Half-Day rafting trips

Colorado fun for the whole family

One of the best things about visiting Colorado is the fantastic outdoor activities. By booking a half-day trip, you get to experience the Arkansas River while leaving time for other adventures like ziplining.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers half-day rafting in both stand-alone trips or package deals. By bundling a rafting trip with another activity like ATV riding, you save money while experiencing Colorado with some of the most experienced outfitters in the area.

A half-day trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions gives you the flexibility to see the very best of the Rocky Mountain state.

What Should I Expect from a Half-Day Trip?

People enjoy half-day rafting trips because they leave time for other activities.

Both morning and afternoon rafting trips have their own perks. While morning trips may be less crowded and have better weather, many people prefer the afternoons because you can get a later start. In either case, a half-day trip gives you a taste of Colorado river culture.

Whether you book in the morning or afternoon, half-day trips last a total of 3 hours – with about 2 hours spent on the river.

Why Book a Half-Day Trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions?

Best guides in the business

River experts – the river guides at Echo Canyon River Expeditions know every rapid, eddy, and curve in the Arkansas River.
Interpretive training – our team members take great pride in teaching guests about local flora, fauna, and history.
Safety protocol – Echo Canyon River Expeditions guides are trained on safety protocols for on-river scenarios and medical emergencies.

Attention to the details

Gear & equipment – the most up-to-date and rafting gear, including PFDs (personal floatation devices), helmets, wetsuits, rafts, and clean shuttle vehicles.
Guest instruction – our raft guides take the time to train guests on rafting safety and equipment use.
Different trip options – with a variety of trip choices, Echo Canyon can match a rafting trip to the experience level of your group.

Extra perks at Echo Canyon

Photo packages – Echo Canyon has a full in-house photography department. We have GoPros mounted on every raft to capture video and still images, and shoreside photographers, too!
Bundle and save – bundle another outdoor adventure like Royal Gorge Bridge tickets or a historic train ride and save money.
Echo Canyon partnerships – whether it be ziplining or ATV rides, Echo Canyon partners with some of the top outfitters in Colorado.

Half-Day Rafting Trips

From mellow family floats to heart-pumping white water, Echo Canyon River Expeditions has a half-day trip to match your needs. Check out our signature trips below for the trip that matches your speed.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half-Day

Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the perfect half-day white water rafting trip for families and first-timers. This stretch of river features moderate-sized rapids, plenty of adventure, and some of the best chances to view the iconic Bighorn Sheep. Rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon will make memories that last a lifetime.

Royal Gorge Half-Day

Interested in the maximum level of adventure? Consider a white water rafting trip in the Royal Gorge with class IV rapids and incredible scenery while floating through the depths of this 1,000 feet deep chasm of the Arkansas River. Good physical condition and swimming ability is necessary for this thrilling river adventure.

Scenic Float Half-Day

Our Scenic Float trip is a great option for families with smaller children 4 to 5 years of age. Floating the upper reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon, the trip includes class II and minor class III rapids in a gorgeous section of the canyon. Watch out for Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife over the course of this leisurely trip.

Half-Day White Water Rafting Trip Packages

Echo Canyon works with a number of solid attractions and activity providers to simplify your vacation planning and maximum the fun factor! Check out our two most popular package trips below, or visit our rafting packages page to see all of the options available.

Raft-n-Rail Package

With the Raft-n-Rail trip package, you experience two of the most popular activities in the Cañon City area. The day starts with a family-friendly rafting trip down the class III Bighorn Sheep Canyon, followed by a 2-hour ride aboard the historic Royal Gorge Route through the Royal Gorge.

Raft-n-Bridge Package

The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of those not-to-be-missed attractions while visiting the Cañon City area! Our Raft-n-Bridge combines our most popular half-day raft trip with the outdoor fun at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Start your day with a half-day Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip including adventurous class II and III white water ideal for first time rafters and groups with various comfort levels on the river. There’s time between activities to grab a bite to eat on your own at our 8 Mile Bar & Grill or another restaurant in the area. Drive the quick 4 miles to the Royal Gorge Bridge to enjoy at your own pace.

Book a Half-Day Arkansas River Rafting Trip Today!

When you book a half-day trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions, you get more than just rafting. We have clean and modern changing rooms and bathrooms, free lockers for those who need them, an on-site restaurant and amazing accommodation options as well. Combined with partnerships with some of the best outfitters in Colorado, Echo Canyon is your basecamp for summer vacation adventures.