river, sand volleyball, horse shoes and our Riverside Bar & Grill. Group campsites are available for $50 per night and can accommodate up to 25 people (includes use of hot showers and restrooms). Also check out our Royal Gorge Rafting Center near Canon City.

Denver day trips

Rafting from Denver with River Runners can be done in one day – simply drive 2.5 hours to one of our two rafting locations, take one of our three-hour rafting adventures, and drive 2.5 hours back to your home base in Denver.

Denver overnight getaways

An even better option is to drive from Denver and stay a few nights. Relax riverside by camping at our Riverside Rafting Resort or in a secluded campsite on one of our overnight rafting trips. You can also just relax at our property during the day and book a hotel room or cabin to spend the night.

You can book one hour, half day, full day and overnight whitewater rafting adventures out of our two Colorado rafting locations.

PERFECT FAMILY WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP NEAR DENVER, COLORADO

Departs daily from Buena Vista, Colorado located 2.5 hours from Denver

Hot Springs & Cool Rafting packages still available

Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River is the most popular whitewater rafting trip near Denver Colorado. Whitewater rafting trips depart daily May – August from River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort – Soak in Mt. Princeton hot springs after your white water rafting trip

This fun intermediate level river rafting trip has splashy class III white water rapids and incredible Colorado scenery. We make rafting convenient! Walk to your raft right from River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort! Browns Canyon white water rafting trips depart from this private riverside beach on the Arkansas River. Explore Buena Vista, Colorado on your Denver vacation. This white water rafting trip is exciting and educational.

View Browns Canyon Rafting Trip

KIDS LOVE THIS SCENIC RAFTING TRIP

1 Hour family float raft trip on the Arkansas River

Explore Colorado with your kids on your Denver, Colorado vacation.

This river rafting trip has awesome mountain views and you may see incredible Colorado wildlife along the Arkansas River.

View Family Float Rafting Trip

A TECHNICAL AND CHALLENGING ARKANSAS RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE

The Numbers rafting trip is true Colorado Whitewater!

Raft the Numbers if you can, you will not be disappointed!

Incredible Colorado river rafting at it’s finest! Challenging class 5 white water rapids. Raf through big holes and incredible drops. Paddle hard and listen to your Colroado state certified river guide.

View Numbers Rafting Trip

THE WILDEST RAPIDS ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER

Pine Creek/Numbers Full Day

Try this extreme White water Rafting trip in Colorado 

Raft Pine Creek rapid a true class IV rapid on the Arkansas River then raft through the wild rapids of the Numbers. This class 5 rafting trip is typically available in mid June. The Arkansas River flows must be less than 1,200 CFS.

View Pine Creek Rafting Trip

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is just 2.5 hours from Denver, Colorado

Did you know that you can go Colorado river rafting near Denver?

Colorado whitewater rafting trips depart daily on the Arkansas River May 1 through Labor Day from the River Runners Riverside Rafting Resort and/or the Royal Gorge Rafting Center, both an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado.

The Arkansas River is the most popular whitewater rafting river in Colorado. It typically runs longer than any other river in the state and offers more than 100 miles of whitewater that ranges from family appropriate class I-II to adventurous class V and everything in between.

There are other whitewater rafting rivers that are closer to Denver, but the Arkansas River is well worth the extra drive. River Runners has two rafting locations in Colorado - our Riverside Rafting Resort, six miles south of Buena Vista; and our Royal Gorge Rafting Center eight miles west of Canon City. Both locations are conveniently located near the most popular put-ins and take-outs on the Arkansas River – this saves you time with shuttling. Whether you are looking for an intermediate class III rafting trip through a secluded canyon or an adventurous class IV-V trip through one of the most famous gorges in the world, we have the Colorado whitewater rafting adventure that will please nearly all ages and abilities.

In addition to whitewater rafting, both of our locations are near a plethora of outdoor activities. Horseback riding, trail hiking, zip-lining, mountain biking, jeep touring, and mountain climbing are just a few of the recreational opportunities you can enjoy in each area.

