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 Parksdale, 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.