ROYAL GORGE   Colorado Whitewater One-Day Arkansas River Trips

Far Flung Adventures’ ultimate Arkansas River whitewater experience features nine miles of intense class 4 to 4+ rapids, including famous the rapids Sunshine, Sledgehammer and Wallslammer.

The Royal Gorge is one of Colorado’s most famous tourist attractions. The 2000 foot deep canyon was the chief engineering obstacle to be overcome in the construction of the Rio Grande railroad line.  Rocks and debris from this construction help form the intense rapids we encounter in the Gorge.

SEASON:  The Arkansas River is usually runnable from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day.  Royal Gorge trips are freely available throughout the Summer.

COST:  $98 per person, with groups of 12+ eligible for group discounts.  Our minimum age is ten years (oar boats only).

ASSEMBLES:  9:00 A.M. at Whispering Pines River Camp and RV Park, on the north side of Highway 50, just 12 miles east of the Town of Cotopaxi, Colorado.  This is a safe and convenient place to leave your vehicle.

WEATHER:  Temperatures range from 70-90 days to 30-60 nights.  The summer monsoons often mean afternoon thundershowers.  Coupled with splashy river conditions, this means that rafters are well advised to bring along extra garments to ensure their comfort under changing weather conditions.  A rain jacket, sweater or shelled jacket should serve this purpose.

WATER:  Water flows typically peak in late June and drop throughout the season, until they reach a minimum of 800 cfs; then they are supplemented by flows from Twin Lakes Reservoir.  Water temperatures are usually quite chilly, ranging from high 40’s at early season to low 60’s in August.

Your river guides have many years of experience on the Rio Grande, are trained in river rescue and emergency first aid, and are certified by the New Mexico River Outfitter's Association. 
 
 OAR OR PADDLE RAFTS: You may request a paddleboat for your trip.  Our 14 and 15 foot self-bailers have interior grablines, and footcups, the best of Class-V paddle-rafting technology.  The Gorge is hazardous whitewater and not for the faint of heart!  Groups of 4-6 eager paddlers (athletic, excellent swimming ability) may qualify by previous experience on river sections like the Taos Box, Brown’s Canyon or other Class-4 rivers.  Paddlers certify that they are in good health, swim well, and will remain sober.  Guests who do not specifically request paddleboat will find our oar rafts (piloted only by the guide) provide plenty of thrills. Click here for more info

YOU NEED TO BRING:
- cap or hat 
- sunglasses with strap or a strap for your
   regular glasses
- sunscreen

Personal Clothing:
(plan to dress in “layers”)
- Sneakers with wool sox 
- quick-dry shorts and shirt
- sweater or polypropylene top, nylon, silk, or
   poly pants (early season) 
- dry change of clothes, footwear to leave in
   your vehicle.  

PLEASE NO COTTON ON THE RIVER!

FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES WILL PROVIDE: Rainsuit or wetsuit according to current conditions, waterproof day bag for layers you don’t want to wear, fresh, delicious lunch and such beverages as Gatorade, lemonade mixes, and all safety equipment, including lifejackets

RESERVATIONS:  A $50 per person deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the trip. Saturday and Sunday launches are in great demand and require full payment in advance.  We accept telephone reservations using your major credit card to ensure participation.  Availability is first-come, first- served, and is also limited by BLM regulation.  Please reserve early! Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail you notice of confirmed reservation and a brief medical information form to inform us of any dietary or health restrictions.

Toll-free reservations  1-800-359-2627.   e-mail farflung@taosnet.com