If you’re new to white water rafting and looking for a fun, safe, and unforgettable way to experience the outdoors, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re seeking adventure, bonding with colleagues, or quality time with family, our beginner rafting trips in Colorado offer the perfect blend of excitement and accessibility.
With some of the best beginner white water rafting trips in the state, the Arkansas River delivers stunning canyon scenery, refreshing waters, and over 300 days of sunshine. Rafting for beginners doesn’t get better than this—calm, scenic stretches ideal for first-timers, guided by experienced professionals. Spend your days navigating easy whitewater rafting routes and your evenings exploring charming towns like Cañon City. Want even more? Try one of our multi-day rafting adventures for a truly immersive Colorado experience.
The most popular rafting experience option for beginners, Bighorn Sheep Canyon is ideal for those seeking easy whitewater rafting that’s still packed with adventure. This stretch offers the perfect mix of mellow Class I and Class III rapids, beautiful scenery, and just enough thrills to get your heart racing, without overwhelming first-timers. It’s the go-to beginner white water rafting trip in Colorado for families and groups.
Whether you live in Colorado or are visiting for the first time, there is no shortage of reasons to spend time in the mountains. The pristine wilderness, packed with endless adventure opportunities, is what makes Colorado famous. One of the best ways to connect with nature and experience the stunning landscape is through beginner rafting in Colorado. Floating down the calm sections of the river allows you to soak in breathtaking canyon views, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing water. Along the way, you might even spot rainbow trout swimming in the clear waters or bighorn sheep gracefully balancing on the steep canyon walls nearby.
Rafting for beginners with Echo Canyon offers a safe and exciting introduction to whitewater adventure without overwhelming drops or intense rapids. Our trips are designed to give you a taste of the river’s power and beauty while keeping the experience accessible and fun. Beyond the river, we also offer additional activities like ziplining, mountain biking, scenic mountain train rides, and visits to the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. These add-ons provide even more chances for you and your family to explore Colorado’s rugged terrain and create lasting memories. Whether it’s your first time rafting or you’re looking for a gentle way to enjoy whitewater rafting for beginners in Colorado, Echo Canyon has the perfect trip to meet your needs.
Relax and enjoy a laid-back Scenic Float trip. Kids as young as 4 years of age will love the minor rapids and opportunities to swim in calm areas. Available as a half-day raft trip.
Trip Price: $129 per person
Take in the Colorado views by air and by raft! Join a two hour entry-level zipline tour near Colorado Springs along with a beginner rafting trip on Bighorn Sheep Canyon at Echo Canyon.
Package Price: $224 per person
Two classic Colorado adventures in one fun and easy day! Raft the beautiful Bighorn Sheep Canyon in the morning and follow it up with an afternoon at the Royal Gorge Bridge.
Package Price: $164 per adult | $159 per child
Combine a half-day Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip with a train ride on the historic Royal Gorge Route. You’ll have time between activities to grab a bite at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill.
Package Price: starts at $235 per person
Rafting is an excellent bonding experience, whether you want to strengthen team spirit or create memorable adventures with your loved ones. There is something truly special about the camaraderie formed while cruising together down a majestic river, especially if it’s your first time white water rafting. Soak up the sunshine as you deepen connections through shared challenges and teamwork. White water rafting for beginners is a perfect way to bring people closer because everyone is learning and experiencing the thrill together.
Picture yourself paddling toward a challenging rapid. Your guide calls out instructions, encouraging your group to work in unison to navigate safely. You paddle faster, following your guide’s lead, feeling a rush of adrenaline and pride as you conquer the rapid. Smiles and cheers erupt from the group, celebrating the success and joy that come from working together and overcoming the river’s challenges.
With water levels and weather conditions that vary throughout the season and even throughout the day, it’s crucial that you plan your beginner rafting trip with an outfitter that puts your safety as the top priority.
White water rafting for beginners shouldn’t be intimidating, and with Echo Canyon, it isn’t. Safety is at the core of every trip we run, especially for first-time rafters. Our certified, highly trained guides are passionate about keeping you safe while making sure you have fun on the river.
Before you launch, we take time to make sure you’re confident and prepared:
The most important tip for beginner rafters: listen to your guide. They’re your best resource for staying safe while having an unforgettable time on the river.
For clothing, you’ll want to start with a swimsuit or a thin base layer. If you’ve got a long sleeve or short sleeve synthetic shirt, like a rash guard or Under Armor shirt, that’s a great layer to bring as well.
For on-river items, consider a water bottle per person, sunscreen if you’re on a trip longer than a half-day trip, and a strap for sunglasses/prescription glasses. Each raft is equipped with a mesh zippered bag to store small items that are okay to get wet (like your water bottle).
Most beginners should start with a class III or easier class IV section of river. Class III is best for kids ages 12 and under, while beginners who are teens and adults may be just fine on a class IV section for their first trip. But, in general, it’s best for beginner rafters to start out smaller and work their way up in rafting difficulty.
Yes, kids are allowed on beginnner raft trips. Class II and class III rapids are often considered beginner rafting conditions, and this level of whitewater is perfectly acceptable for most kids ages 6 and up.
Now that you understand the ins and outs of beginner rafting, contact our rafting experts and let us help you plan an unforgettable trip you’ll be talking about for years. With half-day, full-day, and multi-day beginner rafting trips across Colorado, we’ll tailor your scenic whitewater rafting experience to fit your needs. Our expertise extends beyond the river, we’ll also assist you with accommodations, outdoor activities, and dining recommendations to create a complete Colorado adventure. Your beginner rafting Colorado experience might just become the highlight of your year!
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
45000 W US Highway 50
Cañon City, CO 81212
(800) 755-3246
(719) 275-3154
Info@Raftecho.com
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