What's so great about Echo Canyon?

Good question! Not all rafting companies are the same; you've already figured that out. Luckily, we have some pretty good competition which pushes us to be even better. So what do we have going for us?

Our Raft Guides Shower!

They actually do, and on a fairly regular basis (maybe not everyday, but let's not get crazy). All humor aside, we look for guides who will represent us well and give you the best rafting experience possible. We have the most comprehensive guide training program in the state. We also screen our guide applicants heavily; last year we took in about 180 applications and hired only a dozen of those applicants. Our guides must also increase their wilderness medical certifications before advancing to Trip Leader and Class IV guiding positions. So no matter what trip you're on, we have staff with lots of medical knowledge just in case the unexpected happens out there on the river.

Our Office Staff know Everything about Everything!

Or, if they don't know the answer they'll make something up that sounds good! Most of our reservationists live right around here. So they're happy to take calls and help you figure out what else is fun to do in the area for your family or group. We'll also tell you the most scenic ways to get there, what roads to avoid, and if there are any top secret discounts to save you some bucks. They'll look up the weather forecast for the day you plan to raft, give you the inside scoop on the current river conditions and you'll probably ask for that same reservationist the next time you call. You've got a friend with our reservationists. Oh, and they know lots about our raft trips, too!

Our Equipment doesn't Stink!

You'd be surprised, but one of the most common complaints we hear from our guests who have rafted elsewhere is, "My life jacket smelled like B.O." Gross. We have a gear washing and replacement program set up to make sure our life jackets, wetsuits, river shoes and everything else is washed and deodorized so you can inhale the fresh Colorado air and not the funky smells of your gear. We have an on-site commercial washing machine for wetsuit gear, and get this, our owner actually routinely walks out to where we store the wetsuit shoes and sticks his nose inside to make sure our staff is cleaning them on schedule. I don't even put my nose in my own shoes, but you've got to respect that dedication to providing top notch gear.

Those are some of the reasons we think you'll like us. We can always do better and we'll continue to pursue that elusive 'Perfect Raft Company in the Galaxy Award'. Until then, we'll listen to your comments and suggestions; feel free to always tell us what we need to be doing better!

When's the best time to raft for kids, grandmas and adrenaline-crazed adults (who act like kids)

This is one of the most common questions we receive from our guests. We hate to answer the question this way, but it depends! What does it depend on? Well let's look at a few common groups who join us for Colorado whitewater rafting and we'll go from there...

Families!
Families with young children are typically looking for easy to moderate whitewater rafting that will be a fun introduction for kids, offer some excitement, but not end up with a bunch of black and blue tattoos from the experience. So they want to get splashed and see some rapids but they don't anticipate Grandma leaning over the bow of the raft screaming, "Bring it, Arkansas River. That last wave was pitiful! Show me a REAL rapid!" For this group, we recommend joining us in mid to late May, or early July. May finds the river beginning to rise and awaken from its winter slumber. We see pretty good rapids although the river water is pretty cold; often in the 50's or low 60's. The great thing is that we see hardly anyone else on the river! Early July sees the river coming down from the seasonal June high water. We still have great rapids and the river is beginning to warm up (usually in the 60's) along with the air temperature. From mid-July through mid-August we see moderate water flows which do offer consistent family-friendly rapids (not big rapids, but you still get wet) and warm water temps (upper 60's to low 70's), but this is the height of tourism in Colorado and you'll feel this on the river!

Green-horn Adults!
OK, so you don't have kids, but you don't want your first rafting experience to be a mind-bending, traumatic life-altering experience involving a number of out-of-boat experiences. We understand where you're coming from. Consider either a family-class trip, like Bighorn Sheep Canyon, booked during our seasonal high water. Memorial Day weekend through late June typically sees the highest river flows of the season, and therefore, lots of excitement. The family-class trip is a very exciting ride, but a section that first-time rafting adults absolutely LOVE! Or, think about a Royal Gorge trip early May through mid-May, or anytime from early July through Labor Day weekend. This will get you into some class IV adventure-class whitewater but at a time of year when the river is flowing only moderately; not at huge levels.

