Whitewater Rafting - The Royal Gorge Activity: Rafting Nearby Resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards, Arrowhead, Eagle Proximity: 2 1/2 Hours South of the Major Ski Areas THE summertime activity in The Mountains is Whitewater Rafting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing float trip to soak up the sun and scenery, or the full-on adrenaline high of a white-knuckle class 5 wild ride, there is everything here for you! The intensity of the water on a rafting trip is classified on a scale of one to six. One being a simple float trip and six being defined as cannot be attempted without risk to life and limb and is considered unrunnable!! Generally commercial rafting outfitters therefore restrict themselves to the classes 1 thru 5!! For most first timers the limit would be a class 3 or class 3/4 mixed trip. For younger kids, you should look at staying with a class 1/2 trip and kids must weigh at least 40lbs (normally minimum 4 years old) in order to fit into a commercial PFD (Life jacket). For children a little older looking for a little more adventure a class 2/3 trip is appropriate (normally minimum 7 years old). For a class 3/4 trip normally an aggressively minded older child or teenager would be the minimum advised. Class 5 trips are restricted to adults and teenagers 16 or older who have experienced and are happy on class 3/4 water. All rafting outfitters are required by Colorado State Laws to ensure that their guides are trained to rigorous proficiency standards in commercial rafting experience, including first aid, CPR, and swift-water rescue, so you can be sure you're in good hands. The outfitters that we select for "The Mountains USA" have extensive training programs, which all meet and in many cases substantially exceed these requirements. All equipment meets or exceeds state requirements and rafts are self-bailing. PFD's (lifejackets) are all class V with the maximum amount of flotation available. Wetsuits and booties are available for rent to ensure that you are kept warm (if not dry!) and splash jackets are available for all trips. Weather in the high country is notoriously volatile, even in summer time, and all trips go out rain or shine, so be prepared! Cotton garments are a bad idea on the river; they get wet, stay wet and make you cold. Polypropylene/wool, or a "wicking" material is best. Quick dry shorts and tops work well, and don't forget sun protection - hats, sunscreen and sunglasses (with croakies) are all a must. Footwear will get wet, so, sandals with heel retention (like Teva's or similar) or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet are fine. If you are looking for a real adventure during your stay in The Mountains, make sure that this is the first one you choose. Whitewater Rafting, whichever trip you select, is a great day out and will leave you with memories that will last all year and ensure that you come back again for more! Arkansas River - The Royal Gorge Cañon City is located on Hwy 50 about 30 miles west of I-70, and approx a 2 ½ hr drive south from most of the ski area towns. It's name was officially changed from Canon City in 1906 (and again in 1975). It was founded during the original Pikes Peak Gold rush, and saw transformations into the first "Oil Town" west of the Mississippi in 1862, then saw a revival of its mining days when several ore smelters were set up in town to process ore from the nearby Cripple Creek Lode discovered in 1891. These days Cañon City is most famous for being home to 9 State Prisons and 4 Federal Penitentiaries, as well as the Famous "Royal Gorge Route Railroad". However, and more importantly for us, it is set on the banks of the Arkansas River right at the base of the Royal Gorge and is home to one of the greatest rafting trips on the entire Arkansas River "The Royal Gorge" It begins with a morning warm-up on class II/III water and after a riverside lunch - usually around the 'Parkdale" area which is just before the start of the Royal Gorge itself. With evenly spaced rapids throughout its length such as Boat Eater, Wall Slammer, and the mistakenly erroneous sounding Sunshine Falls this is a white-knuckle ride you will tell the grandkids about! The Gorge itself has 1500' deep granite, schist and gneiss walls, with the worldsâ.. highest suspension bridge spanning the chasm and the new Roller Coaster (part of a theme park on the rim of the Gorge) right above the raging rapids below. Add to this the often cheering crowds from the customers on the "Royal Gorge Route" train ride as it pauses at each of the rapids to watch the carnage below! Not for the faint-hearted, we require guests to have experience and be happy on class IV and to be at least 16 years of age, fit and in good physical shape!! Full day trips only on this one because of the travel times to and from the area. Times and availability should be checked - because of the distances involved these trips do not run every day. Prices and Dates Trip Type/Name Trip Length Trip Times Price per Tour Price per Adult/Driver Price per Child/Passenger         From 16 Yrs From 0 To 0 Yrs The Royal Gorge  Full Day  9:00 AM $119 $N/A The Royal Gorge - Meet in Cañon City  Full Day  9:00 AM $95 $N/A
Activity Notes Includes: Helmets (if needed) and PFD's (personal flotation device). Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets are available for rent. What to wear: Weather in the high country is unpredictable, so be prepared! Normally quick dry shorts/bathing suits and tops are the best idea. Cotton is not a good idea on the river since it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Polypropylene, wool or some other wicking material work best. Sun protection is VERY important, so a hat, sunglasses with croakies, and plenty of sun screen. Footwear will get wet, so sandals with heel retention are the best (Teva's or similar) - flip-flops types are not allowed. Sneakers are fine too, but they WILL get wet! What to bring: Waterproof cameras are a good idea. A towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes. Bottled water or sports drinks to fend off dehydration. Last, but not least, a BIG smile and lots of enthusiasm!!! Meet Times: All meet times listed are in Buena Vista - unless otherwise noted, and those trips will include transportation. Cancellations: There are no refunds within 48 hours of any trip.