Royal Gorge Half Day Rafting in Cañon City (Free Wetsuit Use)
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Arkansas River flows near Colorado Springs, outside Canon City, beneath 1,000 foot canyon walls. Dive into class III to V rapids through the heart of the magnificent Royal Gorge, soaked to the skin and grinning. If you’re looking for whitewater rafting you’ll never forget, the Royal Gorge 3-hour experience is sure to satisfy!
Available options
Royal Gorge Half Day
What's included
Free Wetsuit Gear Use
Transportation from our rafting office to and from the river
Professional guide
All taxes and fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Check in at the Echo Canyon office, and we'll walk you through the process of preparing for your rafting trip. Echo provides personal flotation devices (life jackets), helmets, professional guides on each raft, and transportation to and from the river access points.
What's not included
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
461 reviews
5★
447
4★
10
3★
0
2★
1
1★
3
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Guests should be in good physical condition and at least 14 to 18 years of age; water levels dictate the minimum age, with peak levels occurring typically in early June
Swimming ability is necessary
Dress appropriately for wet conditions. Swim suits, shorts or synthetic garments recommended. Always avoid cotton.
Secure footwear and sport sandals are ideal. Flip flops and slip-on sandals are not deemed appropriate footwear.
Wetsuit, splash jacket, and river shoes available onsite at no charge
A liability release form must be completed for each traveler prior to rafting. Any guest under the age of 18 MUST have our release form signed by a parent or legal guardian and submitted prior to joining us for any trip.
Expect a phone from Echo Canyon after reserving. We will collect your email address and so we can send you a link to complete your online liability release forms.
Meeting point
Check-in time is the same as the trip time you reserved. Please check-in at our retail store under the large Echo Canyon sign plainly visible from the parking area. We are just to the west of our restaurant - the 8 Mile Bar & Grill.
Important notes
We will contact you by phone after you place your reservation - we will collect your email at that time to send you the link to complete the online release form for each guest. We must receive completed online liability waivers prior to your arrival.
About Cañon City
Cañon City, nestled in the heart of Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Known as 'The City of Canvas,' it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Top Attractions
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
This iconic suspension bridge spans the Arkansas River, offering breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge. The park features hiking trails, a scenic gondola, and a visitor center.
Nature/Adventure
2-4 hours
$20-$30
Garden Park Fossil Area
This area is a significant fossil site with numerous dinosaur bones and tracks. It's a great place for paleontology enthusiasts and hikers.
Historical/Nature
Half day
Free
Cañon City Main Street Historic District
This charming district features beautifully preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Green Chile Stew
A hearty stew made with green chiles, potatoes, and meat, a staple of Southwestern cuisine.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Bison Burger
A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings like green chile.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rafting
Rock climbing
Scenic drives
Spa visits
Wine tasting
Museum visits
Historic site tours
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Cañon City for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm, and all attractions are open.
15-30°C
60-85°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cañon City is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when hiking alone
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Colorado Springs Airport • 50 miles
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Public bus service is available but limited. Check schedules in advance.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Cañon City
Mesa Village
Day trips
Colorado Springs
50 miles • Half day to full day
Colorado Springs offers a variety of attractions, including the Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.
Pueblo
40 miles • Half day to full day
Pueblo is known for its historic sites, museums, and the Arkansas Riverwalk.
Festivals
Royal Gorge Blues Fest • June
Cañon City Rodeo • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds
- Try local green chile dishes for an authentic taste of the region
- Check for guided tours at the Garden Park Fossil Area for a deeper understanding of the fossils
- Pack layers for variable weather conditions, especially in the mountains
- Explore the historic Main Street for unique shopping and dining experiences
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