Adrenaline-crazed Big Kids!
So you're an adult (or at least you're able to assume that role when necessary), you've rafted a bunch and the idea of falling out of the raft into a big rapid sounds enjoyable to you, when should you join us? The Royal Gorge in June. That's pretty much it. June is the month when the Arkansas River is going to be at its peak. June 12-15 is historically when the river will peak (last year it peaked at well over 5000 cubic feet per second, or cfs; today it's running at around 300 cfs). The Royal Gorge offers some of the biggest hits and most continuous whitewater in the state of Colorado. Here's the catch; if the river gets above 3200 cfs the state comes in and closes the Royal Gorge to commercial rafting. But don't worry! In this case we alter our trip to a section of Bighorn Sheep Canyon that at the same level is NOT family-friendly, and is therefore right up your alley.

We want to hear from our Guests!

If you joined us for a raft trip this past summer then we want to hear about your experience! Just go to TripAdvisor.com and follow the simple instructions to post a review of your experience with Echo Canyon River Expeditions. Do you want to offer a rave review about your guide? Do you want to share the great experience you had with Echo Canyon? Is there something we can improve upon to make your next Colorado whitewater raft trip even better?

We constantly strive to exceed your expectations but we need your input so we know how we're doing. So please go to TripAdvisor.com and tell us what you think! Thanks so much!

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Special!

Buy 2 Rafting Trips, Get 1 Free!

This May, Echo Canyon River Expeditions is offering an incredible deal on all of our half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips – buy 2, get 1 free! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family float down the scenic Bighorn Sheep Canyon or a thrilling ride in the rapids of the Royal Gorge, you’ll be able to take advantage of this very special discount.

For 32 years Echo Canyon has been considered the most trusted whitewater outfitter in Colorado, and we continually strive to provide guests with the best rafting experience possible at every turn. At Echo Canyon, you’ll find a wide variety of trips suited for any age and ability level, promising smiles on the faces of everyone from the first-time rafter to the whitewater veteran. Our Buy 2, Get 1 Free promotion is the perfect opportunity to bring friends and family on a whitewater adventure, where you’re sure to create fantastic memories no matter how mild or wild the rapids are.

Remember, Buy 2, Get 1 Free is available for a short time only, so be sure to browse all of our half-day and full-day trips, and then make your reservation! To book your trip, give us a call at 1-800-755-ECHO, or visit us here. If you don’t see the perfect trip, one of our reservation specialists will be happy to assist in putting together a custom rafting package. Also, look for Echo Canyon River Expeditions on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in rafting news and specials.

Buy 2, Get 1 offer is valid for half-day and full-day trips; premium packages do not qualify. Offer only valid on reservations made between May 7, 2010 and June 7, 2010. Previous reservations are not eligible to receive discount.

Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trips

The Arkansas River in Colorado combines challenging rapids with breathtaking scenery to deliver an unforgettable Colorado whitewater rafting experience. In addition to its more laid-back stretches, such as Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Brown’s Canyon, it’s also home to some of the best continuous whitewater rafting in the country, including the Numbers, Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer and Boat Eater.

Whether an expert or a novice, a family or a corporate group, a thrill seeker or a first time floater, you’ll find a variety of Colorado whitewater river rafting trips on the Arkansas River perfect for everyone in your family.

Premium Colorado White Water Rafting Trips

Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers many very unique white water rafting trips in Colorado. We offer premium rafting packages for families, adventurers and even the romantics. Check out our variety of premium rafting trips and find the right one for you.

Raft -N- Rail
This Echo Canyon exclusive is fun for the entire family! It consists of a whitewater rafting trip down the Arkansas River and a train ride aboard the Royal Gorge railroad through the scenic Royal Gorge. Your Colorado white water raft trip is followed by a delicious lunch served on the banks of the river at our private landing. The raft and rail package is an exclusive trip only offered through the partnership of Echo Canyon and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

Choose from three exciting options: Coach Class trip, Vista Dome trip or the Wine Express.

