Cañon City and Royal Gorge

Rafting

Outfitters and Expeditions

Colorado River Outfitters Association. With dozens of outfitters working from Salida, Buena Vista, and Cañon City, south-central Colorado is one of the top places in the country to go rafting. The Colorado River Outfitters Association is an organization of more than 50 licensed outfitters who run rafting trips on Colorado's 13 river systems. Cañon City, CO. 303/280-2554. www.croa.org.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions. Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers float trips with gentle rapids for first-time rafters in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, family trips through Brown Canyon, and adrenaline-inducing rides through the Royal Gorge. Rafting through the Royal Gorge is not an experience for the faint of heart; you'll pass between narrow canyon walls through rolling Class IV and V waves, with hordes of tourists watching from the suspension bridge above. This company also runs combo trips including rafting-train ride, and paddle-saddle tours. Cañon City, CO. 719/275-3154 or 800/748-2953. www.raftecho.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Hiking

• Rafting