Royal Gorge Rafting Information - Arkansas River Colorado
The Royal Gorge is one of the most spectacular geologic wonders in Colorado. It is more than 1000 feet deep with near vertical red walls that house some of the best whitewater on the Arkansas River. On your Royal Gorge rafting trip, you'll pound through fantastic rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall slammer and Boateater. 

As you are rafting through the Royal Gorge, you'll pass under the highest suspension bridge in the world 1053 feet above. The Royal Gorge is the last whitewater rafting run before the Arkansas River heads out into the plains of eastern Colorado. Due to its lower elevation and desert environment, Royal Gorge rafting trips are usually warmer and have more water than the runs upstream.

Similar to the other rafting trips on the Arkansas River, the season usually runs from May to August with some outfitters running trips as early as April and as late as September. Canon City is the closest town and temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees in the late summer months. However, in April and May you should prepare for cool temperatures and cold water. 

The highest flows generally occur in late May through late June.  At flows higher than 3200 cfs, all Royal Gorge rafting trips are prohibited and for good reason.  Giant boat swallowing holes and waves 15-20 feet high develop. When the water is too high, Royal Gorge rafting trips are re-routed to the parkdale section upstream. At lower flows, white water features are still awe inspiring but they are much easier to navigate.

There are many rafting outfitters that offer 1/2 and full day Royal Gorge rafting trips. Several of these rafting outfitters are featured below.  Please contact them to book your Royal Gorge white water rafting trip.