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Royal Gorge Rafting on the Arkansas River |
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| Royal Gorge Rafting Info |
| Difficulty: |
Class III-IV
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| Trip Length: |
11.5 miles |
| Current Streamflow |
682 cfs @ 05/24/2013 09:45 AM |
| Season: |
May, June, July, August
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| Season Comments: |
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| Towns near Royal Gorge Rafting |
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Royal Gorge Rafting Trip Description
The Royal Gorge is one of the most spectacular geologic wonders in Colorado. It is more than 1000 feet deep with near vertical red walls that house some of the best whitewater on the Arkansas River. On your Royal Gorge rafting trip, you'll pound through fantastic rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wall slammer and Boateater.
As you are rafting through the Royal Gorge, you'll pass under the highest suspension bridge in the world 1053 feet above. The Royal Gorge is the last whitewater rafting run before the Arkansas River heads out into the plains of eastern Colorado. Due to its lower elevation and desert environment, Royal Gorge rafting trips are usually warmer and have more water than the runs upstream.
Similar to the other rafting trips on the Arkansas River, the season usually runs from May to August with some outfitters running trips as early as April and as late as September. Canon City is the closest town and temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees in the late summer months. However, in April and May you should prepare for cool temperatures and cold water.
The highest flows generally occur in late May through late June. At flows higher than 3200 cfs, all Royal Gorge rafting trips are prohibited and for good reason. Giant boat swallowing holes and waves 15-20 feet high develop. When the water is too high, Royal Gorge rafting trips are re-routed to the Parkdale section upstream. At lower flows, white water features are still awe inspiring but they are much easier to navigate.
There are many rafting outfitters that offer 1/2 and full day Royal Gorge rafting trips. Several of these rafting outfitters are featured below. Please contact them to book your Royal Gorge white water rafting trip. |
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 A great Colorado experience - for the brave!, May 29, 2006
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Reviewer: Jim
from Westminster, CO
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| Just got back from a trip down the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas was running at about 2700 CFS on a beautiful Colorado day. (The park service closes the river to commercial rafting at 3200.) This is an excellent experience but beware, Class V rapids are no joke. It's all fun and games until you're a swimmer! My friend and I got tossed from the boat at the bottom of Sunshine and got caught in a recirculating hole. The 40-degree (F) water robs your strength very quickly and we were both lucky to be rescued before the next set of rapids. Further down the canyon we lost our guide on Wall Slammer! Don't get me wrong, it's a ton of fun - most boats made it through without loosing anybody and the pictures of me and my friend fighting for our lives are priceless. Highly recommended for healthy, physically fit people who have some previous whitewater experience. |
174 of 319 people found this review helpful.
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High Water Royal Rafting Trip!, Sep 16, 2005
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Reviewer: Tom
from Dallas, TX
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So my buddies and I were staying near Canon City last year in June and decided to do go rafting on the Royal Gorge. The water was chocolate brown and running fast. It was a cool day and our guides recommended wetsuits. I was glad I had mine because we got slammed with wall after wall of water. One of my friends fell out but we got him back in fast. One of the best vacations I've ever had. Our guide was amazing and perfectly navigated us through the continuous rapids. If you're ready for a crazy whitewater trip, do the Royal Gorge in June. Simply the Best! |
165 of 342 people found this review helpful.
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 Rafting the Royal Gorge was awesome, Jun 02, 2005
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Reviewer: Jim
from Denver, CO USA
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The awe I felt as we passed through the Royal Gorge was incredible. Our trip was in June and the river level was pretty high. A couple of people in our group fell out and ended up swimming in the river for a while in some big rapids. We got them back and everyone was okay. I would say this trip is definitely for the more hardy individuals. I loved it but some others were a little scared. I'd definitely go on a royal gorge rafting trip again! |
188 of 350 people found this review helpful.
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The Royal Gorge was the best rafting trip I've done, May 05, 2005
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Reviewer: Ty
from Denver, CO
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Picture it...hot sunny day, beautiful 1500 foot deep canyon, and great whitewater rapids. This was my most memorable day on a rafting trip ever. I can't wait for my next trip on the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River. |
200 of 382 people found this review helpful.
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