Worried about spending a lot of your time driving between activities and always asking, “where to next?” Based in Cañon City, Royal Gorge Epic Adventures offers a seamless and stress-free vacation experience all from one location. Choose from exhilarating excursions like whitewater-rafting trips and zipline tours, stay at luxury vacation rentals and riverside glampsites, savor delicious dining at Whitewater Bar & Grill and experience so much more.
Let the following three-day itinerary guide you in planning the ultimate active getaway, or take advantage of our easy-to-use trip builder to help create your dream vacation.
Day 1: Settle In at Your Home Base
In addition to providing electrifying activities, Royal Gorge Epic Adventures offers upscale vacation rentals in Cañon City, so finding the ideal accommodations for your group is easy. Choose from several luxury cabins or opt for “roughing it” in comfort when you book a glamping trip in premium Airstreams and yurts. Rentals are available for large groups, too, with options sleeping anywhere from eight to 80-plus folks. Unpack and unwind while enjoying views of the jagged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and the sounds of the rushing Arkansas River.
Once you’re settled, kick off the fun with a morning Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip — perfect for families and those not wanting to immediately leap into the most challenging whitewater. Splash into good times on Class-II and Class-III rapids that’ll make your heart thump, paddling hard through obstacles before relaxing on calmer sections where you can marvel at the spectacular scenery. As you soak in the area’s splendor, be sure to keep an eye out for the canyon’s namesake residents and Colorado’s state mammal — the bighorn sheep.
In the afternoon, get a bird’s-eye view of the gorge on Royal Gorge Epic Adventure’s classic zipline tour. Soar over forests and rolling hills on this nine-line course that’s known for being a hit with families. Purchase an adventure package that combines rafting and ziplining for an unforgettable day. In addition to making memories, you’ll save some money to splurge on souvenirs, too!
Day 2: Ramp Up the Excitement
Devote an entire day to world-class rafting via the full-day rafting package. Navigate 20 miles of exciting river rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV (and Class V during high-water windows) along Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, The Narrows and many other routes.
This tour combines the best of two rafting trips — Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge — for one stellar day on the water. Along the way, you’ll take a break from the action to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guides as you lounge on a riverside beach. Note that the full-day rafting package is a high-intensity trip for ages 13 and up (and ages 16 and up in high water).
Cap off the day by unwinding at the Whitewater Bar & Grill. Take in the unmatched views of scenery of the Sangre de Cristos — named for the deep red hues that paint the mountains when the sun sets — as you sip a cold beverage. Or fill up with a scrumptious meal after a fun day on the water while reveling in the hot spot’s lively environment.
Day 3: Soar Above the Treetops
So, you’ve already explored the Royal Gorge by water and zoomed among the treetops. On your final day, treat yourself and your crew to a private helicopter tour to truly appreciate the region’s natural beauty. You’ll find multiple tours to choose from, with options to fit almost any budget.
Then spend the afternoon doing some additional sightseeing in the area. With attractions like the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Dinosaur Depot Museum and Segway tours, there are plenty of ways to keep the excitement going.
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