Paddle -N- Saddle
On the exclusive Paddle-n-Saddle trip, you will begin your day by Colorado white water rafting nine miles of the Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Your Colorado white water rafting trip will be followed by lunch on the banks of the river at our private landing, after which we provide transportation back to our office where you will prepare for your horseback ride. Next door to our office is Fort Royal Stables, where you will meet your horse and wrangler. Your two-hour horseback ride will take you through the mountains surrounding the Arkansas River Valley, returning you to the stables at about 3:00 p.m. Recommend minimum age 6. Recommended minimum weight 50 lbs.
Drive in your vehicle next door to Fort Royal Stables checking in by 1:00 p.m. for your two hour horseback ride. All rides are guided by a professional wrangler and all skill levels are accommodated. Cantering / running may be allowed on the trip, but the pace will be determined ultimately by your wrangler to ensure your safety. This scenic tour will offer views of the Arkansas River Valley and majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. You will return to the stables between 3:00-3:30 p.m

Raft -N- Bridge
On the exclusive Raft-n-Bridge trip, you will begin your day Colorado white water rafting nine miles of the Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Your Colorado white water rafting trip will be followed by lunch on the banks of the river at our private landing, after which we provide transportation back to our office. You are then free to drive to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and enjoy a variety of family fun activities at your pace.
Relax at our private river landing after your rafting adventure and enjoy a delicious deli-style sandwich buffet, complete with side salads, fresh fruit, chips and home-made salsa, cookies, and refreshments. After lunch, you will board Echo transportation and a short shuttle will take you back to our river office where photographs of your raft trip will be awaiting you inside our office; be sure to check out who was really paddling! Change out of your river attire, and drive in your vehicle to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park where you will enjoy at your own pace the many attractions available. Hours of operation for the Royal Gorge Bridge change throughout the summer, but typically you have until around dusk to explore the park. Due to maintenance, weather and other circumstances, certain rides and attractions may not be open to the public without prior notice.

Wine -N- Dine
The Whitewater Wine & Dine combines a world-class Colorado white water rafting experience with fine French cuisine and a night’s stay at two of Cañon City’s finest establishments. Depending on the full-day trip that you choose, you will take a Colorado white water rafting trip about 20 miles on the Arkansas River near Cañon City. Beautiful scenery abounds in this alpine desert environment, where you may encounter Bighorn Sheep, Red-Tail Hawks, or other native wildlife.
Reservations will have been arranged for you to have dinner at Le Petit Chablis, conveniently located three to four blocks from Jewel of the Canyons, on Highway 50. You will enjoy a delectable three-course French meal complete with soup du jour or house salad, choice of entrées (fresh fish of the day, chicken, pork or beef), desserts of choice, café and a bottle of featured wine selected by the house.
At your leisure, make your way into town to the Jewel of the Canyons Bed and Breakfast, where you will stay the night. The B&B’s owners will welcome you to their “lovingly restored 1890 Queen Anne home” where your delightfully decorated room awaits.

Check out www.RaftEcho.com's variety of premium Colorado white water rafting trips and find the right one for you.

Let's Go Rafting, Colorado!

In this time of economic struggle, economists are telling us that we can't always get what we want. Here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we think these economists must not live in Colorado.

As a Colorado resident, you can take your family on an astonishing journey this Summer by taking them Colorado white water rafting. You can plan for just a short half day jaunt, a full day adventure or a multiple day overnight vacation that will leave your family with memories for a long time to come. You could also plan for one of our premium packages such as the Raft -n- Rail or Paddle -n- Saddle to see Colorado from every angle.

Looking for a romantic getaway? Try the Wine -n- Dine all inclusive package in which you and your significant other will raft the Arkansas River, have an exquisite three course french meal and stay in an immaculate Bed and Breakfast in town.

At Echo Canyon, we have a Colorado white water rafting journey for everyone. Whether you're looking for a comfortable family float trip, an extreme Colorado white water rafting adventure or a romantic getaway.

Visit RaftEcho.com today to book the perfect Colorado white water rafting trip for you!