Colorado Springs is home to amazing attractions like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the United States Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo—and this beautiful city is conveniently located near some of the best rafting the state has to offer!The closest whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs can be found just 45 minutes away on the world-famous Arkansas River. If you are visiting Colorado Springs, whitewater rafting is something you have to experience! This section of river offers moderate and challenging whitewater rafting trips. Whether you are looking for a fun and splashy experience, or want to battle class IV Whitewater rapids, our guides at Performance Tours can help make your Colorado Springs whitewater rafting experience unforgettable.
Royal Gorge
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!Browns Canyon
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 Browns Canyon rafting trip here.Bighorn Sheep Canyon
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 here!
