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

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/10

Duration3h

GroupUp to 14

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.