If you’ve been searching for things to do after your rafting trip in Cañon City, you’re in the right place.
A day on the Arkansas River is already a Colorado adventure, but there’s no reason for the fun to end when you pull your raft off the water!
Cañon City and the Royal Gorge Region are packed with outdoor adventures, scenic attractions, history, and local experiences that make it easy to turn your rafting trip into a full day or weekend getaway.
Whitewater Adventure Outfitters is located just eight miles west of Cañon City, making it easy to combine Arkansas River rafting with some of the area’s most popular attractions.
So, what should you do after rafting in Cañon City?
Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep the adventure going.
What Can You Do After a Whitewater Rafting Trip in Cañon City?
What are the best things to do in Cañon City after rafting?
It depends on how much energy you have left!
If you’re ready to keep exploring, you can visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, take a scenic train ride through the canyon, explore local history, or enjoy an easy walk along the Arkansas River.
The great thing about the Royal Gorge Region is that you don’t have to travel far to find your next adventure.
After spending the day on the river, consider adding one of these experiences to your Cañon City itinerary:
- Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
- Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Walk or bike the Tunnel Drive Trail
- Explore the Museum of Colorado Prisons
- Grab a meal or drink in downtown Cañon City
- Take in the scenery along the Arkansas River
With so many options nearby, Cañon City makes it easy to build a full Colorado adventure around your rafting trip.
Visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
What should I do near the Royal Gorge after rafting?
If you’ve just rafted through the Royal Gorge, seeing the canyon from above is a completely different experience.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is home to America’s highest suspension bridge, which sits 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Visitors can walk across the bridge, ride the aerial gondola, and explore additional attractions throughout the park.
For adventure seekers, the park also offers experiences such as the Cloudscraper Zip Line, Royal Rush Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata.
You don’t have to do every attraction to enjoy the park. Even simply walking across the bridge and taking in the views gives you a completely different perspective of the same canyon you just experienced from the river.
If you’re looking for things to do near Royal Gorge, this is an easy addition to your itinerary.
Take a Ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Is there a scenic train ride near Cañon City?
Absolutely.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad departs from the historic Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City and travels through the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River. The train offers a relaxing way to experience the canyon after spending the day navigating it by raft.
Depending on your schedule, you can enjoy the scenery from comfortable seating, open-air areas, or upgraded experiences.
The railroad is especially appealing if you’re traveling with a group where not everyone wants another high-adrenaline activity.
After a morning on the river, sometimes a scenic train ride is exactly what you need.
Explore Tunnel Drive Trail
Looking for an easy outdoor activity after rafting?
Tunnel Drive Trail offers another way to experience the scenery around Cañon City without committing to another major adventure.
The approximately two-mile trail follows a former railroad grade along the Arkansas River and offers views of the surrounding canyon landscape. The trail is also equipped with picnic tables, restrooms, parking, and walking and biking access.
It’s a good option if you want to stretch your legs after rafting, take some photos, or simply enjoy the landscape at a slower pace.
Just remember that Colorado weather can change quickly, so check current conditions before heading out.
Learn Some Local History
What is there to do in Cañon City besides outdoor activities?
Cañon City has a fascinating history that goes far beyond its reputation as an outdoor adventure destination.
The Museum of Colorado Prisons is located in Cañon City and features exhibits covering more than 140 years of Colorado prison history. The museum occupies a historic cell house and includes artifacts, photographs, and exhibits about prison life in Colorado.
It’s an interesting way to slow down after a day of whitewater rafting while learning more about the community you’re visiting.
Grab a Meal and Relax
Where should I go after rafting in Cañon City?
After several hours on the Arkansas River, food is probably going to be high on your list.
Cañon City gives you plenty of opportunities to grab a meal, coffee, a cold drink, or a snack before heading home.
If you’ve spent the day rafting, give yourself some time to relax and enjoy the town instead of immediately jumping back in the car.
One of the best parts of a Colorado rafting trip is that the adventure doesn’t have to feel rushed.
How Can I Turn Rafting Into a Full Day in Cañon City?
Can I combine a rafting trip in Cañon City with other attractions?
Definitely.
A simple itinerary could look something like this:
Morning:
Start your day with a Whitewater Adventure Outfitters rafting trip on the Arkansas River.
Early afternoon:
Grab lunch and spend some time exploring Cañon City.
Afternoon:
Visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park or explore Tunnel Drive Trail.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner in town before heading home or staying overnight in the Royal Gorge Region.
This gives you a chance to experience the Arkansas River, Royal Gorge, and Cañon City without trying to cram everything into a few hours.
Ready to Plan Your Cañon City Adventure?
If you’re searching for things to do in Cañon City, don’t stop with the rafting trip.
The Arkansas River and Royal Gorge Region offer enough adventure, scenery, history, and local experiences to turn a single rafting trip into a full Colorado getaway.
Start your day on the water with Whitewater Adventure Outfitters, then stick around and see what else Cañon City has to offer.
Your next Colorado adventure may be just around the corner.