Colorado Springs: Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting & Free Wetsuit

Summary

Whitewater splashes wildlife and canyon air near colorado springs

You’ll suit up at Echo Canyon near Colorado Springs and raft through splashy rapids with a local guide who keeps things light (and safe). Watch for wildlife along Bighorn Sheep Canyon’s cliffs as you paddle or just hang on through class II–III whitewater. Includes transport from the rafting office and free wetsuit gear — plus plenty of moments that’ll stick with you after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at Echo Canyon was the way the morning air smelled — like sun-warmed rocks and river water, a little sharp, kind of wild. Our guide, Jamie, handed out wetsuits with this easy confidence (I never quite know how to get those on right). She joked about “river fashion,” which broke the ice since I was already feeling awkward in neoprene. The van ride from the office to Bighorn Sheep Canyon was quick — maybe fifteen minutes? — but you could see everyone getting that nervous-excited energy. There were families, a couple of older folks who’d done it before, and one kid who kept asking if we’d see actual sheep. I hoped so too.

Paddling out onto the Arkansas River felt less intimidating than I expected; Jamie explained everything without making us feel dumb for asking twice about how to hold the paddle. The water was cold enough to wake you up but not so bad with the wetsuit (free gear is a win). Rapids came in bursts — some splashy class II and III waves that had us laughing and grabbing for the ropes. At one point, we drifted into a quiet stretch where all you could hear was wind scraping through sagebrush and someone’s wet shoes squeaking against rubber. Jamie pointed up to a ledge where bighorn sheep sometimes stand — no luck this time, but honestly just watching for them made me pay more attention to the cliffs than I usually would.

I didn’t expect how much I’d enjoy just floating between rapids, letting my arms rest and looking at those weird red rocks stacked up along the canyon walls. The sun kept shifting behind clouds so sometimes it felt warm on your face, then suddenly cool again. Someone in another raft tried to pronounce “Cotopaxi” (the nearby town) and got it totally wrong; even Jamie laughed. After about two hours on the river we pulled out, tired in that good way when you’ve been outside all day. There’s something about drying off in mountain air that sticks with you — or maybe it’s just me still thinking about those sheep we almost saw.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip

• Check in at Echo Canyon office
• Receive life jackets and helmets
• Meet professional rafting guides
• Transport to river access points
• Raft through class II and III rapids
• Watch for Bighorn Sheep and wildlife
• Float and paddle on the river

Top questions

How long does the Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip last?

The time on the river is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes, it’s beginner to intermediate level and intended for kids as young as 6 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming ability is recommended but not required; guests should be comfortable around water.

Are wetsuits included in the price?

Yes, free wetsuit gear is provided for all participants.

Is transportation provided from Colorado Springs?

No hotel pickup; transportation is included only between Echo Canyon’s office and river access points.

What should I wear for this whitewater rafting trip?

Wear swimsuits, shorts or synthetic clothing (avoid cotton), and secure footwear like sport sandals.

Are there any health restrictions?

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

What’s included

Your half-day includes all transport between Echo Canyon’s rafting office and the river access points, use of free wetsuit gear, professional guides on every raft looking after safety (and jokes), plus all taxes and fees handled so you can focus on paddling or just hanging on as you float down Bighorn Sheep Canyon.