Cañon City: Royal Gorge Rafting with Wetsuit, Lunch & Photos

Thinking about adding some adrenaline to your Colorado trip? The Royal Gorge Rafting experience with Raft Masters offers a lively adventure suitable for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re new to whitewater or a seasoned paddler, this tour promises a mix of excitement and scenic beauty.

What makes this trip stand out? First, we love the all-inclusive nature, which simplifies planning—no hidden fees or gear hunting. Second, the friendly guide team makes even the most nervous feel comfortable. That said, a potential downside is the inconsistency in what’s included, as some reviews mention missing lunch or photos. This tour is best suited for those who value convenience, safety, and a family-friendly atmosphere, but perhaps not for those expecting a completely personalized experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Gear, lunch, and photos included, making it a stress-free adventure.
• Suitable for Beginners: No previous experience needed, friendly guides lead the way.
• Scenic Adventure: Raft through the dramatic 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge.
• Duration and Convenience: Around 4 hours, with easy pick-up and drop-off from Canon City.
• Family-Friendly: Recommended for ages 12 and up; not suitable for pregnant women or those with low fitness.
• Mixed Review Scores: While many rave about the fun, some travelers encountered issues with what’s promised versus delivered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Royal Gorge is a remarkable natural feature, and paddling through it gives you a front-row seat to some of Colorado’s most dramatic scenery. The 4-hour tour generally begins with check-in at the Raft Masters office in Canon City, a straightforward process thanks to their central location and ample parking. If you’re on an afternoon trip, they serve a BBQ lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, a treat after a morning of splashing and paddling.

Gear and Safety

One of the key benefits of choosing Raft Masters is their free gear rental. They provide wetsuits, river shoes, and splash jackets at no extra cost, which is especially valuable given Colorado’s cooler mountain waters. Proper fitting of gear is taken seriously, ensuring safety and comfort, which helps prevent unnecessary discomfort or accidents.

The Itinerary

After check-in, the staff will guide you through the safety briefing and paddle instruction. This is essential, especially for beginners. The guides are friendly and professional, aiming to make everyone feel confident before you hit the water. From there, your group boards the raft, and the real fun begins.

The initial stretch is a gentle float, allowing you to get comfortable and chat with your guide. Once the river narrows into the gorge, the excitement ramps up with Class III to Class V rapids—think steep drops, big waves, and lots of splashes. Noteworthy rapids include Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer, and Boat Eater, each delivering their own dose of adventure and adrenaline.

The Scenic Marvels

The 1,100-foot cliffs of the gorge are the highlight, providing some of the most impressive scenery you’ll see during the trip. The towering rock walls, carved over millennia, create a sense of being in a natural cathedral. As you navigate the rapids, you’ll get fleeting glimpses of the surrounding mountains and perhaps some wildlife—an authentic Colorado experience.

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Photos and Souvenirs

A third-party photographer captures your group at the most exciting rapid, and you can download your photos afterward. Several reviews note that only one photo was included, with additional images available for purchase—some travelers found this limiting, especially if expecting a gallery of shots. The opportunity to buy souvenirs in the office is handy if you want a keepsake of your adventure.

Food and Rest

For those on a morning tour, the lunch is served afterward, giving everyone a chance to relax and reflect. The BBQ lunch is a classic outdoor meal, with options like hot dogs and burgers, chips, cookies, and fountain drinks served in the cozy Eddy Out Cafe. It’s a simple but satisfying way to end your trip.

The Return

Once you exit the gorge, your guide will escort you back to the starting point in Canon City, a brief bus ride. This short trip provides a chance to unwind and perhaps chat with fellow adventurers. If you’re considering souvenirs or more photos, this is your last chance before wrapping up.

Evaluating the Value

At $157 per person, this tour is priced competitively, especially considering the all-inclusive package. The gear, lunch, and photos are typically extras on other tours, so included here, they represent good value. The duration of about 4 hours strikes a solid balance—long enough to feel like a worthwhile adventure but not so lengthy that it becomes a full-day commitment.

However, some reviews warn about mismatched expectations. For example, one traveler was disappointed to find no lunch or photos included, despite what was advertised. This inconsistency can be frustrating and highlights the importance of confirming what’s included before booking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re seeking an accessible, family-friendly adventure with scenic views and a reasonable price tag, this trip fits well. It’s ideal for beginners or those who want a guided experience without the hassle of organizing gear and meals. It also suits travelers wanting a quick but memorable taste of Colorado’s famed whitewater.

Who Might Want More?

If you’re a seasoned rafter looking for a highly personalized or luxury experience, this tour might fall short. Similarly, if you hope to get a large collection of photos or gourmet meals, you might find the included offerings a bit basic.

Practical Tips for Future Rafting Adventurers

• Bring sunglasses and a retainer to keep your eyewear secure during rapid maneuvers.
• Remember to pack sunscreen, lip balm, a towel, and a change of dry clothes—you’ll get wet.
• Consider purchasing extra photos or souvenirs if you want more than the included shot.
• Be aware that the tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with low fitness.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation to and from the river, a life jacket, helmet, wetsuits, river shoes, splash jackets, a BBQ lunch (hotdog or hamburger with chips, cookie, and drink), restrooms, and a gift shop.

How long is the rafting trip?
The total experience lasts about 4 hours, including check-in, gear fitting, safety briefing, rafting, and return.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior experience is necessary. The guides provide paddle instructions and safety briefings to help everyone feel comfortable.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is recommended for guests aged 12 and older. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with low fitness levels.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a towel, a camera, and a dry change of clothes. These items are recommended for comfort and safety.

Can I buy additional photos or souvenirs?
Yes, photos of the rapid are available for download, and souvenirs can be purchased at the office.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Gorge Rafting tour with Raft Masters offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized adventure that’s hard to beat for the price. It’s particularly well-suited for families, beginners, or travelers looking for a hassle-free experience with plenty of action. While some travelers have reported issues with what was promised versus what was delivered, most agree that the overall experience is fun and memorable.

If you’re ready to get wet, see some jaw-dropping scenery, and enjoy Colorado’s outdoor spirit without breaking the bank, this tour could be a great choice. Just double-check what’s included before you go, and prepare to have a splashy good time.

To sum it up, this rafting adventure provides a solid mix of safety, fun, and scenic beauty, wrapped in a convenient package. It’s a good pick for those wanting a straightforward introduction to Colorado’s iconic whitewater. Just be sure to clarify what’s included, and you’ll be set for a memorable day on the Arkansas River.

You can check availability for your dates here: