Colorado’s Canon City packs remarkable outdoor adventures into its stunning Rocky Mountain landscape. The standout experiences here are the water and land tours, each offering distinct perspectives of this rugged terrain.
We especially love the Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting tour – perfect for families with its manageable Class II-III rapids and consistent wildlife sightings. The Royal Gorge route cranks up the excitement with Class III-V rapids, delivering serious thrills for experienced rafters.
For land-based exploration, the Red Canyon Jeep tour impresses with its accessibility and spectacular geology. The Royal Gorge Loop deserves special mention for accommodating wheelchair users while providing dramatic canyon views.
Let’s explore these outstanding tour options:
Key Points
- The Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour offers family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River with Class II and III rapids.
- The Royal Gorge Rafting Half Day Tour features thrilling Class III, IV, and V rapids for experienced adventurers aged 13 and above.
- The Red Canyon Half-Day Jeep Tour provides a scenic excursion through rugged landscapes, with a professional guide and no wheelchair accessibility.
- The Royal Gorge Loop Half-Day Jeep Tour showcases the stunning landscapes of the Royal Gorge and is wheelchair-accessible.
- The Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour is highly rated, offering scenic exploration with wildlife sightings and visits to Overlook Arch.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Gear Use)
Although the Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour may not be the fastest-paced activity, it offers a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Arkansas River. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour is suitable for families and led by local guides. Participants will navigate Class II and III rapids while enjoying views of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The tour includes all necessary rafting equipment, transportation from the rafting office to the river, and a professional guide. Free wetsuit gear is available, and souvenir photos can be purchased.
All taxes, fees, and gratuities are included in the price, which starts from €136.79 per person. The meeting point is at Echo Canyon River Expeditions, and the tour ends back at the same location.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and certain medical conditions may prohibit participation. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
Read our full review: Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Gear Use) Review
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Colorado Jeep Tours – Red Canyon Half-Day Tour
The Colorado Jeep Tours – Red Canyon Half-Day Tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the rugged landscapes of Red Canyon. Priced at £112.49 per person, this 3-hour excursion departs from Canon City, providing morning or afternoon options.
Guests will explore hard-to-reach corners of the canyon in a sturdy 4×4 Jeep, capturing exceptional views of the area’s striking red towers and monoliths.
Along the way, the tour highlights wildlife sightings, real dinosaur footprints, and the Overlook Arch, all while a knowledgeable guide shares insight into the unique geology and history of the region.
The tour includes the driver, professional guide, and gratuities, though it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
With a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, the Colorado Jeep Tours – Red Canyon Half-Day Tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an off-road adventure and exclusive access to inaccessible areas.
Read our full review: Colorado Jeep Tours – Red Canyon Half-Day Tour Review
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Royal Gorge Rafting Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Use!) – Class IV Extreme Fun!
This popular 3-hour Royal Gorge Rafting Half Day Tour takes adventurous travelers on an exhilarating journey through Class III, IV, and V rapids in the breathtaking Royal Gorge near Cañon City.
With 232 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation, this tour is a must-try for adrenaline seekers. Experienced guides navigate the rapids, including Sunshine Falls, the Narrows, and Sledgehammer, while kayak support is provided.
All river gear is included free of charge, and a professional photographer captures the heart-pounding moments. The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and requires a strong physical fitness level, with a minimum age of 13 years (16 during high water).
Not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, this tour offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the stunning Colorado landscape.
Pickup and drop-off transportation is included, and the tour operates with morning or afternoon start times, subject to availability.
Read our full review: Royal Gorge Rafting Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Use!) – Class IV Extreme Fun! Review
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Colorado Jeep Tours – Royal Gorge Loop Half-Day
Adventurous travelers can embark on the Colorado Jeep Tours – Royal Gorge Loop Half-Day, a 3.5-hour excursion that showcases the stunning landscapes of the Royal Gorge region near Cañon City.
Priced from Kč 3,856 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour includes a 15-minute safety briefing before crossing the country’s highest suspension bridge, nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River.
Guests will climb to the top of Fremont Peak for breathtaking views and visit a historic cemetery. Along the way, they may spot dinosaur footprints and Colorado wildlife.
