Begin Your Colorado Rafting Adventure

Your Dream Colorado White Water Rafting Trip Awaits

White water rafting in Colorado is the adventure you’ve been waiting for, with some of the best rapids in the world.

Just about an hour away from Colorado Springs, near both Canon City and the spectacular Royal Gorge, Echo Canyon puts together the perfect adventure to fill out your Rocky Mountain vacation or trip. Float down picturesque canyons, or paddle through a succession of class IV rapids. Explore rugged wilderness during the day, and relax in idyllic mountain towns at night. You may even get lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife that the Rocky Mountains are known for!

At Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we are dedicated to helping you craft your perfect Colorado white water rafting vacation. We offer day trips and overnight excursions to all of the best spots in the state. With decades of experience, we have the know-how to help you with every aspect of your trip. From luxury cabins to the best beer in the West, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip. Join us for a Colorado rafting trip you will never forget!

Why Raft in Colorado?

There are plenty of reasons to choose Colorado for your rafting adventure. But we know we’re a little biased. Find out for yourself why Colorado offers the ultimate adventure ā€“ whether you’re looking for mild or wild rapids.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon family raft trip

Reason #1

Rafting for every level

The Arkansas River meets you where you’re at: Whether that’s a rafting trip for the family or rapids that get your blood pumping.Ā 

Nice and Easy:Ā Looking for something just barely more thrilling than the lazy river? Our Scenic Float trip will have you soaking in miles of pristine wilderness as you float down this relaxing stretch of the Arkansas.

Family Adventure: The Big Horn Cheep Canyon trip offers rafting that’s relaxing, fun, and perfect for the whole family. White water rafting in Colorado has never been better than on these exciting class II-III rapids!

Action & Adventure: If white water is calling your name, TheĀ Royal Gorge is your trip. Paddle through class III to V rapids while taking in the famous Royal Gorge Bridge.

Reason #2

Access to great rivers

Whether you’re staying in downtown Denver or in the mountains, you’ll have access to the best rafting trips in Colorado. Maybe the best white water rafting can be found in Colorado Springs and Buena Vista. We think the perfect rafting trip in Colorado is the Royal Gorge rafting trip. Just outside Colorado Springs, the trip puts you in the heart of a 1,000 foot canyon. Pair your Royal Gorge trip with zip-lining, train rides, or a visit to the breathtaking Royal Gorge bridge! Near the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is a playground for the outdoor enthusiast. This stretch of river is famous for its white water, with some of the most thrilling rapids in the country.Ā 

vail colorado
Luxury cabin rentals near the Royal Gorge

Reason #3

Stay where you play

There’s nothing better than rolling out of bed and hopping on the river. Well, maybe waking up under a feather-top comforter and a Colorado bluebird sky and then paddling down the river. The Royal Gorge cabins offer a hint of rugged outdoors with all of the luxuries you can imagine.Ā 

An indoor/outdoor fireplace and propane grills at every cabin mean you can relax after a day of adventure on the river. Don’t worry about bringing plates, silverware or glasses. We’ve got you covered. Just bring along some snacks, your favorite wine and a sense of adventure.Ā 

Join us on your next Colorado white water rafting adventure! We are dedicated to making this an experience you will never forget. Click here to learn more about white water rafting in Colorado.

Colorado White Water Rafting Trips

The Most Popular Rafting in Colorado - The Arkansas River

Our Colorado Springs rafting excursions on the Arkansas River are the most popular rafting in Colorado, including the Royal Gorge section (for the more experienced adrenaline junkies), the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section (for the less experienced, intermediate adventurers and families) and the popular Scenic Float Trip (for the beginning, inexperiencedĀ  rafters and families with kids 4-5 years of age first getting their toes wet). In the Summit County or Buena Vista area, youā€™re close enough to try out the family-friendly Browns Canyon or go big with the high-adventure Numbers sections of the Arkansas River. Not sure which section of river is best for your group or closest to where youā€™re staying while visiting? Allow us to help ā€“ we want your experience to be like no other, so we will steer you in the right direction.

