10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Inflatable Kayak Trips in Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon
$119 per person
Trip Type
Inflatable Kayak
Activity Level
Moderate
River Section
Upper Big Horn Sheep Canyon
✓ Book online until
18 hours before departure if no one is booked yet; 3 hours before if the departure already has bookings
Overview
Our inflatable kayak trip runs 8 miles of Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class I–III) in 3 to 3.5 hours. It runs July 1 to September 30, with a maximum of 6 paddlers per trip.
Inflatable kayaks (we call them duckies) are open, easy to steer and sit low on the water, so small waves turn into big thrills. It's a completely different ride from a raft, and they're perfect for lower summer flows.
Every trip is led by an experienced, certified Salida River Adventures guide who paddles with you, teaches you how to read and run the rapids, and is right there if you take a dip.
Who it's for
Paddlers in good physical shape who want a hands-on, engaging day and to steer their own boat.
What's included
Your own inflatable kayak, paddle, wetsuit, splash jacket, life jacket and helmet.
Highlights
- Paddle your own boat
- A certified guide paddles with you the whole way
- Small groups, max 6
Trip Highlights
What's Included
- Your own duckie and paddle
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Life jacket and helmet
- A certified guide paddling alongside you
What to Expect
- Paddle your own boat
- Guide paddles with you the whole way
- Small groups, max 6
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. You'll get your own inflatable kayak (we call them duckies) and paddle.
- Wetsuit, splash jacket, life jacket and helmet included
- Departures at 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
- Small groups, 6 paddlers at most
2Paddle Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon
2
Paddle Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Your certified guide shows you how to steer, read and run the rapids, then paddles alongside you for 8 miles of Class I–III water. Duckies sit low on the water, so small waves feel big.
- You steer your own boat the whole way
- Your guide is right there if you take a dip
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Head back to the outpost to change, dry off and swap stories.
- About 3 to 3.5 hours in total
- A waterproof phone pouch is $13 at the counter
What's Included
Included
- Your own duckie and paddle
- Wetsuit and splash jacket
- Life jacket and helmet
- A certified guide paddling alongside you
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 bottle of 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)
- A towel and dry clothes to leave at the shop for after
Water levels & Season
Season
🌊
July 1, 2027
– September 30, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm
At high water, inflatable kayaks get trashed, so we wait for summer flows. These run July 1 to September 30.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
Do I need kayaking experience?
You should be fit and up for a hands-on day. A certified guide paddles with you the whole way, teaches you how to read and run the rapids, and is right there if you take a swim.
Is an inflatable kayak harder than a raft?
Yes. Duckies are harder work, and a Class II rapid in a duckie can feel as intense as a much bigger one in a raft. That's the fun.
Why do inflatable kayaks only run in summer?
At high water inflatable kayaks get trashed, so we wait for summer flows. These run July 1 to September 30.
How many people are on an inflatable kayak trip?
Up to 6 paddlers per trip. Departures are 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
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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