The most scenic float trip near Denver, Colorado

River rafting for families with children at least 35 LBS.

Family whitewater rafting near Denver, Colorado

Kids and grown ups enjoy stopping at the half way point to explore the river bank or swim in the River. Your state certified rafting guide will help provide a fun and safe experience for your family.

Most young families choose to have their guide row them down the river while they hold on and enjoy the ride, but you can also choose to paddle and have your guide steer and call commands from the back of the boat, which would better prepare you for the next level.

If your children are at least six years old and 50 pounds then you should consider a Browns Canyon or Bighorn Sheep Canyon whitewater rafting trip.

• Children must be at least 35 pounds.
• Paddles and PFDs included.
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available to rent.
• Professional photographers shoot every trip.
• All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form upon arrival and prior to trip departure.
• This trip departs from our Riverside Rafting Resort, an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado.
• Please arrive one hour before your trip.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Denver rafting for families

A half day whitewater rafting trip through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a great first-time rafting adventure for families visiting Denver who don’t have time for the full day (only three hours round trip).  Select a half day Colorado river rafting trip through Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River and experience what whitewater rafting is all about. Big waves, amazing Colorado wildlife, and family outdoor fun is what you can experience on this classic Arkansas River whitewater rafting trip.

Being prepared for your Denver rafting trip

• Confirm meeting location – Be sure to confirm what River Runners location your trip leaves from.
• Check in one hour early – Check in with our friendly front office staff one hour prior to your trip time to sign waivers and suit up for your rafting trip.
• Dress appropriately - Polypro, fleece, wool, and other materials that are designed to dry quickly are good things to bring. Cotton is not recommended. Sandals with a heel strap or closed toed shoes that can drain are good footwear options. Neoprene wetsuits and booties, and nylon splash tops are available for rent at River Runners.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen – The Colorado sun is intense and you don’t want to spend your vacation in pain from too much it.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water and bring a bottle with you.
• Listen to your guide – Pay attention to the safety orientation and paddle talks at the beginning of the trip and follow instruction while exploring the river.
• Ensure proper fit of your safety equipment - Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets are provided. Be sure that a guide checks the fit and that all buckles are snapped while on the river.

Additional Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting information

• No experience necessary.
• Children must be six years old and at least 50 pounds (varies depending on water level).
• Helmets, paddles and PFDs included.
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available to rent.
• Professional photographers shoot every trip.
• All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form upon arrival and prior to trip departure.
• This trip departs from the River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center, an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado.
• Please arrive one hour before your trip.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Canon City, Colorado

A Denver Colorado whitewater rafting classic

Whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge with River Runners is Colorado whitewater rafting at its finest. Big rapids, grand geologic features, intriguing human history and famous engineering make the Royal Gorge one of Denver’s favorite rafting destinations.  Select a half day Colorado river rafting trip through the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River and experience what whitewater rafting is all about.  All River Runners half day Colorado river rafting trips take about three hours round trip and launch several times a day throughout the season.

Being prepared for your Denver rafting trip

• Confirm meeting location – Be sure to confirm what River Runners location your trip leaves from.
• Check in one hour early – Check in with our friendly front office staff one hour prior to your trip time to sign waivers and suit up for your rafting trip.
• Dress appropriately - Polypro, fleece, wool, and other materials that are designed to dry quickly are good things to bring. Cotton is not recommended. Sandals with a heel strap or closed toed shoes that can drain are good footwear options. Neoprene wetsuits and booties, and nylon splash tops are available for rent at River Runners.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen – The Colorado sun is intense and you don’t want to spend your vacation in pain from too much it.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water and bring a bottle with you.
• Listen to your guide – Pay attention to the safety orientation and paddle talks at the beginning of the trip and follow instruction while exploring the river.
• Ensure proper fit of your safety equipment - Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets are provided. Be sure that a guide checks the fit and that all buckles are snapped while on the river.

