Canon City is a fantastic place for photography enthusiasts who want to combine stunning scenery with active adventure. The area’s dramatic cliffs, rushing rivers, and rugged landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for memorable images. Among the best ways to capture this scenery are the rafting tours, which offer unique perspectives from the water.
We particularly like the Cañon City: Bighorn Rafting With Lunch, Wetsuit and Photos for its friendly atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities.
This tour features a fun, half-day trip with the chance to digitally download a photo taken during the trip—perfect for your travel scrapbook. Plus, it includes free river gear and a hearty BBQ lunch, making it a great value for first-timers and families alike.
If you’re after something more dramatic, the Royal Gorge Rafting with Wetsuit, Lunch & Photos takes you through Colorado’s famous Royal Gorge, with its soaring 1,100-foot cliffs. Either way, these rafting adventures give you plenty of chances to shoot awe-inspiring shots of Colorado’s wilderness. Now, let’s look at each experience in detail to see which one fits your style.
1. Cañon City: Bighorn Rafting With Lunch, Wetsuit and Photos
At number one on our list, the Bighorn Rafting tour offers a friendly, approachable rafting experience ideal for first-timers and families with younger children. The tour lasts about four hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure. You’ll paddle through sections of Colorado rivers that include some exciting rapids, but the focus is on fun and safety.
The tour includes free river gear like wetsuits, splash jackets, and shoes—so no need to worry about packing extra clothing—plus a free BBQ lunch of hotdogs and burgers served right after the run.
What makes this tour unique are the free photos taken during the most thrilling rapid, which you can download digitally afterward. This way, you get to relive the experience without the hassle of taking your own pictures. The guides are known for their friendly, professional attitude, ensuring everyone feels comfortable on the water.
The proximity to Colorado Springs and Pueblo makes this a convenient choice, especially if you’re staying in those cities.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly adventure that emphasizes fun, safety, and great photo memories. It offers excellent value, especially with all the included amenities.
2. Cañon City: Royal Gorge Rafting with Wetsuit, Lunch & Photos
For a more dramatic setting, the Royal Gorge Rafting takes you through one of Colorado’s most spectacular natural wonders.
This four-hour tour guides you through the steep cliffs and roaring waters of the Royal Gorge, with rapids rated from Class III to Class V. The massive cliffs—up to 1,100 feet tall—make for stunning photographs, especially during the calmer moments when you look up and marvel at the scenery.
The experience includes free wetsuits and the same tasty BBQ lunch, along with a free digital photo taken during the trip. Because of the steeper rapids and more challenging terrain, this tour is suited for those comfortable with a bit of physical activity but does not require prior experience. The guides are experienced and ensure safety while maximizing fun.
Reviews note that the scenery is truly breathtaking and that the thrill of navigating the powerful rapids adds an extra element to the photos. The value for money is good, considering the included gear, lunch, and photos.
Bottom Line: This option suits travelers seeking a more intense whitewater adventure with stunning photo opportunities of Colorado’s famous cliffs—ideal for adrenaline junkies and landscape photographers alike.
How to Choose
Choosing between these two top-rated rafting experiences depends on your interests and comfort level. If you prefer a lighter, family-friendly adventure with plenty of opportunities to capture fun moments, the Bighorn Rafting is the way to go. For those wanting a more challenging ride with dramatic scenery, the Royal Gorge Rafting offers a higher-adrenaline experience.
Think about your budget and itinerary—both tours are four hours long and similarly priced, but the Royal Gorge offers more intense rapids and spectacular cliffs. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more relaxed pace, the Bighorn trip is ideal.
Conversely, if your goal is capturing impressive landscape shots and experiencing Colorado’s legendary canyon, Royal Gorge is the better fit. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season in summer.
Final Thoughts
Canon City offers a fantastic range of options for photography lovers who crave adventure. Whether you opt for the relaxed, family-friendly Bighorn rafting trip or the adrenaline-filled Royal Gorge expedition, you’ll come away with incredible images of Colorado’s wild beauty. For most travelers, these tours strike a good balance between fun, affordability, and memorable photo moments.
If capturing Colorado’s rugged landscapes or lively rivers is your goal, both options are excellent choices. The key is knowing what kind of adventure you want—whether it’s a gentle float with family or a whitewater rush with jaw-dropping cliffs. Book your tour early and prepare your camera for some truly spectacular shots.