Colorado: Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Half-Day Trip

Summary

Whitewater rafting in Colorado’s wild canyon with family fun

You’ll paddle through Colorado’s Bighorn Sheep Canyon with an expert guide, take on beginner-friendly whitewater rapids, and pause for a swim in the cool Arkansas River. Expect laughter, splashes, and moments when you forget everything else—just river and sky around you.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first splash—colder than I expected, but it woke me up fast. We’d just pushed off into the Arkansas River, right there in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Our guide, Jamie, had this easy way of making everyone relax, even my nephew who was gripping his paddle like it might bite him. The canyon walls looked almost painted in that morning light, streaks of red and gold, and you could smell sage every time the wind shifted. I kept looking for bighorn sheep on the rocks—Jamie said they’re shy but sometimes curious enough to peek down.

The rapids weren’t as wild as I’d worried (I’m not exactly a daredevil), but they made my heart thump anyway. Class III means you get a little jolt but you’re not flying out of the boat—unless you’re really trying. There was one spot where we all got soaked at once and everyone just burst out laughing. My sister tried to steer us through a wave and we spun a bit sideways—she blamed her “city arms.” Jamie didn’t miss a beat, just grinned and gave us some tips for the next set. It felt like being part of a team, even though none of us had rafted before.

We stopped along a sandy bank for a quick swim break. The water was icy but somehow that made it better—I swear I could feel every cell in my body wake up. Some kids from another raft were skipping stones nearby; their dad kept calling out fish stories that sounded suspiciously exaggerated. Back in the raft, sun warming our backs, I realized how quiet it gets between rapids—just river sounds and someone’s nervous giggle drifting over from another boat. The whole thing lasted about three hours but it felt both longer and shorter at the same time, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day rafting on Arkansas River

• Arrive at Bighorn Sheep Canyon
• Receive rafting safety briefing
• Begin Class III rafting trip
• Raft through whitewater rapids
• Stop to swim in river
• Continue rafting to end point

Top questions

Is this Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip suitable for kids?

Yes, children aged six and up can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

How long does the half-day rafting tour last?

The experience lasts about three hours on the water.

What level are the rapids on this Arkansas River trip?

The tour includes mostly Class II and III (beginner to intermediate) rapids.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions for beginners.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the company’s store location 30 minutes before departure.

Is swimming included during the trip?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to stop and swim along the way.

Are there any health restrictions?

This trip isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What’s included

Your day includes all rafting equipment, guidance from a professional river guide throughout your journey down Bighorn Sheep Canyon, plus all taxes and fees covered so you can just show up ready to paddle—and maybe get soaked more than once before heading back to dry land.