Experience one of the best rafting adventures near Colorado Springs with the Royal Gorge raft trip. Navigate adrenaline-pumping, continuous, action-packed rapids through a magnificent canyon that will excite even the most experienced whitewater enthusiasts. Conquer thrilling rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Squeeze Box, Boat Eater and many more as you journey beneath North America’s highest suspension bridge.
This is the ultimate advanced whitewater challenge for strong swimmers in good physical condition looking for “Big Water.” Please note, the minimum age for this trip may vary with river conditions and is typically around 16 years+.
Complimentary wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets
Professional guides with extensive safety training
Cancel 72 hours in advance for a full refund
Happiest guests on the river since 1986
This trip meets 45 minutes prior to departure time at the Performance Tours Rafting office in Canon City, CO. Guest arrival time is indicated on your reservation confirmation. There is no need to arrive earlier.
We have ample parking at the Performance Tours Rafting office in Canon City, CO. for guests rafting the Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Once you have arrived at the office in Canon City, CO, Performance Tours will provide all shuttles.
Performance Tours will provide transportation from the meeting location/office to the river, and back to the office where your vehicle is parked following the trip.
Performance Tours provides changing rooms at all our full-service offices in Buena Vista, Canon City, and Frisco, CO. Our facilities are clean, comfortable, and designed to enhance your experience.
5.0
2550+ reviews
5.0
355+ reviews
5.0
“If you want to have an incredible rafting experience, look no further. Our raft guide Kurt was so personable and welcoming. He kept us afloat for the entire trip! Due to his experience and detailed knowledge of the river he was able to guide us perfectly through some of the tougher rapids. As we approached the toughest rapid of the day, there was a line of other rafts (from other companies) lined up waiting to enter. Almost every one of those rafts had spills. But Kurt already knew what the correct approach would be and we got through the section with no falls at all.!”
Nicholas Geremia
June 2022
5.0
“I just finished my second trip with PTWe did the full-day Royal Gorge with Tye as our guide, and it was fantastic! He knows the river and lots of Old West history of the area he shared on the trip. I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to all-star PT employee ginger Joe. My partner was freezing when we stopped for lunch, so Joe called for a wetsuit to be brought down for him! I know what they say about his kind, but this guy definitely has a soul. Great trip, great company. I will book with them again next time.”
Steve Sarin
May 2023
5.0
“I went down with a large group of people and we had THE BEST TIME EVER!!! The ladies in the office answered all my questions (and there were a LOT), sent the forms I needed (several times) and were super flexible as my group changed numbers several times. Joe and James as rafting guides were AMAZING and I can not say enough good things about them. BY FAR the best choice for rafting ANYWHERE in Colorado. Thank you so so so much!!"
Nicholas Paczolt
June 2023
Meet your raft guide
Hometown: Glens Falls, NY
Professional Raft Guide Since 2005
James' favorite trip to guide:
"The Royal Gorge is my favorite rafting trip to guide—it's a challenge at all water levels, the scenery is incredible, and it’s the best bang for your buck all around. Even the shuttle ride is great! My favorite rapid is probably Sledgehammer."
Royal Gorge whitewater rafting is known for its high-adrenaline and action-packed rapids, making it an advanced whitewater experience. The Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River features some of the most challenging rapids in Colorado, suitable for strong swimmers in good physical condition looking for an exhilarating adventure. The experienced professional raft guides at Performance Tours Rafting are experts at reading the river and navigating guests through the class IV+ rapids in the Royal Gorge.
Yes, there are age and skill requirements for participating in a half-day Royal Gorge rafting trip due to the advanced nature of the whitewater rapids. Participants are usually required to be in good physical condition, and strong swimmers capable of self-rescue. In addition to the rafting skills requirements, we also require that all Royal Gorge guests are at least 16 years old in most conditions, though the minimum age may drop to 14 years during lower flows.
Absolutely! Many of our whitewater rafting guests travel to the Royal Gorge from Breckenridge while on vacation. It is about a two hour drive to the Royal Gorge from Breckenridge, and the drive is very scenic and enjoyable.
Guests considering a Royal Gorge rafting trip can prepare for their whitewater adventure by wearing comfortable, quick-dry clothing such as a bathing suit or one of our complimentary wetsuits and splash jackets, depending on the time of year and river conditions. This is an exciting and challenging tour and Royal Gorge rafting trip guests should be in good physical shape and be strong swimmers. We also recommend bringing sunglasses with chums, hat, sunscreen and a fleece or performance fabric shirt on cooler days, as well as a towel and dry change of clothes for after the trip.
The Royal Gorge whitewater rafting season runs from May through September. The best time of year for rafting in the Royal Gorge is usually June and July, when water levels are excellent and the weather is usually sunny and warm.
Colorado’s most experienced rafting outfitter since 1986.
Who Is Performance Tours? 
