FAQs

When is the best time to go?

The season runs from May 1st thru Labor Day weekend. Water flows vary throughout this time frame. End of May-middle of June, water flow tends to be at the highest of the season. July is the most popular month to go rafting as the temperatures heat up and the water flow is at a fun, splashy level. Water flow starts dropping off by early August, but most years the river is still runnable until Labor Day.

Can children go?

Yes. But each section has an age and weight restriction.

For the Royal Gorge, children need to always be at least 90lbs and 14 years old.

For Big Horn Sheep Canyon, the age restrictions vary depending on water levels. The child always needs to be at least 50lbs. Please call for the most up to date age limit and information.

Do I need experience?

Experience is not required. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the best option if you have never been whitewater rafting before. This section is a good introduction to this activity. If you enjoy this trip and are looking for more, next time you are with us try The Royal Gorge trip for an advanced experience.

What should I bring?

Non-cotton clothing (synthetic is always best), shoes with an adjustable strap or laces (no flip clops or Crocs), sunglasses with a strap, a towel, and dry clothes to change into after the trip.

Water bottles and sunscreen will be provided.

Your guide will be taking pictures that will be sent to you at the end of the trip at no cost, so a phone is not necessary to bring on the river.

What should I wear?

NO COTTON- Cotton clothes will stay wet and keep you cold. We recommend quick-dry materials like synthetic and fleece.

Swimsuit or board shorts- If you are wearing a wetsuit you’ll want a non-cotton layer to wear underneath.

Warm layer- We recommend bringing a fleece layer in case you get cold. Your guide can hold onto it in their dry-bag.

Proper footwear- Your own footwear is always recommended. Shoes need to be secure on your feet, no flip-flops or Crocs. Any shoes with an adjustable strap like Chacos, water shoes or an old pair of tennis shoes are required.

What are the different rapid classifications?

Rapids are classified on a Class I-VI scale. Class I being the easiest and Class VI unrunnable for guests.

Depending on which trip you go on, you will experience Class II-III (Big Horn Sheep Canyon) or Class III-IV (The Royal Gorge). 

We do have age restrictions based on the trip difficulty and water flows. 

Depending on river flows, the age restrictions may change or the trips may be cancelled.

Class I - Moving water with a few riffles and small waves.

Class II - Easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels.

Class III - Rapids with high irregular waves, narrow passages, precise maneuvering.

Class IV - Long, difficult rapids, big waves, constricted passages, complex maneuvering.

Class V - Extremely difficult, long rapids with large features and steep drops that may have high consequences.