Embark on an adrenaline-pumping Royal Gorge raft trip near Colorado Springs! Navigate continuous rapids through a magnificent canyon, passing beneath North America’s highest suspension bridge.
Get ready for lots of thrills, laughter, and summertime fun, while floating through an incredible canyon just north of the legendary Royal Gorge!
Experience Thrilling Rafting in Browns Canyon National Monument! Join Performance Tours for a wet n’ wild adventure through Colorado’s most popular whitewater rafting trip, featuring exciting class 3+ rapids and picturesque scenery.
Big Views with Small Splashes! Upper Bear Creek is a great family option for a Colorado rafting trip near Buena Vista.
The Royal Gorge is truly a one-of-a-kind rafting destination, and it is the closest whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. This beautiful canyon features 1100’ cliffs leading into the waters of the Arkansas River. At one of the highest points, the famous Royal Gorge suspension bridge towers over 1000 feet above the water. Our half-day rafting trip through the Royal Gorge is sure to excite even the most experienced rafting enthusiasts.
This thrilling rafting adventure is one of the premier whitewater trips offered anywhere! From June through mid-July, this section of the river offers challenging rapids in bigger water. Later in the summer, when the water levels are lower, this section of the river becomes easier to navigate, and the difficulty level is lowered. Sign up for our Royal Gorge half-day adventure, or choose our full-day trip here!
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is another great spot for whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. This section of the Arkansas River is home to the largest herd of bighorn sheep in Colorado. The area offers plenty of exciting whitewater rafting for those looking for moderate waters. There are plenty of sections to relax and enjoy Colorado’s scenery and wildlife, as well as thrilling sections of rapids that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping. The spectacular scenery found in this area is sure to impress any visitor, and your experienced guide will help make your rafting experience that much better. The adventure begins just north of the Royal Gorge and is one hour from Colorado Springs. Book your Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip today!
Browns Canyon National Monument is one of the most popular sections of river in North America and for good reason! This stretch of the Arkansas River is packed with exhilarating rapids, picturesque mountain peaks, and lots of wildlife. This area is one of Colorado’s newest National Monuments and stretches from Buena Vista to Salida.
Browns Canyon is just under a two hour drive from Colorado Springs and is worth the visit. This section of the river offers something for every skill level and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The Browns Canyon section of the Arkansas River is an ideal level for beginners while still splashy and exciting for those who are whitewater enthusiasts.. This section of river is truly unforgettable! Book a rafting trip here.
5.0
Our guide was Brice and he was phenomenal. We had several younger boys in the group and they are all now hooked on rafting for life! Paddle high fives and a great ride!
Aaron Scholl
August 19, 2023
5.0
This company is awesome. Drew, our rafting guide was professional and was very down to earth. He had a great personality and we enjoyed our time together.
Do the full day rafting trip if you can. It is well worth it. Wear a hat and don't forget the sunscreen. You will get sunburned if you don't. No shade for hours. Had so much fun that it went by quickly..
Sean Motise
May 26, 2022
5.0
Performance Tours always does a great job. Chip lead us through an amazing trip through the Royal Gorge today. PT has the best rafting guides. Super fun time!
Chris Dean
May 26, 2024
Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Browns Canyon National Monument offer the best rafting trips for families. With lively but manageable rapids and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, these adventures are perfect for making lasting memories together.
For adventure seekers in Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge delivers the ultimate rafting thrill with intense Class IV rapids and dramatic canyon scenery. This high-adrenaline trip is ideal for experienced paddlers looking for a challenge close to the city.
Royal Gorge Office
Arkansas River
Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Royal Gorge Office
0193 County Road 3A
Canon City, CO 81212
Buena Vista Office
Arkansas River
Browns Canyon, Numbers, Bear Creek
Buena Vista Office
115 Gregg Dr.
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Breckenridge Office
Sales Office Only
Breckenridge Office
107 Ski Hill Rd.
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Meet your raft guide
Head Boatman
Professional Raft Guide Since 2013
Jeremy's Favorite Rapid:
"I love guiding Browns Canyon because it has an incredible balance of fun whitewater, beautiful scenery, peaceful wilderness, and strong community. I really love that it can provide an incredible experience in a wide variety of conditions and water levels."
Colorado Springs is a perfect destination for adventure seekers, offering a wide range of outdoor activities that cater to all levels of skill and thrill-seeking. From whitewater rafting with Performance Tours in the Royal Gorge to hiking at Pikes Peak and zip-lining at the Broadmoor, there are plenty of adventurous activities in Colorado Springs to choose from. Find a full list of the best things to do in Colorado Springs here!
The Royal Gorge is about a 45-minute drive from the Colorado Springs area.
Yes, there are family-friendly whitewater rafting options near Colorado Springs. The Bighorn Sheep Canyon section of the Arkansas River is suitable for families with children as young as 7 years old and 50 lbs. This stretch features moderate rapids interspersed with calm sections, providing a fun and safe rafting experience for all ages.
The closest whitewater rafting to Colorado Springs, CO, can be found on the Arkansas River. Sections like the Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon are approximately 1 hour away by car, offering convenient access to exciting rafting adventures.
The Arkansas River, located about 1 hour from Colorado Springs, offers some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the region. Sections such as the Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon provide thrilling rapids and stunning scenery, making them popular choices for whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs.
When we’ve got a night in the Springs, here’s where you’ll find us. Our Guides’ Favorite Restaurants in Colorado Springs:
Local Tip: Head to Shuga’s or Cerberus on a weekday evening to avoid weekend crowds, then take a short stroll through downtown or over to Acacia Park to stretch your legs after dinner.
When we’re staying overnight—or recommending spots to friends and family—these are our go-to picks.
Local Tip (Lodging): If you’re planning to explore Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak early, stay on the west side of town—it’ll save you time and give you quicker access to the trails.
When we’ve got extra time in the Springs, here’s how we spend it. Our Guides’ Favorite Things To Do on a Day Off in Colorado Springs:
Local Tip (Things To Do): Go to Garden of the Gods at sunrise. The light on the red rock with Pikes Peak in the background is next-level—and you’ll beat both the heat and the tour buses.
