10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Full-Day Rafting in Salida: Town Run and Bighorn Sheep Canyon
$149 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Moderate
River Section
Multiple Sections
✓ Book online until
18 hours before departure if no one is booked yet; 3 hours before if the departure already has bookings
Overview
The Bighorn Sheep Canyon Full Day combines the Salida Town Run and Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon into one Class I–III trip. It covers 20 miles in 6 to 7 hours, leaves at 9:00 am and runs May 1 to August 15.
Meet us at the outpost to get outfitted and shuttle to the river for a safety briefing. You'll start with a scenic float through the wildlife preserve, then keep going into Bighorn Sheep Canyon's continuous Class II rapids, canyon walls and boulder gardens.
Your guides set up a riverside lunch along the way, and there's time for swimming, cliff jumping and spotting wildlife. It's a full, easy-going day with a taste of whitewater.
Who it's for
Families and groups who want a whole day on the water without the bigger rapids of Browns Canyon.
Highlights
- The Town Run and Bighorn Sheep Canyon in one trip
- Riverside lunch made by your guides
- Swimming and cliff jumping stops
Trip Highlights
What's Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
What to Expect
- The Town Run and Bighorn Sheep Canyon in one trip
- Riverside lunch made by your guides
- Swimming and cliff jumping stops
Your day, step by step
1Check in and gear up
1
Check in and gear up
Check in at our outpost at 7330 US-50 in Salida, finish your online waiver and get fitted for your gear. Then shuttle to the river for a safety briefing from your guide.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departs at 9:00 am
2Town Run, lunch and the canyon
2
Town Run, lunch and the canyon
Start with a scenic float through the wildlife preserve, then keep going into Bighorn Sheep Canyon's continuous Class II rapids, canyon walls and boulder gardens. Your guides set up a riverside lunch along the way.
- 20 miles of Class I–III water
- Riverside lunch made by your guides
- Time for swimming, cliff jumping and spotting wildlife
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Ride the shuttle back to the outpost to change and dry off after a full day on the water.
- About 6 to 7 hours in total
- Bring a towel and dry clothes for after
What's Included
Included
- Your river guide
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Helmet and life jacket
- Shuttle to the put-in and back to the shop
- Riverside lunch made by your guides
Not Included
- Trip photos
- Guide tip
- Water shoes
- Sunglass strap (chums)
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- We sell photos, water shoes, chums, sunscreen and water at the shop
What to Bring
- Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts, or leggings (comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft). No cotton
- Early season: a wool or synthetic layer to wear under your wetsuit
- Shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops
- Sunscreen and a water bottle (we bring extra water)
- A strap (chums) if you wear sunglasses
- Any medication you need, like an EpiPen or inhaler
- Your phone only at your own risk, in a waterproof pouch ($13 at the counter)
- Tell us about dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) when you book
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
May 1, 2027
– August 15, 2027
Departures
⛅
9:00 am
June has the biggest water. July to mid-August is warm and steady, great for families. Late August and September are mellow.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
How is the full day different from the half day?
It combines the Salida Town Run and Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon into one 20-mile day, with a riverside lunch along the way. Plan on 6 to 7 hours.
What time does the Bighorn full day leave?
9:00 am, May 1 to August 15.
How many people do we need to book?
It needs 4 people to run if nobody else has booked yet. If the trip already has bookings, you can join with 1.
Which trip is right for my group?
Go with the least experienced person in the group. Beginner trips are calm, Intermediate trips have real rapids, and Advanced trips are for experienced rafters. Still stuck? Call us at (719) 626-1350. We want you on the trip you're supposed to be on.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothes like a sun shirt and board shorts. Lots of women find leggings comfier than swimsuit bottoms on the raft. Skip cotton. Early season, add a wool or synthetic layer under the wetsuit and splash jacket we give you. Wear shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops.
What if it rains?
We raft rain or shine. You're going to get wet anyway. We'll only cancel for lightning or unsafe conditions.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel 72 hours or more before your trip for a full refund. Inside 72 hours, there's no refund.
Can I change my date?
Free if it's 72 hours or more before your trip. Inside 72 hours, you can pick a new date and time in the same calendar year, if space is available, for a $10 rebooking fee ($100 per person for overnights).
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