Cañon City: Bighorn Rafting With Lunch, Wetsuit and Photos

Thinking about adding some adventure to your Colorado trip? If so, this Bighorn Rafting tour with Raft Masters in Cañon City might just be what you’re looking for. It’s designed as a half-day experience that balances excitement with accessibility, making it a solid choice whether you’re a first-timer or traveling with younger kids. From the reviews, it’s clear that many find it well-organized and fun, especially praising the friendly guides and the inclusive amenities.

What we really like about this tour is how approachable it is for those new to whitewater rafting — it keeps the thrill accessible without sacrificing the fun factor. Plus, the free wetsuit, shoes, and splash jackets mean you don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear or dealing with the cold water. And let’s not forget the free BBQ lunch — a nice touch after the splashy adventure.

The only potential downside? There can be a long wait before the trip starts, which some travelers mentioned, but it seems like it’s a small trade-off for the overall smooth experience. If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that’s easy on the nerves but still packed with adventure, this tour suits many travelers well.

All in all, if you want a fun, safe, and well-organized rafting experience near Colorado Springs or Pueblo, this trip is worth considering. It’s especially good for those wanting a balanced adventure that includes a meal and some great photo memories without a full-day commitment.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: The trip is designed to be friendly for first-timers and families with younger children.
• All gear included: Wetsuits, shoes, and splash jackets are provided free of charge.
• Great value: The price covers transportation, gear, lunch, and photos — a comprehensive experience.
• Convenient location: Raft Masters is close to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, making it easy to get to.
• Photo opportunity: You’ll get a digital download of a photo from the best rapid, perfect for sharing.
• Flexible scheduling: Available in both morning and afternoon, with a 4-hour duration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

When you arrive at Raft Masters in Cañon City, you’ll notice their easy-to-find location — a red building with a large parking lot across the street. The check-in process is straightforward, and the friendly staff will guide you through everything from gear fittings to safety instructions. If you’re on an afternoon trip, you’ll be treated to a free BBQ lunch of burgers and hot dogs, which is served before your adventure, between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. For those on a morning trip, lunch comes afterward, giving time to relax after the splashy ride.

Once geared up with the life jackets, helmets, wetsuits, river shoes, and splash jackets, you’ll hop on a bus that takes you to the river. The transport is quick, and the guides are attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable and prepared. The safety talk and paddle instructions are designed to be clear and friendly, setting you at ease for the river journey.

The Arkansas River offers about 9 miles of scenic and splashy rapids, including familiar names like Five Points, Spike Buck, and Cowgirl Up. From the reviews, it’s apparent that the rapids are lively but manageable, with plenty of fun for first-timers. You’ll have a chance to spot bighorn sheep along the riverbanks, adding a bit of wildlife charm to your trip. The guides will keep safety a priority, but they also know how to keep the energy high and ensure everyone enjoys the ride.

Throughout the trip, you’ll be seated comfortably in boats designed for 6-8 guests, which helps foster a fun group atmosphere. The guides do a good job of managing the pace and giving paddling instructions, so even newbies can feel involved without feeling overwhelmed.

After roughly 9 miles of river fun, you’ll head back to the office, where you can browse the gift shop, purchase souvenirs, and view the photos taken during the trip. The photos, taken by a third-party company, are a nice memento — you’ll receive a link to download them after the trip, capturing your most exciting rapid moments.

The Food and Photo Experience

The BBQ lunch is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy a relaxed post-adventure meal. The hotdogs, burgers, chips, cookies, and fountain drinks provide a satisfying finish to a busy morning or afternoon. Reviewers mention that the lunch is well-organized and a nice way to unwind.

The photos add a fun keepsake, especially since they capture your group’s reactions during the biggest rapids. Many travelers appreciate the ability to download the pictures online, which saves you the hassle of trying to snap your own shots during the chaos.

Gear and Comfort

Raft Masters goes the extra mile by providing free gear rental, which is a big plus. Wetsuits and splash jackets help keep you warm and dry, especially if the water is chilly or if you’re sensitive to the splash. The river shoes ensure proper footing, preventing slips and making it easier to get in and out of the boats.

Bringing your own essentials is still advised — sunglasses with retainers, sunscreen, lip balm, a towel, and a change of clothes for after the trip. You can purchase some of these at the gift shop if needed.

Group Size and Trip Dynamics

With typically 6-8 guests per boat, the group size feels intimate enough to foster camaraderie without feeling crowded. The water levels and trip selection influence the exact number of guests, but overall, you can expect a lively, interactive experience with plenty of paddling and fun.

More Great Tours Nearby

Price and Overall Value

At $146 per person, this tour seems to pack in a lot: transportation, professional gear, safety instruction, a tasty lunch, and memorable photos. For a half-day adventure in Colorado, this price is quite reasonable, especially considering the included amenities. It’s a convenient option for travelers who want a well-organized, all-inclusive rafting experience.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip works well for first-time rafters, families with younger children (over 5 years old), or anyone wanting a moderate adrenaline experience without pushing into extreme territory. If you’re seeking a relaxed introduction to whitewater, with a friendly guide and a focus on fun, this is a solid choice.

However, if you’re looking for a full-day challenge or extreme rapids, this tour might feel a bit tame. Also, if you prefer to avoid long wait times, be aware that the start can sometimes be delayed.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a family-friendly, well-organized, and enjoyable rafting experience near Colorado Springs or Pueblo, Raft Masters’ Bighorn trip hits the mark. It offers great value with gear, food, photos, and transportation included, all wrapped in a friendly, safety-conscious environment.

The trip’s scenic rapids and wildlife sightings make it a memorable outing, and the addition of a BBQ lunch and photo keepsakes adds extra layers of enjoyment. While the wait times can be a minor frustration, overall, it’s a reliable choice for a fun, relaxed adventure on the Arkansas River.

If you’re after a balanced introduction to whitewater rafting that combines comfort, safety, and a touch of adventure, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a guided, all-inclusive experience that doesn’t skimp on fun or safety.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s friendly for families, especially with younger children over the age of 5. The guide’s instructions and the manageable rapids make it a safe introduction.

What gear is included?
Raft Masters provides wetsuits, river shoes, and splash jackets free of charge. You should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

How long does the trip last?
The experience lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, safety briefings, the rafting itself, and post-ride activities.

Where does the tour meet?
You’ll check in at the Raft Masters office in Cañon City, a red building with a large parking lot across the street.

What is the price?
It costs $146 per person, which covers gear, transportation, lunch, and photos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip planning.

Is there a guide or instructor?
Yes, the trip is led by experienced raft guides who give safety instructions and paddling tips throughout.

What are the rapids like?
Expect splashy but manageable rapids like Five Points and Spike Buck, suitable for first-timers and those wanting a fun ride.

Can I buy souvenirs or photos after the trip?
Absolutely, there’s a gift shop where you can purchase shirts, snacks, and view/download your photos online.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. All other necessary gear is provided.

If you’re after a relaxed, fun, and safe introduction to Colorado whitewater, this trip hits most of the right notes. It’s a well-oiled experience that leaves plenty of room for excitement, good company, and memorable photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: