Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting: Class II-III rapids on the Arkansas

Paddle through desert canyon and stop to swim in the Arkansas River

Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting is a half-day activity on Colorado's Arkansas River where you paddle Class II and III whitewater rapids in a paddle raft with a professional guide. The three-hour trip includes an opportunity to stop and swim. Trips meet at the store 30 minutes before departure. Not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is six years old.

The experience

Bighorn Sheep Canyon sits on the Arkansas River in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, where Class II and III rapids run through a desert canyon with varied geology and wildlife habitat. You'll paddle a raft (either a paddle raft where you operate the oars, or an oar boat or oar-assist option if you request one in advance), and spend three hours on the water. The canyon itself is the draw: diverse desert ecology, rock formations, and the chance to see bighorn sheep along the banks, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The trip includes stops where you can get out and swim in the river. Prepare to get soaked. The rapids are designed to splash, and the water is cold. A professional guide leads the group and handles safety and navigation. All taxes, fees and handling charges are included in the price. You'll need water shoes or sandals that strap securely to your feet, no Crocs, and the operator recommends bringing a wetsuit if you have one, though it's not required.

Trips meet at the store location 30 minutes before your departure time, so plan to arrive early. This is an activity for first-time rafters and families. The rapids are manageable for beginners, but you need to be comfortable in moving water and willing to paddle. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is six years old.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the group.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• an opportunity to swim during the trip.

Information

Lasts 3h, from US$ 116 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 14 May 2027

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 85 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 18 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lost Paddle Rafting

Is this one for you?Meet at the store 30 minutes before departure, so you don't need a car or advance transportation to the river. This works for visitors staying in town or without their own vehicle. The paddle raft format means you're actively paddling with the group rather than sitting while a guide rows, so if you want to be part of the action instead of watching, this is the setup for that.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the rapids like on the Arkansas River in Bighorn Sheep Canyon?

The Arkansas River in Bighorn Sheep Canyon has Class II and III whitewater rapids, which are beginner to intermediate difficulty. The rapids are designed to splash and move the raft, but they are manageable for first-time rafters and families with children.

Do I paddle the raft myself or does a guide do it?

By default, you paddle a paddle raft, which means you and the group operate the oars together under the guide's direction. If you prefer, you can request an oar boat or oar-assist option in advance, where the guide handles more of the paddling and you participate less actively.

How long is the rafting trip?

The trip is three hours on the water, and you'll meet at the store 30 minutes before departure, so plan for about three and a half hours total from arrival to return.

Can we stop and swim during the rafting trip?

Yes, there is an opportunity to stop and swim along the way. The water is cold, so be prepared for that, and wear water shoes or sandals that strap securely to your feet.

What should I bring or wear for this rafting trip?

Wear water shoes or sandals that strap securely to your feet, no Crocs. The operator recommends bringing a wetsuit if you have one, though it is not required. Prepare to get soaked. The rapids are designed to splash. Souvenir photos are available to purchase after the trip.

What is the minimum age for this rafting trip?

The minimum age is six years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the trip.