When you think of Colorado’s rugged beauty, the Royal Gorge immediately springs to mind—its towering 1,100-foot cliffs and roaring Arkansas River make for a truly dramatic backdrop. For adventurous travelers looking to combine thrill and scenic grandeur, the Royal Gorge Rafting tour offered by Raft Masters is a solid choice. Priced at around $157 per person, this 4-hour experience is centered on navigating some of the most exciting Class III to Class V whitewater rapids.
What really draws us in—and what you’ll appreciate—are the all-inclusive amenities: free wetsuit and gear rentals, a complimentary BBQ lunch, and the ability to download a professional photo of your adventure. The tour is designed to be accessible for beginners, with guides taking care of safety and instructions, which is perfect if you’re new to whitewater rafting.
Two specific aspects we love are: first, the convenience of being the closest rafting spot to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, saving you a long drive; second, the friendly, professional staff who guide you from start to finish, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
A potential consideration is the group size—typically 6-8 guests per boat—which means your experience can depend on how well your group paddles together and how crowded the boat feels. Also, reviews have noted some inconsistencies; some guests were disappointed by missing comforts like lunch or photos, which suggests it’s worth clarifying what’s included before booking.
This tour suits families, groups, or solo thrill-seekers wanting a balanced mix of adrenaline, scenic views, and comfort, especially if you appreciate value-added extras like lunch and photos.
Key Points
- Accessible for Beginners: No previous experience required, with guides providing safety instructions.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Wetsuits, gear, lunch, and photos included in the price.
- Short, Focused Trip: Four hours from check-in to return, ideal for a day of adventure.
- Close to Major Cities: Convenient location near Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
- Dynamic Whitewater: Rapid classes range from III to V, promising excitement.
- Mixed Reviews: Some guests experienced missing amenities, so clarify what’s included.
The Experience in Detail
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Starting Out: Easy Check-In and Preparation
Our journey begins at the Raft Masters office, a simple red building with a large parking lot in Canon City. The check-in process is straightforward, with friendly staff guiding us through what to expect and how to prepare. If you’re on an afternoon trip, lunch is served from 11:30 am, giving you a hearty start before hitting the water; for morning tours, you might enjoy your BBQ afterward.
We appreciated how the staff professionally fitted our life jackets and provided all necessary river gear—wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes—at no extra charge. This gear is key to staying warm and comfortable, especially when splashed or immersed in colder water.
The Shuttle & Safety Briefing
After gearing up, we boarded a short bus ride to the river, where our guide explained safety precautions and paddling techniques. Expect a detailed safety talk, especially since the rapids in the gorge are intense and require your full attention. The guides clearly know their stuff, and we felt reassured by their professionalism.
Navigating the Rapids
Once in the raft, the guide gave us time to practice paddling and get to know one another. The first stretch is a gentle float—a perfect chance to soak in the scenery and listen to the guide’s commentary. Then, the river narrows sharply, and the real adventure begins.
The steep drops and huge waves make for thrilling Class III to V rapids, with names like Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer, and Boat Eater. The water is relentless, rushing past you with a roar, demanding teamwork and quick reflexes. We loved the way the guides kept the energy high while maintaining safety, making sure everyone was involved and having fun.
One guest described the trip as “fun and energetic,” which is spot on. The rapid-action and natural beauty of the canyon make for a memorable experience, especially watching the towering cliffs blaze past on either side, creating a stunning contrast to the white froth.
More Great Tours NearbyScenic Highlights & Unique Moments
The narrow gorge, just 25 feet wide in sections, is where the canyon’s grandeur really hits you. The towering cliffs seem to close in, and you get a real sense of nature’s scale. For many, this part is the highlight—an adrenaline rush combined with awe-inspiring views.
Photos & Souvenirs
A third-party photographer captures moments during the biggest rapid—often the most exhilarating part of the trip. At the end, you’ll receive a link to download these photos, which are a nice keepsake. Some reviews pointed out that only one photo was included, and additional purchases could be costly (around $99+tax), so if photos are important to you, plan accordingly.
Post-Rafting Comfort and Food
After exiting the canyon, the raft is unloaded, and you’re back on a short bus ride to the office. Here, you can browse souvenirs in the gift shop and pick up any extra photos or gear you might want. For those on an afternoon tour, a BBQ lunch of burgers and hot dogs is served at the Eddy Out Cafe—an appreciated, hearty way to wrap up the adventure.
Authenticity and Mixed Experiences
While the experience is lively and scenic, reviews reveal some inconsistencies. One guest noted, “We had a group of 7 and were assured we would all be on the same raft, but that didn’t happen,” citing water levels as a possible excuse but feeling somewhat misled. Others found that some promised amenities, like lunch and photos, were missing, which suggests that checking what’s included before booking is wise.
Pricing & Value Analysis
At $157 per person, the tour offers a competitive price considering the included gear, lunch, and photos. The value is high if you get the full experience advertised—especially the convenience of proximity to major cities and the guided safety. However, the mixed reviews about missing amenities highlight the importance of clarifying exactly what you’ll receive, as some guests felt their expectations weren’t fully met.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This rafting trip is best suited for adventurers of moderate fitness who want a guided, safe introduction to whitewater. It’s a good pick for families with older children (min age 12), groups, or solo travelers eager to tick off an exciting Colorado highlight. Those seeking a scenic, adrenaline-filled day in the mountains will find plenty to love here. But if you’re chasing a high-end, photo-rich experience, be prepared for optional purchases.
Final thoughts
The Royal Gorge rafting experience at Raft Masters delivers a solid adventure that balances thrill, scenery, and convenience. The included wetsuits, gear, and lunch help create a hassle-free outing, while the wild rapids provide genuine excitement. The proximity to Colorado Springs and Pueblo makes it accessible for a day trip, and the guides’ professionalism offers peace of mind.
However, the experience’s consistency depends on individual expectations. Some guests have left disappointed with missing amenities, so it’s worth double-checking what’s included at booking. The scenic grandeur of the gorge, combined with the adrenaline of navigating challenging rapids, makes this a worthy adventure—if you’re comfortable with the group size and understand that some extras may cost more.
Overall, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-guided whitewater adventure with family or friends, this tour offers great value and memorable moments. For those seeking a more polished or photo-heavy experience, look into the specifics of what’s included before you book. But for most, this trip will deliver a genuine taste of Colorado’s rugged spirit.
FAQ
Is previous rafting experience necessary?
No, all levels are welcome. Guides provide safety instructions and paddle coaching, making it suitable for beginners.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, life jacket, helmet, wetsuits, river boots, splash jackets, a BBQ lunch, restroom access, and a gift shop.
Are wetsuits provided?
Yes, wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes are included at no extra cost, helping you stay warm in the water.
What about photos?
Photos are taken during the trip by a third-party photographer, and you’ll receive a link to download a digital photo. Additional photos can be purchased.
How long is the trip?
The total experience lasts about 4 hours, including check-in, gear-up, transportation, rafting, and return.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12, making it suitable for older children and teenagers.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling options are available depending on availability.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, lip balm, a camera, dry clothes for after, and water.
Are drinks or alcohol allowed?
No, alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons.
If you’re eager to experience Colorado’s legendary Royal Gorge with a guided raft trip that offers adventure and scenic beauty, this tour is a practical, enjoyable choice—just remember to clarify what’s included and prepare for the thrilling ride ahead.
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