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Ride the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad and enjoy lunch before an exciting rafting adventure on the Arkansas River. Perfect for all levels seeking scenic views and thrills in Colorado.
Ride the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad and enjoy lunch before an exciting rafting adventure on the Arkansas River. Perfect for all levels seeking scenic views and thrills in Colorado.
Book with Raft Masters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Raft Masters · Cañon City, Colorado
Experience an unforgettable journey with Raft Masters aboard the Historical Royal Gorge Route Railroad where history, nature, and adventure come together. This 24-mile round trip along the Royal Gorge offers spectacular views of Colorado’s rugged canyon walls and the Arkansas River below. Choose between comfortable coach seating or the panoramic dome cars for an immersive sightseeing experience. After a delicious lunch at Eddy Out Cafe, the thrill continues with a rafting trip tailored to your preference — whether seeking a calm float or adrenaline-pumping rapids. This combo is perfect for travelers looking to combine scenic relaxation with active excitement. The blend of rail travel and rafting highlights the diverse beauty of Cañon City and provides unique perspectives of the Royal Gorge that can only be appreciated through this multi-activity outing. Whether you’re a history lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply wanting a one-of-a-kind day trip from Colorado’s nearby cities, this private adventure offers flexibility, stunning vistas, and adrenaline all in one carefully curated package.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Participants should be in average physical condition comfortable with moderate activity including sitting and light paddling or rafting.
Yes, you can customize your experience by selecting either coach or dome seating when you book, depending on your preference for views and comfort.
Rafting options cater to all levels, from mild, relaxed floats to more challenging wild rapids suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Yes, a delicious lunch at Eddy Out Cafe is included after the train ride before the rafting portion of your adventure.
We recommend layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and sun protection. For rafting, wear quick-drying clothes and bring a waterproof jacket if needed.
Yes, the train is equipped with restroom facilities for your comfort during the journey.
Cañon City and the Royal Gorge are approximately a 45-minute drive from Colorado Springs, making it an easy day trip.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad follows a rail line constructed in the late 1800s, which was instrumental in Colorado’s mining boom and transportation history.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the delicate river ecosystem and rock formations of the Royal Gorge while promoting responsible tourism through guided adventures.
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.
Book with Raft Masters