The tour provides exclusive access to the south entrance of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, allowing participants to enjoy scenic views from the rim and bridge.
With a professional guide, bottled water, and gratuities included, this half-day adventure is suitable for older participants and described as enjoyable with minimal rough terrain.
Read our full review: Colorado Jeep Tours – Royal Gorge Loop Half-Day Review
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Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour
Visitors can embark on the Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour, an exciting 4×4 adventure through the stunning landscapes of Cañon City. This highly-rated tour boasts 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
Guests explore the Red Canyon, marveling at the region’s iconic red spires formed by erosion. The tour includes a visit to Overlook Arch and the chance to see dinosaur footprints. Wildlife sightings of bears, wild turkeys, and mule deer add to the experience. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary on the area’s history and geology.
The tour departs from a meeting point just west of downtown Cañon City, with morning and afternoon options available. Inclusions cover a professional guide, bottled water, and gratuities.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. With a 5-star average rating from 88 reviews, the Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Cañon City.
Read our full review: Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour Review
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Colorado Jeep Tours – Gold Belt Tour
Colorado Jeep Tours offers the Gold Belt Tour, an immersive 6-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes of Cañon City. At a cost of Kč 6,001 per person, the tour provides a live English-speaking guide and wheelchair accessibility.
Highlights include a scenic drive along the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, a lunch stop in historic Victor, and the chance to explore Indian petroglyphs and dinosaur fossil sites.
Travelers will follow the route of the Cripple Creek and Florence Railroad and take in views of the world’s 4th largest gold mine. The tour also offers opportunities to witness Colorado’s diverse wildlife and autumn foliage.
Guests are encouraged to bring recommended items like hats, cameras, and water, while smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.
With a perfect 5/5 rating from previous participants, the Gold Belt Tour is praised for its beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guide, and delicious lunch.
This scenic and educational excursion is a must-do for visitors to Cañon City.
Read our full review: Colorado Jeep Tours – Gold Belt Tour Review
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Royal Gorge Loop Half Day Jeep Tour
The Royal Gorge Loop Half Day Jeep Tour offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the southern entrance of the Royal Gorge Park. This well-reviewed tour, with a 96% recommendation rate, provides stunning views from Fremont Peak, including historic graves and dinosaur footprints.
Guests will enjoy the focus on the scenery while a knowledgeable guide handles the driving for a maximum of 8 travelers. Priced from $169 per person, the tour includes a professional guide, driver, and gratuities.
The meeting point is at 50905 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212, and the tour ends back at the same location. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers should expect to dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.
Based on 184 reviews, the Royal Gorge Loop Jeep Tour has an impressive 4.9 overall rating. Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling, highlighting the scenic views and educational content.
While weather can impact the experience, the tour company prioritizes safety and adjusts accordingly.
Read our full review: Royal Gorge Loop Half Day Jeep Tour Review
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Canon City: Half-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour
One of the premier whitewater rafting experiences in Cañon City is the Half-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour. This 3.5-hour adventure takes participants on a thrilling journey through the Arkansas River, navigating class 3, 4, and 5 rapids.
The tour begins with a 10-minute bus ride to the river, followed by a 15-minute safety briefing. Guests then embark on a 2.5-hour rafting adventure, passing through the dramatic 50-foot wide Narrows with canyon walls over 1,000 feet tall and experiencing a 65-foot per mile plunge.
Along the way, they’ll see the Royal Gorge Bridge and encounter major rapids like Sunshine, Sledgehammer, and Wall Slammer. The tour includes all necessary safety gear, professional guides, and round-trip transportation.
Priced from Kč 4,300 per person, the tour is suitable for those in good physical shape who can swim, but isn’t recommended for children under 14, pregnant women, or individuals with heart problems or low fitness levels.
Read our full review: Canon City: Half-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour Review
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Sum Up
Canon City offers an array of exhilarating outdoor adventures. From Bighorn Sheep Canyon tours to whitewater rafting in the Royal Gorge, visitors can experience the region’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you prefer a leisurely Jeep tour or an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. With a variety of tour options, visitors can tailor their experience to their interests and skill level, making Canon City an excellent destination for an unforgettable adventure.