Ready for a whitewater adventure? Paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon before conquering the thrilling rapids of the Royal Gorge with Raft Masters. Get ready for a day full of excitement and stunning views!
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate physical fitness, able to paddle for several hours and handle basic swimming skills.
Wildlife
History
The Royal Gorge holds cultural significance for local Native American tribes and was later shaped by pioneering railroad construction in the 19th century.
Conservation
Raft Masters follows strict Leave No Trace principles to protect the river ecosystem and partners in local efforts to preserve wildlife habitats along the Arkansas River.
Raft Masters
Ready for a whitewater adventure? Paddle through Bighorn Sheep Canyon before conquering the thrilling rapids of the Royal Gorge with Raft Masters. Get ready for a day full of excitement and stunning views!
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.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Choose synthetic or moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable on the water.
Arrive early for orientation
Give yourself extra time to get fitted with gear and receive safety instructions.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin while preventing harm to the river ecosystem.
Keep hydrated throughout the day
Bring a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids before and after rafting.
Quick-dry clothing
Dries quickly and keeps you comfortable when wet.
summer
Waterproof camera or phone case
Protects your electronics while capturing memories on the river.
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during long hours on open water.
summer
Water shoes
Provides grip and protects feet on slippery river terrain.