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Full Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Adventure Cañon City CO

Guided full-day whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River through 1,000-foot Royal Gorge canyon walls and rapids

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

This whitewater rafting trip on the Arkansas River runs through the Royal Gorge, where 1,000-foot-high canyon walls rise around you. Along the way you’ll tackle a sequence of rapids ranging from Class III to V and pass the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. The setting combines dramatic canyon scenery with technical whitewater; the Royal Gorge is a serious section of river.

Full-day trips operated by Journey Quest, a non-profit Christ-centred rafting ministry, typically start in Bighorn Canyon (Class III–IV), pause for a riverside lunch, then drop into the Royal Gorge (Class IV–V). These trips are described as uplifting, family-friendly adventures. Because the river is demanding, previous Class III or higher paddling experience and strong swimming ability are recommended. For the safety of guests and guides, Journey Quest cannot take people who weigh over 250 lbs or who have a history of heart or other serious medical problems.

Why Visit

  • Whitewater rafting trips with on-river guides
  • Journey Quest nonprofit rafting ministry, family-friendly adventures
  • 1,000-foot canyon walls along the Arkansas River
  • Class III–V rapids spanning Bighorn Canyon to the Royal Gorge
  • Riverside lunch break between Bighorn Canyon and Royal Gorge sections

What's included

  • Transport to and from the river
  • Riverside lunch
  • Professional guide
  • PFD and helmet
  • Wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes

What's Not Included

    What's not included
    • Gratuity for your guide
    • High quality photos

    Tour available in your selected language

    English

    Additional 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

    Not wheelchair accessible

    Location

    Departure point

    Journey Quest - Royal Gorge Office, Co Rd 3A 559, Cañon City, CO, 81212
    From Colorado Springs, take I-25 to exit 140, and follow Hwy 115 South to Hwy 50. Turn right (west) on Hwy 50 and travel West through Canon City. From Canon City continue 8 miles West on Hwy 50, and turn left on County Rd 3A (Signs for Royal Gorge Park & Bridge). Journey Quest is approx 1/4 mile on the right in front of the Royal Gorge KOA. Plan on just over an hour from Downtown Colorado Springs.

    End point

    Journey Quest - Royal Gorge Office, Co Rd 3A 559, Cañon City, CO, 81212

    Frequently asked questions

    Tickets and prices