
Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon!
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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
4.9/5
Based on 146 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! worth booking?
Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! is a 3-hour experience in Cañon City, United States, from $149 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 146 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (146)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Royal Gorge whitewater rafting is the ultimate whitewater rafting adventure trip in Colorado. ART has over 50 years of experience and will guide through through huge waves, steep technical drops, and almost continuous wh
What you get
About this experience
Royal Gorge whitewater rafting is the ultimate whitewater rafting adventure trip in Colorado. ART has over 50 years of experience and will guide through through huge waves, steep technical drops, and almost continuous whitewater rapids through a narrow gorge. The Royal Gorge may demand so much attention you don't even notice the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge 1053 feet above the river. This exhilarating trip is recommended for rafters or adventurers in good physical shape who are ready for aggressive paddling. Our Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trips are our most popular advanced trips! If you are seeking lots of excitement, this trip is for you and your group. Lunch will be served at a stop on the river.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Life Jacket, helmet, wetsuit and splash jacket
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Guide Gratuity
What you'll see and do
Arkansas River Tours
You will arrive are out Canon City location, check in with our friendly reservation staff, meet your guide for the day, be outfitted with necessary rafting gear, go through an in depth safety orientation and then hop on a van or bus for a short 5-10 min ride to the river put in
45 minutes here
Arkansas River
Once you arrived to the river your guide will teach you how to paddle, safely sit in the raft and then you will push off for an adventure of a lifetime. You will travel roughly 10 miles down the river through the deep and impressive Royal Gorge. Working as a team you will navigate challenging whitewater, take in the scenic views and maybe spot some Bighorn Sheep venturing down to the river for a drink.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
1/2 way through your trip we will take a break and check out the amazing views of the America's tallest suspension bridge sitting 1,000 ft above. At this point there is an option to take a swim or just relax before the second 1/2 of the tour starts
15 minutes here
Arkansas River
After your break we will travel down the rest of the Royal Gorge, paddling through exciting rapids and hearing tales and history from you guide
60 minutes here · Admission included
Once you accomplish rafting the Royal Gorge you will be driven back to our office only 5 minutes away where you can then change into dry clothes and check out you great photos taken while you were on your trip.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cañon City
Take Hwy 50 west out of Canon City and we are on the right hand side of the road just over a mile
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Take Hwy 50 west out of Canon City and we are on the right hand side of the road just over a mile
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
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Recommended dress code is no cotton. Anything synthetic such as swimwear, workout gear, and sandals/sneakers with a heel. No flip flops for crocks Please
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 146 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
146 verified traveler reviews for Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rebecca Rocks!
Rebecca with one C! Was the best guide. She made me feel comfortable and most of all safe. This was my first time and was so so nervous. Rebecca you roc! Please book with her, you won't regret it 😃
via Tripadvisor
Kids had a great time
Kids loved it and Connie at the front office was very nice and helpful and the guide was great
Response from the operator: Thank you for going Colorado whitewater rafting with Arkansas River Tours. We're pleased you had a guide to give you a positive experience and we're glad Connie could be helpful to you, as well. We had a wonderful time with your family and we would love the opportunity to welcome you all back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Water rafting experience
Kids loved the rafting and Connie at the front office was very helpful and the guide Jessie was very kind
Response from the operator: Thank you for going Colorado whitewater rafting with Arkansas River Tours. We're pleased that Jesse gave you a positive experience and we're glad Connie could be helpful to you, as well. We had a wonderful time with your family and we would love the opportunity to welcome you all back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
A PLUS with 5 Stars
We took a group of six friends out this morning and had a great time. Everyone who works here has great jokes. Connie at the front desk is incredibly helpful and gives you the royal treatment. Jessi the guide gave us the safety rundown and somehow made serious danger warnings very clear while still keeping us laughing. Our boat guide was Emily and she was super fun, helpful, knowledgeable, and gave us the straight up realest information about all of our questions. She also very impressively dislodged us from rocks (water level is low rn yall) and kept us motivated and smiling. This company is locally owned and they very clearly care about their customers and staff. Great choice.
Response from the operator: Hey, Grace! Arkansas River Tours genuinely had a great time with your group. We love being able to joke around with our guests while still having a safe experience. We're thrilled you had Emily as your guide as she is absolutely OAR-SOME and calm under stressful situations such as running our Royal Gorge trips during low water. We're also happy to know that Jesse gave a good safety speech and Connie treated you well! We would love to have your group back again for another Colorado whitewater rafting experience when our water levels are higher. You're always welcome at ART!
via Tripadvisor
Rebeca made our trip amazing
Rebeca was such an excellent guide for our white water rafting trip. She quickly taught us our roles but kept it chill and fun, still with safety first. In dogpile, we got a bit squirrely and one feom our group fell out of the boat. She quickly got us unstuck and went to pick up our friend who knew exactly what to do just in case that happened since they gave us excellent training. She checked her out to make sure she was OK, then on with the adventure. We all had a great time, a fun experience and we're happy that Rebeca was at the helm to keep us safe. Thank you, excellent operator to plan your next adventure with. Safe, fun, and all very personable.
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
- 51
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cañon City.
How much does Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! 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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! 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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 146 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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon!?
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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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! 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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon!?
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Around 51 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 Royal Gorge Rafting – Epic Rapids, Cliff Jumping & 1000ft Canyon! 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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