Colorado Springs is near some outstanding whitewater rafting opportunities on the Arkansas River, from the Royal Gorge to Browns Canyon. Day trips to Buena Vista, Salida, and Cañon City provide a range of whitewater classes for all ages and experience levels.
Located an hour to two from Colorado Springs, these are among the most popular places to go rafting. The first to happen is different sections along the Arkansas River for whitewater rafting. The others include Blue River rafting and Clear Creek rafting. The rafting season typically runs from May to September with both half-day and full-day trips are available.
Arkansas River by Buena Vista
There are a couple of prime sections of the Arkansas River for whitewater rafting located south of Buena Vista in Nathrop.
Arkansas River — The Numbers
The Numbers is an advanced section with many obstacles, including channels, drops, and rocks. This stint features both Class IV and V rapids and is known as one of the hardest commercially rafted sections in the state. Both half-day and full-day trips are available, which begin around 9,000 feet above sea level just south of Buena Vista.
Arkansas River — Browns Canyon
This stunning stretch of the Arkansas River is suitable for beginners and intermediates. You’ll pass through Browns Canyon National Monument, which is just south of the aforementioned Numbers section. This family-friendly trip still provides plenty of challenges and thrills, with rapid after rapid. A few of the iconic rapids include Toilet Bowl, Big Drop, and Zoom Flume. Both half-day and full-day trips are available.
Arkansas River by Cañon City
All levels of rafters will find something they like near Cañon City, with two main sections of the Arkansas River.
Arkansas River — Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Suitable for beginner and intermediate rafters, Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a terrific place to raft between Cañon City and Salida. This stretch of the Arkansas River showcases nature and wildlife views along with a mix of calm floating and moderate whitewater. Rapids include Kamikaze, Double Dip, and Shark’s Tooth. Choose between 3-hour and 6-hour trips.
Arkansas River — Royal Gorge
Situated in Cañon City, the Royal Gorge is centered around its massive suspension bridge and park. Rafting trips depart from one of many outfitters about ten minutes west of downtown Cañon City.
The granite walls of the Royal Gorge tower more than a thousand feet over the valley floor, making this one of the most spectacular sections of the Arkansas River. Rapids named Wall Slammer, Boat Eater, and Sunshine Falls are on the menu here, offering Class IV to V rapids during certain conditions.
Discover other things to do in the Royal Gorge Region of Colorado, such as hopping aboard a train.
Blue River by Silverthorne
The Blue River flows from Breckenridge up to Kremmling, where it joins with the Colorado River. Depending on the stretch of river, rafting on the Blue River takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach from Colorado Springs.
Upper Blue River
The Upper Blue River provides Class III and IV rapids for those thrill-seekers. This short stretch begins at Blue River Campground in Silverthorne and lasts 2.5 miles until the Columbine Landing access point.
Lower Blue River
An easier rafting trip is the Lower Blue River, which has Class II and III rapids. It runs about 14 miles typically and begins at Green Mountain Dam Access. This is locatd north of Silverthorne and ends at Kremmling with the Colorado River confluence.
Clear Creek by Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is about an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs, pending traffic. There are several popular sections for rafting Clear Creek. We’ll go over four of the most popular routes.
Dumont
This stretch runs fast down 5.5 miles of Class III and IV whitewater from Dumont to Idaho Springs. Once you reach town you can end your trip or continue onto the next section called Kermit’s Access.
Upper Clear Creek
This is another stint of steep Class III and IV rapids, including Cabbage Shredder. It runs from Kermit’s Access about 3.5 miles to the Highway 6/119 access point.
Black Rock
Clear Creek’s hardest section of whitewater rapids is Black Rock. It’s usually not commercially rafted and is very technical with Class IV and V rapids. It runs 6.5 miles and is only for advanced rafters.
Lower Clear Creek
The Lower Clear Creek stretch is the closest to the Denver Metropolitan Area, ending right in Golden. While less commonly commercially rafted, it spans nearly 6 miles and showcases some exciting Class III and V rapids. Intermediate rafters will appreciate this route, which runs mostly parallel with Highway 6.
That’s a roundup of the best places to go whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. Be safe and remember to wear sun protection. Commercial raft trips will typically provide wetsuits and water shoes.
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