Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting: Class II-III Rapids for Families

Run 10 miles of the Arkansas River's best whitewater without arranging the transport or the gear.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado puts you on Class II-III rapids for 2 to 3 hours with a professional guide, all equipment, and round-trip pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point. The trip suits families and first-timers as much as experienced rafters, with potential bighorn sheep sightings and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You'll spend 25 to 30 minutes in a van or bus to the put-in, then paddle through geological formations and whitewater before a 10-minute shuttle back to the office, where you can change into dry clothes and view action photos from the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting adventure

• Check in at office and meet guide
• Get outfitted and attend safety orientation
• Drive 25-30 minutes to river put in
• Raft 2-2.5 hours on Arkansas River
• Shuttle 10 minutes back to office
• Change clothes and view action photos

The experience

The Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon holds the best 10 miles of whitewater in the area, and the operator runs it as a half-day trip that leaves from either of two locations. You meet at the office, get fitted with a helmet, life vest, splash jacket and wetsuit if needed, then ride 25 to 30 minutes to the river put-in. The guide briefs you on safety and technique before you push off into Class II-III rapids: the kind that move fast and keep your attention without requiring expert skills.

Once on the water, you spend 2 to 2.5 hours paddling through the canyon. The geological formations rise around you, and on clear days the Sangre de Cristo mountains frame the run. Bighorn sheep sometimes appear on the canyon walls. The rapids are consistent enough to keep the day engaging, but the trip is designed so families with children as young as 8 and first-timers feel capable the whole way through. A guide who knows the river steers the boat and calls the moves. You paddle when told and brace when the current gets steep.

After you finish, a 10-minute shuttle brings you back to the office. You can change into dry clothes there, and the operator has action photos from the river available to purchase. The whole outing, from office to office, runs 3 to 4 hours. Wear synthetic fabrics or swimwear (no cotton, no flip-flops), and bring a change of clothes for after.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the paddle.
• helmet, life vest, splash jacket and wetsuit if needed.
• round-trip pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a designated meeting point.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• access to action photos from the river.

Information

Lasts 3h–4h, from US$ 149 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Apr 2027

GroupUp to 175

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Arkansas River Tours

Is this one for you?This trip works for mixed-ability groups: families with children from age 8, first-timers, and experienced paddlers all run the same rapids on the same day. The fixed schedule and included guide mean nobody has to research Colorado's river access or arrange transport. You show up, get outfitted, and paddle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Can I do this rafting trip if I've never paddled before?

Yes. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is designed for families and first-timers as well as experienced rafters. The Class II-III rapids move fast enough to feel like real whitewater, but the guide handles the steering and the trip is paced so beginners stay in control. Children can join from age 8.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring my own gear?

The price covers the professional guide, all rafting equipment (helmet, life vest, splash jacket, wetsuit if needed), pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the meeting point, and taxes and fees. You don't bring or rent gear separately.

How long does the whole thing take from start to finish?

Plan 3 to 4 hours total. That includes a 25- to 30-minute drive to the river, 2 to 2.5 hours on the water, and a 10-minute return shuttle to the office, plus time to check in, get outfitted and go through the safety briefing.

Will I actually see bighorn sheep on the Arkansas River?

Bighorn sheep sightings are possible but not guaranteed. They sometimes appear on the canyon walls during the run, and the operator lists them as a potential part of the trip. The Sangre de Cristo mountain views are consistent.

What should I wear for this rafting trip?

Wear synthetic fabrics, swimwear, or workout gear, anything but cotton. Bring sandals or sneakers with a heel, but no flip-flops or Crocs. You'll change into dry clothes after at the office, so pack a change of clothes in the van.

Can I get photos from the river?

Yes. The operator takes action photos during the trip, and you can view them and purchase prints at the office after you finish and change into dry clothes.