Here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions, our primary focus is the Arkansas River: arguably the most illustrious whitewater in Colorado, and without question one of the preeminent recreational rivers in the western U.S. We do, however, also ply our trade on a few other waterways—and used to do so on Clear Creek, another high-profile Colorado rafting run.
Although we no longer offer Clear Creek rafting packages, we believe the Arkansas and its stellar whitewater routes, including Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the legendary Royal Gorge, shake out to a generally more satisfying outdoor odyssey for our guests.
Among the primary reasons Clear Creek is so celebrated among Colorado white water rafting is its proximity to Denver, the Centennial State’s biggest city and one of the largest metro areas in the western United States. In under an hour from the heart of the Mile-High City, you can be bucking your way through Clear Creek’s inviting rapids.
Rising along the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass in the Front Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains, Clear Creek tumbles down into the Clear Creek Canyon, then rolls its way through the Golden Valley. A tributary of the South Platte River, it drains a rugged landscape drenched in Colorado Gold Rush history.
Clear Creek offers fine Class II to Class IV rapids, but the rafting window is a pretty short one. The label “creek” reflects its lower-volume status, and without an upstream reservoir, its prime flow is entirely dependent on Rocky Mountain snowmelt. That meltwater runoff delivers great rafting in June, but, in a typical year, Clear Creek begins running too low for good rafting sometime in July. In a good snow (or cool-summer) year, you might be able to raft into August, but that’s not the norm. Late-season runs tend to be defined by low flow and lots of rocks.
The other knock against Clear Creek is the fact that Interstate 70 runs along it—providing, mind you, excellent and easy access, but also significantly detracting from the river-running experience. The combination of that narrow rafting season and the nearness of I-70 eased us off running Clear Creek rafting here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions.
Nothing against Clear Creek, but we feel that the mighty Arkansas River simply delivers superior Colorado rafting tours. It’s a bigger-volume flow boasting a longer season, larger waves and splashes, and all the elements that compose a truly classic whitewater-rafting experience. And between the gentleness of our Scenic Float section, the glorious mid-range rafting of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the epic Class IV-V rapids of the Royal Gorge—not to mention the upriver headwaters ride of Browns Canyon—the Ark serves up some really wonderful variety that means just about anybody can experience its Rocky Mountain magic.
There are other perks, too. Choosing one of our rafting packages on the Arkansas River means you’re adventuring right out of our headquarters in Cañon City, Colorado, which offers spacious and clean changing rooms, an on-site bar and grill, and an utterly awesome team of river guides benefiting from more training than implemented by any other outfitter in the state.
Compared to Clear Creek, our Arkansas River whitewater runs offer a more remote, less-crowded alternative that gets you into the heart of Colorado, further from big-city hubbub and Interstate traffic—yet surprisingly quick and easy to get to!
The Arkansas River, roaring its way out of the Southern Rockies and out onto the Great Plains forms the spectacular liquid highway of our very own backyard here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions. And within a stone’s throw of our headquarters are river-running routes that fit the bill for everyone from stone-cold rafting novices to stone-cold wildwater veterans.
Best for most families
Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Our classic “sweet spot” of whitewater rafting comes via the Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip, which proceeds through marvelously striking terrain—hoofed along, yes, by an abundant population of bighorns—and serves up an appealing mix of Class I-III+ rapids. This is consistently the most popular trip we lead, given its middle-of-the-road, crowd-pleasing nature.
Best for adventure seekers
The Royal Gorge
And there’s the crown jewel of Arkansas River white water rafting packages: the Royal Gorge itself, one of the great river-running adventures in the West, with unforgettable rapids of Class II-V caliber and truly jaw-dropping scenery as you portal through the belly of an epic topographic strike-through. Best suited for those with a bit of whitewater experience under their belt, our Royal Gorge trips are open to paddlers 13 years old and up.
Best for relaxing
Scenic family float
On the easiest end of the spectrum, our Gentle Scenic Float coasts the placid flow of the upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, with nothing more than Class II-III rapids to add a little beginner-friendly spice into the mix. Kids as young as four years old can enjoy this ultra-relaxing cruise through some beautiful western scenery—and get a friendly taste of riding a river.
As some of the most expert rafting outfitters in Colorado, we love nothing more than showing off the splendor and wild energy of the Arkansas River: a Rocky Mountain flow we’re deeply passionate about. If you’re looking for an alternative to the fleetingly runnable, rather busy whitewater of Clear Creek, we invite you to consider one of the other unique Colorado experiences we offer here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions.
You can count on the rafting experts at Echo Canyon for thrilling, professional, and safe outdoor adventures—truly the best that Colorado has to offer. If you have any questions or need assistance, our dedicated team is here to help. We can’t wait to welcome you and share a memorable experience on the water.
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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