Get ready for a wet and wild ride with this full-day rafting adventure down the Arkansas River’s Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Departing from Cañon City, tackle class II and II whitewater rapids with the help of an expert guide while winding through gorgeous Colorado scenery. With an included picnic lunch and plenty of opportunities to stop and swim, it’s a great introduction to rafting for first-timers and families.

6-hour rafting adventure down Colorado's Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Navigate through class II and III whitewater rapids on the Arkansas River
Raft through the scenic high-desert landscape of southern Colorado
Spot bighorn sheep and other native wildlife
Includes a picnic-style lunch on the riverbank
Ideal adventure for families and first-time rafters

What's Included

All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Lunch

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

1420 Royal Gorge Blvd
1420 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Lost Paddle Rafting 1420 Royal Gorge Blvd Canon City, Colorado 81212

Start time

09:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

One of the calmer stretches of the Arkansas River, Bighorn Sheep Canyon meanders 18 miles through southern Colorado’s high desert landscape and makes an ideal rafting destination for beginning and intermediate rafters. Meet your friendly river guide at the outpost in Cañon City, located approximately 1 hour southwest of Colorado Springs. Gear up with a life vest, helmet and paddle and get an overview of rafting safety and techniques.

After transport to the river launch point, set off on the currents and navigate through exciting class II and II whitewater rapids with names like Maytag, Five Points, Spike Buck and Double Dip. Your guide will help with technique and ensure everyone's safety throughout the journey. During calmer stretches, soak up the wild desert scenery of southern Colorado and keep an eye out for herds of the canyon’s namesake animal, which make their home among the rocky riverbanks.

Midday, hop ashore for a deli-style picnic lunch and a chance to swim in quieter sections of the river. After reaching the end of the 18-mile stretch, you'll be transported back to the outpost, where you can purchase souvenir photos to commemorate your river adventure.

Come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses and quick-drying clothes, as you're sure to get wet! No rafting experience is required, and children age 6 and over are welcome.

Arkansas River

8 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Canon City

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (Pass By)

Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience (Pass By)

Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center (Pass By)

Museum of Colorado Prisons (Pass By)

Skyline Drive (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Minimum age is six years old

Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

30 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-1 of 30 reviews

Fabulous experience

Kevin_F, Aug 2022

The whole experience from gathering at the office till drop off was awesome. The lunch exceeded our expectations for sure. The rapids worth it! The both guides Chris and Ella were experienced and very knowledgeable and super fun. And safety was excellent!! If I do it again I would do it with them!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

We are known for having the BEST meals on the river! Thanks again for rafting with all of us at Lost Paddle Rafting!