Additional Royal Gorge rafting information

• Participants must be 14 or 16 years old (depending on water level), be able to swim and be in good physical condition.
• Helmets, paddles and PFDs included.
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available to rent.
• Professional photographers shoot every trip.
• All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form upon arrival and prior to trip departure.
• This trip departs from the River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center, an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado.
• Please arrive one hour before your trip.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Canon City, Colorado

A Colorado classic times two

Select a double dip Colorado river rafting trip through the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River and experience big rapids, grand geologic features and intriguing human history twice in one day.  All River Runners double dip river rafting trips take about six hours round trip and include a catered riverside lunch.

Being prepared for your Denver rafting trip

• Confirm meeting location – Be sure to confirm what River Runners location your trip leaves from.
• Check in one hour early – Check in with our friendly front office staff one hour prior to your trip time to sign waivers and suit up for your rafting trip.
• Dress appropriately - Polypro, fleece, wool, and other materials that are designed to dry quickly are good things to bring. Cotton is not recommended. Sandals with a heel strap or closed toed shoes that can drain are good footwear options. Neoprene wetsuits and booties, and nylon splash tops are available for rent at River Runners.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen – The Colorado sun is intense and you don’t want to spend your vacation in pain from too much it.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water and bring a bottle with you.
• Listen to your guide – Pay attention to the safety orientation and paddle talks at the beginning of the trip and follow instruction while exploring the river.
• Ensure proper fit of your safety equipment - Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets are provided. Be sure that a guide checks the fit and that all buckles are snapped while on the river.

Additional rafting information

• Participants must be 14 or 16 years old (depending on water level), be able to swim and be in good physical condition.
• Helmets, paddles and PFDs included.
• Wetsuits, splash tops and booties are available to rent.
• Professional photographers shoot every trip.
• All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form upon arrival and prior to trip departure.
• This trip departs from the River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center, an easy and scenic 2.5 hour drive from Denver, Colorado.
• Please arrive one hour before your trip.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Canon City, Colorado

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure |
Book Online: 1/2 Day Browns Canyon Rafting Trip | Book Online: Full Day Browns Canyon Rafting Trip

The Most Popular Whitewater Rafting Trip Near Denver, Colorado

A Full Day Browns Canyon is the perfect introductory whitewater rafting trip for families and first-time rafters staying in Denver. Our professional guides will provide instruction on paddling and navigation as you make your way through multiple class three rapids such as Canyon Doors, Pin Ball, Zoom Flume, Stair Case and more. While not paddling through rapids, enjoy the unique beauty of Browns Canyon. Our guides will share their knowledge of the history, wildlife and geology of the area while you take in views of granite cliffs, ponderosa pine and 14,000 foot peaks.

Browns Canyon Denver, Colorado family rafting adventure

Denver’s most popular rafting trip is Browns Canyon. Our Riverside Rafting Resort makes this rafting trip unique, because of our private beach and launch site. With River Runners there is no transportation to the Arkansas River – simply walk to your raft and go rafting. Half Day Browns Canyon rafting trips take three hours round trip and launch several times a day from May 1 through mid August.

View Larger Colorado Map:
River Runners Rafting Buena Vista, Colorado

Numbers whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River

| Rafting Video | Colorado Map | Download Brochure |
Book Online: 1/2 Day Numbers | Book Online: Full Day Numbers | Book Online: Numbers Double Dip

Colorado whitewater rafting near Denver

If you are looking for a non-stop, adrenaline-pumping Colorado whitewater experience – The Numbers is the trip for you. Famous for being the most continuous whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River, The Numbers section cascades through a high alpine valley with multiple class IV –V rapids.

Our professional staff is fully trained and will guide you through some of the most demanding commercially run whitewater in Colorado. A hardy and well-deserved riverside lunch is included on all of our full day experiences.