Bring the whole family for a gentle rafting adventure down the Arkansas River in Cañon City. Perfect for kids 1-4, enjoy calm waters, stunning scenery, and free photos to capture the fun!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, especially safe for families with very young children.
Wildlife
History
Cañon City has a rich mining and railroad history that shaped much of the Arkansas River’s recreational use today.
Conservation
Raft Masters emphasizes low-impact operations to protect the Arkansas River’s ecosystem and support local conservation efforts.
Raft Masters
Bring the whole family for a gentle rafting adventure down the Arkansas River in Cañon City. Perfect for kids 1-4, enjoy calm waters, stunning scenery, and free photos to capture the fun!
Raft Masters is a Cañon City, Colorado-based river outfitter specializing in guided whitewater rafting and multi-activity packages on the Arkansas River. The company operates a diverse selection of trips that combine rafting with scenic train rides, guided jeep tours, family-friendly floats, and visits to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Raft Masters partners with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and local operators to deliver combined Rail & Raft and Jeep & Raft packages, offering coach or dome seating options, catered lunches, and varied difficulty levels from mild family floats to Class III-V whitewater runs.
Experienced river guides lead all trips, focusing on safety, environmental stewardship, and high-quality customer experiences. Groups can choose full-day adventures such as the Rail & Raft Royal Gorge or shorter family-oriented options like the Family Float Boat & Bridge. Special itineraries for Bighorn Sheep Canyon and guided Jeep tours on the Royal Gorge Loop broaden the range for different ages and skill levels. The company also offers standalone Royal Gorge Bridge and Train tickets for guests who prefer sightseeing.
With a base in Cañon City, Raft Masters emphasizes local knowledge of the Arkansas River corridor, convenient access to the Royal Gorge, and logistics that include on-site lunch options and photo opportunities. The outfitter is a practical choice for visitors seeking a trusted, third-party operator that coordinates multi-experience days combining scenic rail travel, guided jeep excursions, and guided whitewater rafting on Colorado's iconic river. Booking information and seasonal availability are provided on Raft Masters' official channels website.
Location
Cañon City, CO
Base of operations near Royal Gorge
River
Arkansas River
Runs through the Royal Gorge corridor
Tours Offered
11 packages
Rail, Jeep, Boat & Raft combos
Family Friendly
Kids 5-13
Family floats with BBQ lunch options
Reserve combined train, jeep, and rafting packages from Cañon City for a seamless full-day adventure on the Arkansas River.
Bring Sun Protection
Even on partly cloudy days, the Colorado sun can be intense, so pack hats and sunscreen for the whole family.
Dress in Quick-Dry Clothing
Water splashes are part of the fun, so wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes for comfort during and after the trip.
Arrive Early for Orientation
Arriving 30 minutes early ensures you receive a thorough safety briefing and have time to get comfortable.
Wear Closed-Toe Water Shoes
Protect little feet and ensure good grip by wearing secure, closed-toe water shoes for the entire trip.
Child-Sized Life Jacket
Provided by Raft Masters, but ensure the right fit and comfort for your child’s safety.
Water Shoes
Protects feet from rocky riverbed and ensures good traction on wet surfaces.
summer
Wide-Brim Sun Hat
Keeps sun off faces and necks, especially for young children who are more sensitive to sun exposure.
summer
Quick-Dry Clothes
Comfortable clothing that dries fast after splashes and light rapids.