Echo Canyon River Expeditions
The snapshot
Whether you’re looking for an extreme whitewater rafting trip, a multi-night water-and-camping adventure or a calm scenic float, Echo Canyon is your trusted guide for authentic, safe, Colorado river-rafting fun.
The full experience
Since 1978, Echo Canyon River Expeditions has been the preferred Colorado whitewater rafting outfitter, helping new rafters and experienced rafting enthusiasts conquer the state’s wild rivers under the calm instruction of the region’s most-trusted (and most fun) guides.
Variety is best part of rafting with Echo Canyon! Want a relaxing day spent floating on gorgeous, calm waters with the family? They’ve got it. How about a crashing, splashing, white water adventure filled with teamwork, laughter and pulse-pounding fun? Yes, they’ve got that, too! Echo Canyon’s goal is to make a day on the river accessible to most skill levels, while always focusing on safety. Hop on for a half-day, full-day, and multi-day rafting trip that can range from a few miles to 50 miles. Yes, you read that right, 50 miles of river rafting.
There’s more, too. Echo Canyon has a variety of Colorado outdoor packages for those of you who just can’t be satisfied with one adventure a day like zip lining, train rides and crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge.
After the Rafting
When your day is done, you and your rafting partners can re-fuel at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill. There’s craft beer and hot, delicious meals to help you replenish your strength after rafting. Or, if you’re not finished exploring the region just yet, you can even stay a night or two. Echo Canyon has some seriously lovely lodging options ranging from luxury cabins to high-class glamping (luxury camping) under the stars.
No matter how you choose to raft the Arkansas River, Echo Canyon will provide exactly what you need. They’re the experts on blending safety, excitement and fun to create unforgettable memories. If you’re seeking the perfect vacation, crafted right here in Colorado, you’ve found it here.
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 3-6 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
- Guests choosing adventure-class trips should be in good physical condition with swimming ability
- Family-friendly rafting trips available for kids as young as 4 years
- Contact us in advance of trip if you have accessibility challenges or major medical conditions
Phone & address
Additional information
You can purchase the GoPro video of your trip to relive your memories for a lifetime.
Wetsuits, splash jackets and river shoes are available to all Echo Canyon guests at no additional charge.
What we love (and you will too)
Your Local Guide, Ryan Kost
Local influencer, photographer, videographer and adventurer, Ryan has long been the face in front of Pikes Peak Region Attractions as well as the genius behind the camera.
I love to adventure out in the Colorado sunshine, but it's also really important to me that my crew and I are all in good hands. At Echo, their guides go through more training than anyone on the river, so I don't raft with anyone else.
Plan your adventure
- What to bring
- How to prepare
- The Seasons
- Good to know
- Wear quick-dry clothing like swimsuits and sun shirts. Avoid cotton clothing
- Bring sunscreen and water bottle (refill station on-site)
- Wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes provided at no cost
- Sport sandals or secure footwear if not using our free river shoes
- Reservations strongly recommended
- Online waivers must be signed in advance – they’ll email you a link
- Lunch is included on full-day raft trips
- Restaurant and bar located on-site
- Trips are offered May through September
- Late May and June are best for the most exciting whitewater
- July and August are best for the warmest weather, moderate river flows
- September is best for the fewest other rafters
- Regardless of the season, family-friendly or adventure-class trips are available
- Half-day trips require about 3 hours, full-day trips about 6 hours
- They’re located about one hour from Colorado Springs
Getting here
- From Colorado Springs, go South on Highway 115 to the junction with Highway 50—West on Highway 50 through Cañon City
- Just before the turn for the Royal Gorge Bridge, you’ll see Echo Canyon on the right.
FAQs about Echo Canyon River Expeditions
What do I wear for rafting in Colorado?
Echo Canyon recommends quick dry shorts or swimsuits, a short sleeve or long sleeve synthetic shirt, and secure footwear like sports sandals or tennis shoes. Echo Canyon has you covered with complimentary wetsuits, splash jackets and river shoes if the conditions are on the cooler side.
When is the best time to go rafting in Colorado?
The best time for family rafting is in early July.
The best time for adventure rafting is early to mid-June.
If you have questions or concerns, give the crew a call. They are experts in creating experiences that meet the skills and needs of guests. Tell them who is in your group, what kind of experience you are looking for and any special concerns you might have. You’ll feel very good about booking your trip if you follow their recommendations.
Can you white water raft if it's raining?
Echo Canyon river trips leave as scheduled, rain or shine. However, they reserve the right to cancel or shorten a trip due to extreme weather conditions, or if they feel it would be unsafe to continue. Echo Canyon guides will assess water depth and flow, lightning and water temperature when making the decision to pause, shorten or cancel a trip.
How many people can fit in a white water raft?
The 14-foot, self-bailing rafts will accommodate 7-8 guests and 1 guide. At lower water levels, they will usually take no more than 6 guests in a raft. If you wish to guarantee a raft with only members of your party, you may purchase the additional spots in the raft.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Each guest must read, understand, initial and sign Echo Canyon’s Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement Form . All minors (under age 18) must sign, AS WELL AS their parents or legal guardians, in order to participate in any trip they offer.
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
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Price List
Scenic Float 1/2 Day: $119
Bighorn Sheep Canyon 1/2 Day: $119
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Full Day: $209
Royal Gorge 1/2 Day: $129
Royal Gorge Full Day: $229
