Bighorn Sheep Canyon: Whitewater Rafting & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Whitewater splashes, canyon views and riverside BBQ in Colorado

You’ll paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon’s lively rapids with a local guide, feeling cool spray on your face before stopping for a simple riverside BBQ lunch. All gear is included — wetsuits, helmets, river shoes — plus digital photos so you can laugh at your helmet hair later. Expect laughter, splashes, and maybe a quiet moment looking up at those canyon walls.

What’s the experience like?

We slid into the raft at Bighorn Sheep Canyon just as the sun was starting to warm the rocks — you could smell wet stone and sunscreen in the air. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and asked if we were ready for “Spikebuck,” which sounded way more intimidating than I expected for a family trip. The river felt cold through my wetsuit boots but honestly, it woke me up better than coffee ever could. I kept glancing up at the cliffs, half-hoping to spot an actual bighorn sheep (no luck this time), but there were swallows darting overhead and the sound of water slapping against our paddles.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much — every time we hit a rapid like Shark’s Tooth or Double Dip, someone would shriek (okay, sometimes me) and Jamie would shout out random facts about the Arkansas River between instructions. There was this one moment where everything went quiet except for the rush of water and I just stared at the sky for a second. It’s weird how peaceful it gets between rapids. My nephew tried to steer us during Last Chance rapid and nearly spun us around; Jamie just laughed and let him feel like a hero.

Afterwards we peeled off our splash jackets (which stuck to my arms in that clingy way only river gear can) and sat down for a BBQ lunch right by the water — burgers, chips, cookies. Nothing fancy but somehow it tasted perfect after paddling all morning. Someone snapped a photo of us with helmet hair and big grins; they sent it to us later for free, which made my mom’s day. The whole thing was over too fast but I still think about that stretch of river when I hear water rushing somewhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day rafting in Bighorn Canyon

• Receive rafting gear and wetsuit
• Raft class II and III rapids
• Navigate Spikebuck, Shark's Tooth rapids
• Experience Double Dip and Last Chance rapids
• Enjoy BBQ lunch included
• Receive free digital photos

Top questions

Is Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting suitable for kids?

Yes, this whitewater rafting trip is great for families with younger children and first-time rafters.

What class rapids are on this tour?

The trip includes class II and III whitewater rapids such as Spikebuck, Shark's Tooth, Double Dip, and Last Chance.

Are wetsuits provided on the Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip?

Yes, wetsuits, river shoes, splash jackets, lifejackets, and helmets are all provided as part of the tour.

Is lunch included in this rafting tour?

Yes, a BBQ lunch with hot dog or hamburger, chips, cookie and fountain drinks is included.

Are digital photos really free?

Yes, complimentary digital photos are included with your booking.

How long does the Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip last?

This is a half-day rafting trip suitable for most fitness levels.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting is wheelchair accessible.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day covers everything: all rafting gear like wetsuits and helmets is ready when you arrive; you’ll get a hot BBQ lunch by the river with burgers or hot dogs plus snacks; digital photos come free so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting wet — just enjoy paddling through Bighorn Sheep Canyon before heading back dry (mostly).