Everything you need to know about rafting the legendary Royal Gorge: from Class III-V rapids to the best time of year to go.
The Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River is one of the premier whitewater rafting destinations in North America. This world-renowned stretch slices through a 1,250-foot-deep granite canyon, delivering 15 rapids of Class III and IV within a 6-mile span, making it one of the most rapid-dense runs in the country.
What Makes Royal Gorge Rafting Special
The half-day Royal Gorge trip covers 10 miles and takes approximately two and a half hours of river time. The full-day option extends to 21 miles, combining the gentler Class III whitewater in the morning with the challenging Class IV and V rapids of the Royal Gorge in the afternoon, with a lunch break at the halfway point.
The Rapids You'll Face
Among the 15 major rapids, you'll encounter El Primero (Class III), Pumphouse (Class III-IV), Hollywood Hole (Class IV), Sunshine Falls (Class IV), Sledgehammer (Class IV), Wall Slammer (Class IV), and the notorious Boateater (Class IV-V). At peak flows above 4,000 CFS, several rapids push into solid Class V territory.
Best Time to Go
The rafting season runs from early April through mid-September. Water levels typically begin rising in mid-May as snowmelt feeds the Arkansas River. Late May through July brings the highest, most challenging flows. Thanks to supplemental water releases from Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoirs, the Royal Gorge maintains reliable flows well into late summer, giving it one of the longest Class IV rafting seasons in Colorado.
Requirements and What to Know
Participants must be at least 14 years old (16+ during high water periods), able to swim, and physically fit enough to paddle. This is genuinely advanced whitewater. The canyon walls tower over 1,000 feet above you, and the rapids come fast and furious.
Getting There
The Royal Gorge is located just one hour from Colorado Springs on the Arkansas River, near Cañon City, Colorado. Our base camp at Royal Gorge Rafting includes check-in, gear-up areas, and shuttles to put-in points.
Pro Tips
- Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a complete change of clothes
- Water-friendly shoes that strap on are essential (no flip-flops)
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses with a retainer strap
- The morning section of the full-day trip is a great warm-up for the gorge
- Book early for June and July: these are the most popular months
