10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.
Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting: Half Day from Salida
$99 per person
Trip Type
Rafting
Activity Level
Easy
River Section
Upper Big Horn Sheep Canyon
✓ Book online until
3 hours before departure
Overview
Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a half-day, Class I–III rafting trip on the Arkansas River. It covers 8 miles in 3 to 3.5 hours and runs May 1 to September 30.
Meet us at the outpost to get outfitted, then it's a 5-minute shuttle to the put-in and a safety briefing from your guide. From there, it's steady Class II rapids, steep canyon walls and boulder gardens to weave through. Watch the cliffs for the bighorn sheep the canyon is named for.
There's time to swim and jump off a rock or two along the way. It's a great first taste of whitewater for younger families.
Who it's for
Families ready for a little more action, and first-timers who want real rapids without the big water.
Highlights
- 8 miles of continuous Class II rapids
- Cliff jumping and swimming stops
- Five minutes from the outpost
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
- 8 miles of continuous Class II rapids
- Cliff jumping and swimming stops
- Five minutes from the shop
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 it's a 5-minute shuttle to the put-in and a safety briefing from your guide.
- Wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge, plus a helmet and life jacket
- Departures at 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
2Raft Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon
2
Raft Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Float 8 miles of steady Class II rapids between steep canyon walls, weaving through boulder gardens. Watch the cliffs for the bighorn sheep the canyon is named for.
- Time to swim and jump off a rock or two
- A great first taste of whitewater for families
3Back at the outpost
3
Back at the outpost
Ride the shuttle back to the outpost to change and dry off.
- About 3 to 3.5 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
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
🌊
May 1, 2027
– September 30, 2027
Departures
⛅
8:30 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm
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 old do kids need to be for Bighorn?
Kids 5 and up.
How far is Bighorn Sheep Canyon from the shop?
About five minutes. It's a quick shuttle to the put-in, so you spend your time on the water, not in a van.
Is there time to swim and cliff jump?
Yes. There's time to swim and jump off a rock or two along the way. Your guide picks the spots.
When does Upper Bighorn run?
8:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, May 1 to September 30.
Will I get wet?
On Beginner trips, a little. On Intermediate and Advanced trips, yes. That's why wetsuits and splash jackets are included.
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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