Updated: February 21, 2025
Imagine an escape where adrenaline-fueled experiences blend seamlessly with rustic comforts. Picture yourself embarking on a pulse-raising whitewater rafting session, soaring above majestic landscapes on a zipline and unwinding in a riverside yurt, retro Airstream or elegant ranch-style cabin. Welcome to Royal Gorge Epic Adventures, your ultimate guide to an unforgettable Colorado vacation with packages that marry exhilarating activities with picturesque lodging. Whether you crave big thrills, serene relaxation or a blend of both, this detailed 3-day itinerary is designed to help you maximize every moment.
Morning: Start your journey in Colorado Springs, the gateway to your Royal Gorge weekend. Stock up on essentials and fuel up before beginning the scenic one-hour drive south to Royal Gorge Epic Adventures’ headquarters, where you’ll check in at your chosen accommodation. Lodging options include charming yurts and retro Airstreams for a unique riverside glamping experience or luxury cabins that blend Colorado charm with modern amenities for added comfort, privacy and space.
Afternoon: Once you’ve arrived in the Royal Gorge Region, head straight to a local hotspot, Whitewater Bar & Grill, conveniently located right next to the Royal Gorge Rafting office. With its expansive outdoor patio and beer garden, this restaurant caters to groups of all sizes. Enjoy the rustic western-inspired bar & grill atmosphere complete with a beach volleyball court, live music and a play area for the kids. Savor staple dishes with a Colorado twist through menu items like the Go Big or Go Home Burger, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Pork Green Chili Nachos or the Arugula & Roasted Beet Salad, your fuel for the adventures ahead!
Check in to your yurt, airstream or cabin between 3 and 4 pm, then unpack and settle in. Take a stroll around the property, meet your new neighbors and dip your toes in the water while absorbing the warm sunshine, sweeping mountain views and the soothing sounds of the river.
Evening: Wind down with a relaxing night beside the fire on your private patio. Grill up a delicious dinner and roast marshmallows riverside, setting the stage for a cherished weekend in the gorge. Kick back and observe the starlit sky, search for shooting stars, listen to the sounds of the wild and trade stories with your loved ones.
Morning & Afternoon: Rise and shine for a full day of excitement! Begin with a hearty breakfast to energize for the thrills ahead, and then head out for the signature Royal Gorge Rafting experience, a full-day world-class whitewater rafting trip with a 9:15 am check-in. From April to October, this thrilling tour combines the best of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon & the Royal Gorge. You’ll begin with a 10-mile stretch of Class II, III and IV rapids, then recharge with a delicious lunch prepared by your guides on a private riverside beach. After lunch, drop into the heart of the Royal Gorge, flowing along 10 miles of mostly continuous Class III, IV and V rapids in one of the country’s most awe-inspiring locations. Feel your pulse quicken as you navigate the twists, turns and drops along the Arkansas River. All the necessary gear is provided, while professional guides and safety kayakers ensure you’re protected on this legendary excursion! Allow 6 hours for the full-day experience, launching at 10 am and finishing up around 4 pm.
Evening: After an adrenaline-charged day, return to basecamp for some well-earned downtime. Take a refreshing nap and prepare for dinner before returning to Whitewater Bar & Grill. Over a hearty feast and cold drinks, recount the day's happenings and browse through photos with your group.
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely outdoor breakfast immersed in the tranquility of the gorge. After packing up and bidding farewell to your cabin, yurt or Airstream, elevate your morning with a half-day zipline outing. The 9-Line Classic Zipline Tour begins with a comprehensive ground school where knowledgeable guides brief you on all you need to know for a safe flight. Then, soar across nine distinct ziplines that stretch over forests and rolling hills. The highest platform towers 50 feet above the Royal Gorge plateau, with speeds reaching up to 45 mph. Cap off the course by challenging a fellow adventurer to a friendly race along 1,002-foot side-by-side lines. This excursion offers opportunities to capture panoramic vistas and face daring heights.
Afternoon & Evening: Before saying goodbye to the gorge, grab lunch and seize any remaining time to explore the region's attractions. Whether you opt for a gentle hike, a jaw-dropping helicopter tour or a stop by the Royal Gorge Bridge, make the most of your weekend vacation before it ends! Feeling bummed that the weekend is already over? Ponder a return trip and take on a different epic adventure next time!
Want to change this itinerary up a bit? Check out this trip builder tool to customize your weekend itinerary. Begin by entering your group size, select the activities you’re interested in and how intense you want your adventures to be, then choose your lodging preference, and voila, your trip is planned for you!
With Royal Gorge Epic Adventures, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a versatile and unforgettable experience, all while keeping travel time to a minimum. With a wide range of accommodations, your stay will be as comfortable as it is captivating. Paddle through exhilarating rapids, soar along iconic vistas and unwind on the riverside. Book your getaway now for the vacation of a lifetime!
*This blog is sponsored by Royal Gorge Epic Adventures
Royal Gorge Rafting45045 Highway 50 West
Canon City, Colorado 81212
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