Explore Rafting on the Arkansas River

Colorado’s premier rafting adventure

Explore the Arkansas River in Colorado

Discover every twist, rapid, and scenic highlight along one of Colorado’s most spectacular rivers. From family-friendly floats to the adrenaline-pumping Royal Gorge, your perfect adventure awaits with our interactive river guide.

Your Interactive Arkansas River Rafting Map

The Arkansas River offers diverse whitewater rafting experiences through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our interactive Arkansas river rafting map lets you virtually explore all this amazing river has to offer.

Check out our 3-minute interactive map tutorial

Full Screen

Click the frame icon below to enter full-screen mode

Family Float

Gentle Class I-II • Ages 4+

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

Moderate Class II-III • Ages 6+

Royal Gorge

Exciting Class III-V • Ages 14+

Interactive Map

Click or tap here to interact with the map

Watch our quick tutorial

Find your perfect Colorado rafting adventure on the Arkansas River

Big Horn Sheep Canyon

The locals’ anytime choice

This trip delivers the perfect mix of excitement and scenery on the Arkansas River. Bighorn Sheep Canyon has been creating family memories and office legends for over 40 years.

Class II-III rapids (the sweet spot between calm and crazy)
Perfect for first-timers, families with kids 6+, and groups
Incredible canyon scenery with where wildlife abounds
The ideal introduction to real Colorado whitewater
No experience necessary – just bring your sense of adventure!

Big fun for everyone

Maximum thrills

The Royal Gorge

Colorado’s most legendary rapids

Are you the wild one? Then this is your cup of tea, or your triple-espresso. This is extreme whitewater rafting at its best. Paddle the Gorge and you’ll be reenacting your wild ride down legendary whitewater for years to come.

Class III-V rapids (this is what they mean by whitewater)
Perfect for thrill-seekers ages 14+ (16+ during high water)
Massive 1,000-foot canyon walls towering overhead
Expert guides with extensive training tackle challenging rapids
The ultimate whitewater experience

Nice & easy

Scenic Float

A family-sized taste of adventure

Sometimes you want to send it, sometimes you want to chill. This is for those laid-back days when you just want to paddle at a relaxed, family-friendly pace that creates smiles, not stress.

Class I-II rapids (just enough splash to keep it interesting)
Perfect for families with kids ages 5+
Free wetsuit and splash jacket rentals
Expert guides who keep things safe and fun
Stunning mountain views with wildlife spotting opportunities

Essential Arkansas River Rafting Information

River seasons

Water levels affect each river section differently. Use the interactive map above to see current conditions for your preferred section.

River ready

Your trip includes all essential gear:

Just bring quick-dry clothes, secure footwear, sun protection, and your sense of adventure!

Your local Arkansas River Rafting guides since 1978

This interactive river guide is built from over four decades of Echo Canyon experience. Our guides know every rapid, every wildlife viewing spot, and every scenic turn along the Arkansas River. When you’re ready to experience this amazing river firsthand, you’ll be in the skilled hands of Colorado’s most experienced rafting team.

Ready to experience the river for yourself?

Now that you’ve explored the Arkansas River virtually, it’s time to feel the splashes and experience the smiles firsthand.