Echo Partners with the Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo
Would you like to get in on a one-of-a-kind interpretive trip complete with a beautiful spring float, ample time for bird watching (yes, bring your binoculars), interesting discussions with knowledgeable naturalists and a Bird of Prey demonstration –and all for the cost of a normal half day raft trip? If your nodding your head yes, then you can’t miss our Memorial Day Interpretive white water rafting trip we are offering in conjunction with our friends at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo.
Early morning trip = wildlife and serenity
If you’re an early-rising bird watcher then you might call this sleeping in, but for the rest of you be sure to set your timer so you don’t miss the 7:00 AM check-in at Echo Canyon. Trust me – it’ll be worth it! Get ready for a relaxing morning on the upper reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a section of whitewater known by Echo raft guides as the place to spot abundant bird life and to enjoy fabulous canyon scenery. With all of the moisture we’ve seen this month the river banks are green with life and the wildlife lively and welcoming another glorious Colorado summer on the river. Believe it or not summer is almost here, folks – let’s get out and start enjoying it! Just yesterday one of our crews saw a large herd of Bighorn Sheep – a group of six rams was just feet from the edge of the river. It’s wildlife sightings like this that make the Arkansas River a fantastic venue for interpretive river rafting trips and spotting wildlife.
A river guide and professional naturalist on every raft!
Not only will your raft have a knowledgeable and safety conscious professional Echo Canyon rafting guide, each raft will also have an expert Naturalist from the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo! With a variety of backgrounds, the Naturalist guides will teach you about the unique biodiversity of the Arkansas River Valley. Don’t worry if you are concerned about the demands of the rafting. Your rafting guide will row you down the gentle rapids so you can focus on the knowledge shared by your Naturalist guide and so you can keep your eyes – and binoculars – peeled for native wildlife. We plan on floating for approximately two hours depending on water flows. While the section of river we will be floating is gentle, we will still require personal flotation devices. Plan on wearing quick drying clothing and check the weather forecast to be sure you’ll have appropriate clothing to stay comfortable. If you plan on brining a camera we encourage you to go with a water-proof version – even on class II water you can still get a few splashes.
Bird of Prey presentation after the rafting trip
Be sure to stick around after the river trip, because the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo is bringing some feathered friends for you to see up close and personal! Our shaded patio will be the venue as experts will tell you more about these interesting birds that always are so large and even more impressive when they are right in front of you. You’ll have to join us for the trip to see what raptors and others Birds of Prey you will get to meet next Monday!
Grab a bite with a Naturalist
The crew from the Raptor Center will stick around to grab a bite to eat at our 8 Mile Bar & Grill located right on-site here at Echo Canyon. You are welcome to join them or choose to enjoy lunch in the restaurant or on the patio with views of the Wet Mountains and 14,000 foot Sangre De Christo Mountains.
Make it a day to remember and join us for the May 26th Nature and Raptor Center Interpretive trip at Echo Canyon. We’re happy to answer any questions or reserve your trip by phone at 800-755-3246 or reserve online here. We’ll see you next week!
