Day Trip: Colorado Springs to Royal Gorge
Arriving at COS? You can be rafting the Royal Gorge within 2 hours of landing. This is the ultimate single-day Colorado adventure — whitewater, ziplines, and canyon dining, all within 1 hour of Colorado Springs.
The drive: Colorado Springs → Cañon City via CO-115 South. Exactly 1 hour, 60 miles. Scenic high plains and canyon approach with Pikes Peak visible to your north.
Depart Colorado Springs
Leave from Colorado Springs (hotel, Airbnb, or COS airport rental). Head south on CO-115. The drive to Cañon City takes exactly 1 hour through open plains with Pikes Peak in your rearview. No traffic, no highway tolls.
Morning Rafting — Royal Gorge Rafting
Half-day whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge section is Class IV–V — 1,000-foot granite walls, churning rapids, expert licensed guides. Beginners: the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section is Class II–III, perfect for families. Book the 9 AM trip in advance — summer weekends fill fast.
45000 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81212
Apr 15–Sep 30 daily | Check website for trip times
Lunch — WhiteWater Bar & Grill
Undefeated Flavors. Legendary Portions. Cañon City's most celebrated restaurant is just minutes from the rafting put-out. Bold American cuisine, Colorado craft beer, and handcrafted cocktails. The patio is the perfect post-river lunch spot.
45045 Hwy 50 West, Cañon City, CO 81212
Check website for current seasonal hours
Afternoon Ziplines — Royal Gorge Zipline Tours
Six ziplines up to 800 feet long, soaring above the same canyon you just rafted through. The canyon views from 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River are unlike anything else in Colorado. The Classic Course runs 2–2.5 hours. No experience needed — minimum 70 lbs, maximum 250 lbs.
45045 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81212
May–Sep daily 8am–5pm | Oct weekends only
Sunset Drinks — Rooftop Social
End the day at Rooftop Social in downtown Cañon City — the best view bar in southern Colorado. Panoramic views of the Royal Gorge region and Pikes Peak as the sun sets. Handcrafted cocktails, local Colorado spirits, shareable plates. Thursday–Sunday with live music most nights.
302 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212
Thu–Sat 4pm–11pm | Sun 12pm–8pm
Return to Colorado Springs
Head back north on CO-115. Arrive Colorado Springs in 1 hour. Or if you're staying overnight in Cañon City, check into Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals for a riverside yurt or Airstream experience (see Itinerary 2 for the full overnight stay).