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.
Our guides know every section of the Arkansas River like the back of their hand and have led thousands of guests through rapids as they travel down this amazing river. Our whitewater rafting trips in the Royal Gorge give you access to an adventure unlike anything else, and our trips are truly ones you will never forget. These trips are great options for those staying in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, and other nearby cities. Our Royal George office is located at the turn for the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, making it easy to add an unforgettable rafting adventure to your Royal Gorge experience.
Performance Tours has been a leader in Royal Gorge whitewater rafting for over 35 years! Our goal is always to prioritize guest safety, while delivering trips that are memorable for your entire group. Rafting is an experience unlike anything else in Colorado, and no trip to the Royal Gorge is complete without a rafting adventure with our team. Our Royal Gorge outpost is located just one hour south of Colorado Springs and just minutes from Canon City.
Our Royal Gorge whitewater rafting experiences lead you through some of the most impressive and unique sections of the Arkansas River. There are breathtaking views around every bend of the river, and our guides will help your group travel across rapids like Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wallslammer, Boateater, and many more. While rafting, watch for deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles, as they are abundant in this area. This trip can range in difficulty, and early summer will feature higher flows that can be more difficult. Later in the season, as the water levels lower, the minimum age may drop to 14 years old. No matter if you are a seasoned expert or a first-time rafter, whitewater rafting at the Royal Gorge is sure to impress your group and leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is located just north of the Royal Gorge and is the perfect spot for first-time rafters and families. This impressive section of river passes through a beautiful canyon known for holding Colorado’s largest herd of bighorn sheep. It is perfect for those looking for excitement at a slower pace. On this section of the river, your guide will take you across rapids like 3 rocks, 5 points, Spike Buck, Double Dip, Sharks Tooth, Texas Creek, and Lose Your Lunch. This whitewater rafting adventure in Royal Gorge, Colorado is sure to provide unforgettable memories filled with splashes, thrilling sections of rapids, plenty of sunshine, and breathtaking views.
The best Royal Gorge rafting for families includes Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Browns Canyon National Monument, featuring fun, splashy rapids and breathtaking scenery. These trips offer just the right amount of excitement for kids and adults alike.
The Royal Gorge offers one of Colorado’s most exhilarating rafting experiences with steep drops, powerful Class IV rapids, and towering canyon walls. This iconic stretch of the Arkansas River is perfect for thrill-seekers ready for a high-adrenaline ride.
Royal Gorge Office
Arkansas River
Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Royal Gorge Office
0193 County Road 3A
Canon City, CO 81212
Breckenridge Office
Sales Office Only
Breckenridge Office
107 Ski Hill Rd.
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Buena Vista Office
Arkansas River
Browns Canyon, Numbers, Bear Creek
Buena Vista Office
115 Gregg Dr.
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Meet your raft guide
Hometown: Wilmore, KY
Professional Raft Guide Since 2003
Sherpa's Favorite Trip to Guide:
"I love the Royal Gorge for two reasons: it's a challenging and fun section of river at all water levels, from 300 cfs to 3200 cfs! The Royal Gorge is a remarkably beautiful place to float."
While the Royal Gorge is renowned for its thrilling whitewater rafting experiences, it's not recommended for casual floating or tubing due to the challenging rapids and rugged terrain. Performance Tours Rafting offers guided rafting trips available for those seeking to navigate the gorge's impressive whitewater with a professional river guide.
Some of the notable rapids you may encounter while rafting through the Royal Gorge include Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Boat Eater, Wallslammer, and the infamous Royal Gorge Rapid itself.
Whitewater rafting in the Royal Gorge can range from intermediate to advanced difficulty levels, depending on the specific section of the river and current water conditions. The gorge section of the Arkansas River features challenging rapids with varying degrees of intensity, making it suitable for experienced rafters seeking an exhilarating adventure.
The Performance Tours office is just over an hour from Colorado Springs.
The Royal Gorge rafting location is 2 hours southeast of Breckeckenridge.
The Royal Gorge rafting trips depart 8 miles west of Canon City. Performance Tours outpost is located on the road to the world famous Royal Gorge suspension bridge. Our address is 193 County Road 3 A Canon City CO 81212.
If you’re looking for a great meal after a day at the Royal Gorge, you’re in luck – there are plenty of fantastic restaurants nearby and here is a list of our favorites!
Guests can choose from many hotels and lodging properties in Buena Vista. Check out a few of our recommendations below!
Make sure to refuel after your Royal Gorge Whitewater rafting trip by stopping into one of our favorite restaurants in the area. Big Burger World is an old school hamburger stand offering juicy burgers, BBQ, chicken and salads for the health nut. If you are looking for a more traditional and hearty meal, stop into Di Rito’s, serving up the best authentic, Italian food in the area. If you are looking for a place to stay, check out Big Horn Mountain Top Lodge, where you can stay on the edge of the Royal Gorge and take in the entire mountain range. Experience a unique stay, at short drive away at the Kinship Landing boutique hotel in Colorado Springs.
