Updated: September 5, 2024

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

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

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

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 invites all nature enthusiasts to relish the calm waters of Arkansas River, nine zip lines over wooded areas, and an included lunch at White Water Bar & Grill.

Medium to Hard: The Royal Gorge and Extreme Zipline program is encouraged for extreme adventure seekers 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 quarter- and half-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.

AVA's Numbers Half-Day and Zipline program with a group of paddlers, traveling through the 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.

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.

Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting

Find the level of adventure that best suits your family, from scenic floats to challenging rapids and multi-day trips, all…

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