Imagine paddling through the lively rapids of the Arkansas River, surrounded by stunning Colorado scenery, with the chance to spot bighorn sheep along the banks. This is exactly what you get with Raft Masters’ half-day Bighorn Rafting tour in Cañon City. Priced at around $146 per person for about four hours, it’s designed as a family-friendly experience, perfect for first-timers and younger children. The tour combines adrenaline, scenic views, and thoughtful touches like free gear, lunch, and photos, making it a well-rounded adventure for those wanting a taste of Colorado’s wild side without overdoing it.
We particularly appreciate how accessible and friendly this experience feels. The closest rafting location to Colorado Springs and Pueblo makes it easy to fit into a Colorado road trip, and the team’s focus on safety and fun ensures everyone feels comfortable. Two things that stand out are the complimentary BBQ lunch—hotdogs and burgers after your splashy ride—and the free downloadable photos capturing the biggest rapid moments. These little extras add real value and allow you to relive the excitement long after the trip is over.
One potential consideration is the wait time before starting, as one review mentioned a longer than ideal delay. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s worth arriving early or planning for some extra patience. This tour is most suitable for families, first-time rafters, and adventure seekers who want a safe, friendly introduction to Colorado whitewater.
Key Points
- Family-friendly and suitable for first-time rafters
- All gear provided for free, including wetsuits and splash jackets
- Complimentary BBQ lunch adds great value after the trip
- Photos of your adventure are included, easy to download
- Close proximity to Colorado Springs and Pueblo makes it convenient
- Guide-led experience focused on safety and fun
What to Expect on the Rafting Trip
The experience begins at the Raft Masters office in Cañon City, a straightforward and accessible spot with ample parking. Check-in is smooth, with friendly staff guiding you through gear fitting and safety instructions. If you’re on an afternoon trip, you can enjoy the free BBQ lunch at the Eddy Out Cafe beforehand, which is a nice way to fuel up before hitting the river.
Once suited up in your free wetsuit, river shoes, and splash jacket, the guides will transport you by bus to the river. Here, they’ll give a thorough safety talk and paddle instructions, ensuring everyone — from kids to adults — feels prepared. The professional fit of life jackets means comfort is prioritized, which is important when you’re in a raft for several miles.
The Arkansas River offers about 9 miles of scenic, splashy rapids, with highlights like Five Points, Spike Buck, and Cowgirl Up. As you paddle through the churning water, keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially bighorn sheep along the banks, adding a touch of nature to your adventure. Throughout the trip, your guide will keep things lively, emphasizing safety but also making sure everyone has fun.
Most guests agree that the guides are friendly and professional. One reviewer noted that their guide “Emma was very good,” highlighting the importance of a knowledgeable guide who can keep the group safe while maintaining a fun atmosphere. The group size of 6-8 people per boat strikes a good balance — small enough for personalized attention, but large enough for a lively ride.
At the end of the 4-hour experience, you’ll return to the office, where you can browse souvenirs, view your action photos, or purchase snacks. If you’re on a morning trip, you’ll have your free lunch afterward, making it a great way to conclude your adventure.
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The Value of This Experience
For the price of $146, you get a comprehensive package: transportation, safety gear, guiding, lunch, and photos. When you compare this to other outdoor activities, it offers real value—especially considering the all-inclusive nature and the friendly, expert guiding staff. The free gear rental means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment or worrying about wet clothes afterward.
The photos are a wonderful bonus, letting you revisit the most adrenaline-pumping moments of the rapid through high-quality images. The lunch provides a well-earned break and a chance to socialize with your group after the splashy fun.
This tour strikes a nice balance between safety and adventure, making it ideal for families with children over 5, first-time rafters, or anyone wanting a taste of Colorado’s whitewater without the intensity of more extreme trips. The close location to Colorado Springs and Pueblo also makes it a great option for travelers based in those cities looking for an affordable, memorable outdoor activity.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Arrive early to minimize wait times, especially if on an afternoon trip.
- Bring sunglasses (with retainers) and sunscreen—the Colorado sun can be strong.
- Pack a dry change of clothes, a towel, and a camera or phone in a waterproof bag for photos.
- Children under 5 are not recommended, so plan accordingly.
- Remember, alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the trip for safety reasons.
Final Thoughts
This rafting experience provides a good mix of adventure, scenery, and friendly service at a fair price. The focus on family-friendly fun and safety makes it a top choice for those new to whitewater rafting or traveling with kids. The inclusion of lunch and photos adds to the value, helping you make the most of your time on the water without extra hassle or expense.
While the wait time may be a consideration, the overall organization, scenic rapids, and welcoming guides help make this a memorable Colorado outing. If you’re after a well-run, fun, and authentic whitewater experience close to Colorado Springs, this tour hits the right notes.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQs
How long is the rafting trip?
The trip lasts about 4 hours, including check-in, gear fitting, transportation, and the actual rafting.
What is included in the price?
You get transportation, life jackets, helmets, wetsuits, river boots, splash jackets, a BBQ lunch, photos, restroom access, and a gift shop.
Are gear and wetsuits provided?
Yes, all necessary gear, including wetsuits and splash jackets, are provided free of charge.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly but children under 5 years old are not recommended.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, towel, and possibly a waterproof camera for photos.
Can I buy photos of my trip?
Yes, a third-party photographer will take photos during your trip, which you can download later.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is at the Raft Masters office, a red building with a large parking lot across the street.
Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
How many guests are typically in each boat?
Typically, 6-8 guests per boat, depending on water levels and trip specifics.
In short, if you’re looking for an accessible, fun, and scenic Colorado rafting experience with thoughtful extras, Raft Masters’ Bighorn Rafting trip offers excellent value and genuine adventure. It’s perfect for those wanting to try whitewater for the first time or families eager to introduce their kids to Colorado’s wild rivers.
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