Bighorn Sheep Canyon Guided Rafting
Splash, float, and laugh your way through Colorado’s most family-friendly whitewater river rafting trip near Colorado, Springs. Just west of Cañon City along Highway 50, the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section of the Arkansas River offers a delightful balance of fun Class II–III rapids, sunshine, and beautiful canyon scenery. Named for the herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep that often graze the riverbanks, this stretch combines warm weather, splashy waves, and views of the San de Cristo Mountains to create the most accessible rafting trip for families, first-timers, and scenic floaters.
- Paddle through Three Rocks and Spike Buck class III rapids.
- Uncover shale and sandstone river canyon views.
- Spot wildlife like Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, eagles, and great blue herons.
- Enjoy the warmest rafting temperatures on average in Colorado and cool off with inviting whitewater splashes.
- Float the same river corridor once travelled by settlers and railroads.
More About Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting
The Story of Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Bighorn Sheep Canyon sits between the alpine headwaters of Browns Canyon National Monument and the sheer walls of the Royal Gorge. This mid-canyon section blends the best of mellow waves and bright sunshine in a high desert canyon setting. The canyon takes its name from the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which still roam the steep cliffs and graze along the banks.
In the 1800s, the Arkansas River served as a natural highway for railroads and settlers moving between Colorado’s mining towns. The same corridor that once echoed with the sound of locomotives now carries the laughter of families and the rhythm of paddles splashing through friendly whitewater. As the river bends through the warm, open valley, you’ll float past traces of the historic Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, rustic ranches, and natural rock formations shaped by time and water.
River Conditions & Seasonality
The Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting season typically runs from May through early September, offering the warmest air and water temperatures on the Arkansas River. Situated at around 5,732 feet of elevation, this lower canyon stretch stays a few degrees warmer than the alpine sections upstream in Browns Canyon and The Numbers.
In May and June, snowmelt brings flows between 1,000 and 2,000 CFS, creating fun, splashy waves and lively runs through Class II–III rapids. Later in July and August, flows average around 700–1,000 CFS, delivering gentler currents for families with young kids, first time rafters, or those looking for a little more relaxation.
Air temperatures in the canyon average 80–95 °F mid-summer, while the water stays a refreshing 55–60 °F.
Check current and historical water flow data for Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the USGS Arkansas River Gauge near Parkdale, CO.
Trip Details
The Bighorn Sheep Canyon section begins at the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site off Highway 50 and travels 8.7 miles downstream to the Parkdale Recreation Site, which also serves as the put-in for the Royal Gorge. With an average drop of 33 feet per mile, this stretch keeps the raft moving quickly with plenty of paddling opportunity for guests.
The two class III rapids, Three Rocks and Spike Buck, are the whitewater highlights of the section. A water flows above 4,000 CFS they push towards Class IV. The rest of the river stretch is a mix of Class II waves and calm pools for swimming or floating. Between rapids, enjoy views of sandstone cliffs, pinyon-juniper hillsides, and the occasional train winding along the old rail grade above the river.
For a high adventure option, check out the Royal Gorge rafting trip for the biggest and baddest whitewater canyon around.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Map
Trip Options
Big Horn Sheep Canyon Rafting Trips
Numbers & Royal Gorge
This 2-day high adventure rafting trip goes through two of the most popular white water sections on the Arkansas River: the Numbers and the Royal Gorge. Tackle challenging Class IV-V rapids two days in a row!
Browns Canyon, Numbers, & Royal Gorge
The ultimate 3-day Colorado white water rafting adventure combines the intermediate Browns Canyon section with the infamous Numbers and Royal Gorge Sections. Three action-packed days of white water!
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Plans
Daily Trips: 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
Multiday Trips: 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds, with full balance due 60 days prior.
Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Daily Trips:
- Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Multi-Day Trips:
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Trip Departure Policy
We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Big horn Sheep Canyon Rafting FAQs
What is rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon like?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is an ideal moderate trip, featuring fun and splashy Class II and Class III rapids. It offers a great balance of excitement for first timers and families while being more relaxed than the technical Class IV sections like the Royal Gorge or The Numbers.
Is this trip good for families with children?
Yes! Bighorn Sheep Canyon is widely considered the most family friendly rafting trip near Cañon City and Colorado Springs. The water is generally warmer here than in the high alpine sections, and the minimum age is 7 years old. It’s a fantastic choice for kids and grandparents alike.
Will we actually see bighorn sheep?
While wildlife is never guaranteed, this canyon is named for the large herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep that frequent the area. We often spot them grazing along the riverbanks or perched on the rocky cliffs above the water. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and river otters as well!
When is the best time to raft this section?
The season runs from May through Labor Day. June offers higher water and bigger splashes from the snowmelt. In July and August, the water levels are very consistent and the air temperatures in the canyon are warm (often in the 80s and 90s), making it the ideal “beach day” on the river.
More Reading and Video
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 40671 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Get Directions