Updated: February 25, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to White Water Rafting and Ziplining near Colorado Springs

Discover must-try whitewater rafting and ziplining experiences near Colorado Springs, finding details about special programs, essential gear and more.

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Colorado Springs is truly an outdoor haven for all adventurers. From sweeping mountains to pulsing currents, there is no shortage of breathtaking explorations in the Pikes Peak Region. Why not combine different outdoor activities into one extraordinary adventure? You’ll soon find out that ziplining and whitewater rafting are like the peanut butter and jelly to your itinerary-sandwich.

The Top Whitewater Rafting and Ziplining Programs

Echo Canyon River Expeditions

Paddle across scenic waters and soar above the trees with Echo Canyon River Expeditions. Featuring an activity bundle of whitewater rafting and ziplining, this service offers unforgettable fun for all ages.

Easy: If you’re traveling with little ones, we suggest the Ultimate Bighorn Sheep Canyon Adventure, which explores the Arkansas River Valley with Class-III rapids, which are straightforward currents with wide channels. Zip through the skies and take in the lush greenery of the Rocky Mountains. This experience runs for a half-day with two separate hours dedicated to whitewater rafting and ziplining.

Medium to Hard: The Royal Gorge Raft and Zipline experience is recommended for explorers who are thirteen years of age or older, as it deals with fast-paced rapids and heart-pumping ziplining. With a zipline course that has a cable called “Leap of Faith,” this program ensures action movie-level fun in the fresh air.

The view from on board a blue inflatable raft with rafters paddling on each side as it splashes down rapids in Colorado Springs, CO.

Royal Gorge Rafting & Ziplining Tours

Elevate your whitewater rafting and ziplining itinerary with a sensational stay at the Royal Gorge Adventure Hub. After a jam-packed day, a luxury Airstream will welcome you with plenty of comfortable amenities.

Easy: The Bighorn Rafting and Classic Zipline package invites all nature enthusiasts to relish the calm waters of the Arkansas River, nine ziplines over wooded areas and an included lunch at White Water Bar & Grill.

Medium to Hard: The Royal Gorge rafting tour and the Extreme Zipline tour are two exciting activities encouraged for extreme adventure seekers (ages 13+) who don’t mind a challenge. Raft through iconic rapids such as The Narrows and Sledgehammer. Race across a fast zip line that stretches across 1,700 feet. Enjoy a racing line that will have you leaping off a seven-story tower.

A couple stands at a ziplining post, overlooking an array of trees.

Arkansas River Tours

Operating for more than five decades, Arkansas River Tours will transform your whitewater rafting and ziplining experiences into exceptional memories. Try the Zip N’ Dip package, which consists of multiple ziplines, cable rides and whitewater rafting. This all-encompassing program also features two 200-foot-long rope bridges and a 180-foot assisted repel.

Easy: First-time paddlers will enjoy the rapid Bighorn Sheep Canyon currents or the gentle Cottonwood Canyon float. Mild waters and stunning sights are a couple of the highlights during these half- and full-day excursions.

Medium to Hard: Explore the swift-flowing waters of the Royal Gorge with Class IV rapids. Participants must be 14 years of age or older for this program.

A group of paddlers travels through strong rapids.

AVA Rafting & Zipline

Uncover the natural splendor of Colorado Springs with AVA, delving into half- and full-day adventures across our mountains and rip-roaring streams. AVA offers a variety of ziplining and whitewater rafting packages for each level, where the awe-inspiring views of the Collegiate Peaks Mountain Range and class V rapids await. Your adventure will begin with whitewater rafting, and end with traveling to the zipline course and sliding through the treetops of the Rocky Mountains.

Easy: The Gold Rush Rafting and Ziplining course is perfect for families, including a cliffside zipline tour, a log cross and rafting through tranquil class III rapids. After checking into your stay in Colorado Springs, embark on a one-hour-and-a-half drive to AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost and venture across this historic mining valley region with your outdoor spirit.

Medium to Hard: The Numbers Half-Day and Zipline program centers around exploring the epic geological terrain of Colorado. Raft across steep waters and glide to different cliffs during this one-of-a-kind excursion. Adventurers must be 15 years of age or older for this package.

Performance Tours Rafting

With locations in both Cañon City and Buena Vista, Performance Tours Rafting has been guiding unforgettable whitewater adventures since 1986. Known for its experienced guides and excellent guest service, this award-winning outfitter offers trips for all ages and ability levels on Colorado’s most iconic stretches of river.

Easy: In Cañon City, take a half-day trip through Bighorn Sheep Canyon—ideal for families and first-time rafters looking for fun, splashy rapids with beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace. Buena Vista offers equally scenic floats along calmer sections of the Arkansas River, perfect for those who want a gentler introduction to rafting.

Medium to Hard: For more adventurous paddlers, tackle the Royal Gorge in Cañon City with its steep canyon walls and thrilling rapids. Or head to Buena Vista for high-adrenaline runs through Browns Canyon or the Numbers, where technical rapids and breathtaking alpine views combine for an epic day on the water. Adventurers must be 16 or older to participate.

Clear Creek Rafting Company

With a base near the Royal Gorge, Clear Creek Rafting Company offers unforgettable rafting adventures on the Arkansas River—one of Colorado’s most scenic and exciting waterways. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, there’s a trip here for every level of thrill-seeker.

Easy: Perfect for families or beginners, the Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip offers fun rapids with beautiful canyon views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. It’s a great way to dip your paddle into rafting without diving into the deep end.

Medium to Hard: For a heart-pounding experience, take on the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River. This advanced run features intense rapids, tight channels and towering canyon walls—a must for adventure enthusiasts ready to take their rafting to the next level. All participants must be 14 or older.

The Best Seasons for Whitewater Rafting and Ziplining

Whitewater rafting and ziplining are typically enjoyed during the summer and early fall months, as pleasant temperatures and sunshine set an ideal scene for these intense activities. Plan your trip by checking out our guide on the weather in Colorado Springs.

Looking for more adventure?

Raft Masters

Ride the rapids and rise above the Royal Gorge with Raft Masters! Pair high-adrenaline rafting with unforgettable land or sky adventures through their thrilling combo packages.

Easy: Cruise through the scenic Bighorn Sheep Canyon, perfect for families or first-time rafters. Gentle rapids make this a laid-back float with a splash of excitement. Choose to combine your half-day rafting trip with a scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or a walk across the sky-high suspension bridge at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

Medium to Hard: Get ready for a full-throttle experience in the Royal Gorge! Brave intense whitewater and pair it with high-adventure—whether you're racing through rugged ATV trails or adventuring with a Jeep tour through the Colorado wilderness.

Journey Quest

Embark on a wilderness adventure with Journey Quest, a Christian-based outfitter offering customizable outdoor experiences in the Arkansas River Valley. From family-friendly rafting trips to multi-day backcountry expeditions, Journey Quest blends outdoor fun with meaningful connection and personal growth.

Easy: Enjoy a scenic float down Bighorn Sheep Canyon on a guided whitewater rafting trip—perfect for families, youth groups or first-timers.

Medium to Hard: Experience guided rock climbing and rappelling, featuring granite cliffs, breathtaking views and thrilling challenges like blindfolded climbs and edge-of-your-seat rappels. Journey Quest also offers multi-day wilderness expeditions featuring whitewater rafting, mountaineering and backpacking. These guided adventures are designed to push your limits, build teamwork and create lasting memories in Colorado’s stunning high country.