
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 199 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners worth booking?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners is a 3-hour experience in Cañon City, United States, from $149 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 199 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (199)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Floating past spectacular geological formations and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range as you run exciting Class II-III rapids. This trip is suitable for families, first timers or experienced rafters with great
What you get
About this experience
Floating past spectacular geological formations and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range as you run exciting Class II-III rapids. This trip is suitable for families, first timers or experienced rafters with great views and lots of adventure. You will run the best 10 miles of whitewater in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, groups or individuals looking to experience whitewater rafting in Colorado for the first time or tenth time. Great views and adventure! 2 to 3 hours on the water. This is the only trip that can start out of either of our locations.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Use of Helmet, Life Vest, Splash Jacket and Wetsuit if needed
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Guide Gratuity
What you'll see and do
Arkansas River Tours
You will meet at our office and check in with our friendly office staff, meet your guide, get outfitted with the proper rafting equipment, go through and in depth safety orientation and then hop on a van or bus for a 25-30 drive to the river put int
30 minutes here
Arkansas River
Once you arrive at the the river you will be given specific a professional guide that will take you on an adventure of a life time! You will spend 2-2.5 hours on the water running great whitewater, potential Bighorn Sheep sightings and viewing amazing Colorado scenery.
120 minutes here
After you finish your amazing trip we will shuttle you back to our office which is about a 10 minute drive. Once you arrive at our office you will be able to change into dry clothes and see your action photos from your river trip!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cañon City
Drive west on Hwy 50 from Canon City just over 1 mile and we will be on the right at the road for Skyline Drive
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Drive west on Hwy 50 from Canon City just over 1 mile and we will be on the right at the road for Skyline Drive
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arkansas River Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Recommended dress code is no cotton. Anything synthetic such as swimwear, workout gear, and sandals/sneakers with a heel. No flip flops for crocks!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 199 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
199 verified traveler reviews for Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing company with good people working for them!
This company is absolutely amazing and so friendly! Our trip started off a little rocky because we accidentally arrived at the wrong location, but they were incredibly accommodating, understanding, and helpful. They took care of everything and got it all worked out, and my family and I really appreciated that! Our guide, Even, was awesome! He was so much fun, made us feel welcome, and helped make our first rafting experience such a memorable one. He guided us through everything and made it feel easy and effortless. We had such a great time! Thank you, Even, for making the experience so special for us. We absolutely loved it and would 100% recommend these guys to anyone looking for an amazing rafting adventure! 🛶🌊
via Tripadvisor
ART
We had an amazing ride with Kenzie.
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing Arkansas River Tours for your Colorado whitewater rafting experience through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Kenzie is one of our most trusted and valuable raft guides on our team. We're glad your crew had an amazing ride with her. Please join us again next time you're near Canon City and the Royal Gorge. You're always welcome at ART!
via Tripadvisor
Big Horn is BIG FUN!
Great experience for the family. We were all a bit nervous about rafting since it was our first time. Our guide Zach made us feel safe, comfortable and well prepared. We will be back!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Arkansas River Tours near Canon City. We’re thrilled to hear that Zach helped your family feel safe, comfortable, and confident on your first rafting adventure. We can’t wait to see your family again next season. You're always welcome here!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome 1st time experience
Christy did an amazing job. She and her team took good care of us and was very knowledgeable about the canyon and kept everyone involved and was very professional
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing Arkansas River Tours for some traditional Colorado whitewater rafting. We're glad to hear that Christi and her team took good care of your group on and off the water. We would love to invite you to join us again next year for another oar-some experience near Canon City and the Royal Gorge.
via Tripadvisor
Great day spent
Eman was a superb guide! The adventure was perfect for us as first time rafters!
Response from the operator: Hey, Candace! Thank you for joining Arkansas River Tours for an afternoon tour of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We're thrilled you chose us to take you rafting for your first time and we hope to welcome you back again soon. We'll be sure to let Eman know that your group enjoyed the tour. You're always welcome at Arkansas River Tours near Canon City and the Royal Gorge.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 70
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cañon City.
How much does Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners cost?
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Prices start at $149 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cañon City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cañon City is not rushed.
Is Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 199 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cañon City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners?
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Around 70 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cañon City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cañon City and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting – Families & Beginners start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cañon City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cañon City?
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Cañon City, CO packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Cañon City by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Cañon City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Gear Use), Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half-Day Rafting, Royal Gorge Half-Day Rafting Trip. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cañon City?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Cañon City, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cañon City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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