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 canton 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.Â
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
5.0
"Me and my wife Jessica do a lot of traveling and we like to do the more adventures activities like skydiving, shark diving, stuff like that. Over the years we have experienced many tour guides and our tour guide today whose name is Kurt was by far one of the very BEST that we have ever had. He was very genuine and actually engaged with us in unforced conversation. Many tour guides come across as “ robots “ because they have been doing their job for so long and it’s the same ole thing for them day in and day out. But not Kurt. He was GREAT!! I would recommend this white water rafting company to ANYONE and EVERYONE who is looking for some adventure!!"
Ryan C
A half day Royal Gorge rafting trip generally lasts for 3-4 hours in total, with approximately 2 hours spent on the river. Performance Tours’ half day Royal Gorge rafting trips allow guests to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting while still having part of their day free for other activities.
The half day Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trip navigates through adrenaline-pumping class IV+ rapids on the Arkansas River and is considered an advanced rafting experience. First time paddlers and Royal Gorge beginners who are strong swimmers, in good physical condition and ready for a thrilling adventure are welcome to experience the world-class rafting in the Royal Gorge with our experienced raft guides. Guests who are not strong swimmers and/ or are looking for a more relaxed rafting experience, can opt for one of our class III trip options, like Bighorn Sheep Canyon or Browns Canyon National Monument.
While specific dates can vary year to year, the prime season for experiencing a half-day Royal Gorge rafting adventure typically runs from late spring through the summer months. May through early September provides the optimal balance of water levels and weather conditions for Royal Gorge rafting.
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.Â
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.Â
Colorado’s most experienced rafting outfitter since 1986.
Who Is Performance Tours? 
