10 Royal Gorge Rafting Tips

The Royal Gorge offers breathtaking scenery, and exciting rapids for an unforgettable rafting trip and these 10 Royal Gorge Rafting Tips will make sure your experience is fun and memorable. Be prepared, and be smart. Plan ahead for an exciting time of rafting in the Royal Gorge.

1. Be realistic. If you are a novice, take a level II route. An experienced rafter might go for the more adventurous level III-IV trips. Know your strengths and your weaknesses.
2. Choose a guide. The type of guide will depend on your level of prior experience and any physical limitations for people in your group. Some guides offer lessons in paddling before launching. All will go over safety rules.
3. Pick a date according to the level of excitement you want. The river is fed from the melting snows of the nearby mountain ranges, and will be at it's peak from June to early August. More water equals more rapids.
4. Wear clothing that dries quickly. Start with a swim suit and add light layers of shorts, t-shirts, or tank tops and water proof jackets. Cotton does not dry fast, so stick with synthetics. The key is to stay warm, since you will be wet. Summer mornings in Colorado are a little cool.
5. Wear sunscreen. The sun over the river is more intense, and at this altitude of 5,550 feet you are more likely to get sunburned.
6. Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Water bottles tied to the inside of your raft can keep you refreshed and energized. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can make altitude sickness much worse.
7. Swim only when your guide gives permission. The higher the water, the more quickly it is moving.
8. Travel light. Do no take anything extra, as it could get wet or lost.
9. Consider combining your day of rafting with a train ride. Three rafting outfitters offer a combination package so you can enjoy the beauty of the Royal Gorge from the water and the rail. The train runs right through the canyon, offering a unique view of the water and the walls of the Canyon.
10. Take time to experience the suspension bridge over the gorge. It is the highest suspension bridge in the county, at 1053 feet above the water. Built in 1953, it goes one quarter of a mile across the gorge. You can get to it before or after your ride down the rapids in Canyon City, Colorado. A little planning will go a long way in making your rafting trip in the Royal Gorge one to remember!

Source: The Origin of The Royal Gorge