Royal Gorge Rafting Trip

Experience thrilling class III to V rapids deep in the heart of the Royal Gorge. Located near Colorado Springs, this trip is available as a half-day or full-day raft trip.
Half-Day Trip Price: $119 per person

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trip

Blend miles of scenic beauty with class II to IV rapids. Near Colorado Springs and the Royal Gorge, this trip is offered as a half-day or full-day trip.
Half-Day Trip Price: $109 per person

Scenic Float Rafting Trip

Relax with your kids on this gentle, laid-back float down the Arkansas River. The Scenic Float includes class II to III rapids, and is available as a half-day raft trip.
Trip Price: $99 per person

Arkansas River Multi-Day Rafting Tripsā€‹

Unplug for 2-3 days on a multi-day rafting trip near Colorado Springs. Trips include transportation from the Echo office, as well as all meals and camping gear.
Multi-Day Trip Prices: start at $589 per person

Browns Canyon Rafting Trip

Explore the adventurous family rapids of Browns Canyon, located near Buena Vista, CO. Offered as a half-day or full-day raft trip.
Half Day Trip Price: $100 per person

The Numbers Rafting Trip

Incredible high-mountain scenery and exhilarating class III to V rapids await paddlers taking on the Numbers. Near Buena Vista, CO, this trip is offered as a half-day or full-day trip.
Half Day Trip Price: $110 per person

Scout and Youth Group Trips

Bring your scout group or youth group to Echo for an exciting and educational half-day, full-day white water rafting trip.Ā 
Trip Prices Start at $109 per person

Battle of the Bighorn Rafting Trip

Battle alongside your teammates to be the first raft through Bighorn Sheep Canyon while completing a series of challenges along the way.
Base Price: $800 + $109 per person

Experience Rafting Colorado's Best Rivers

Colorado is lucky to be home to a number of rivers to afford travelers choice and flexibility for vacation planning. The Arkansas River isnā€™t your only option for rafting in Colorado. If you are staying in Denver your closest option is one of several Clear Creek trips; sure to satisfy your taste for adventure. Choose the family-friendly Gold Rush 1/3 day trip, or test your nerves on the Upper Clear Creek section which includes exciting class III and IV rapids. You can even combine the two trips into a full day trip including a delicious BBQ lunch served right at the river. Let our friendly phone staff know if youā€™d like to add a zipline tour to your itinerary while in the Idaho Springs area and round out the day!

Clear Creek Beginner 1/3 Day Raft Trip

Ease into the action with a beginner raft trip on Clear Creek located near Denver. Available as a one third day trip. Clicking ‘BOOK NOW’ will direct you to Arkansas Valley Adventure’s booking site.
Trip Price: $54 to $69 per adultĀ  |Ā  $49 to $64 per child

Clear Creek Intermediate 1/2 Day Raft Trip

Take on class III to IV rapids in Clear Creek Canyon. Located near Denver, and available as a half-day or full-day raft trip. Clicking ‘BOOK NOW’ will direct you to Arkansas Valley Adventure’s booking site.
Half-Day Trip Price: $59 to $79 per adult

San Miguel Multi-Day Rafting Trips

Pristine wilderness awaits those lucky enough to experience the San Miguel River. Limited launches are available – call our office for details. Available as a three day raft trip.
Trip Price: $732 per person

Dolores River Multi-Day Rafting Trips

The Dolores River is a rare jewel with impressive views, and a few exciting rapids. The river rarely flows due to limited limited reservoir releases – call us for details. Available as a three day, five day, or 6 day trip.
Trip Price: starts at $847 per person

More than Rafting

Why stop at rafting? Colorado offers outdoor adventure at its finest, so tack on another experience to your Colorado rafting trip. We offer numerous zipline and rafting combinations, including the Royal Gorge Zipline and the Bighorn Sheep Canyon Zipline. If you do visit the Royal Gorge, donā€™t miss out on the Royal Gorge Bridge and Train Ride.Ā 

Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many options to choose from, the Arkansas River is home to world-class rapids and pristine mountain beauty. All levels of rafters will enjoy Bighorn Sheep Canyon, with half-day and full-day trips that mix relaxation and excitement. Or try our Scenic Float, where even the youngest beginners will be able to experience the river.

Our Family Float trip is perfect for young children, parents looking to relax, and grandparents in need of a peaceful experience. Youā€™ll take a laid-back float down the Arkansas River, not far from Colorado Springs.

While there isnā€™t a ā€œbest timeā€ for Colorado white water rafting trips, there are seasonal differences that are important to consider. We run trips from mid-April through mid-September. July through early September tends to be sunny and warm. Mid-May through early June trips run a bit cooler, with a greater chance of afternoon showers. While May and June tend to be cooler, they are also considered the best months for white water rafting in Colorado.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, secure shoes, water, and snacks. You can find a complete list of what we recommend you bring here.