Canon City isn’t just about stunning scenery and outdoor adventures; it’s also a great place to enjoy a memorable lunch. What makes dining here special is how many tours combine delicious food with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re floating down the Arkansas River or soaring over mountain vistas, these tours make lunch part of the adventure.
We particularly love the Bighorn Sheep Canyon Raft and Zipline for its perfect blend of gentle whitewater, breathtaking zipline views, and a hearty meal afterward. It’s a well-rounded day that satisfies both your appetite and your sense of adventure.
For a shorter, family-friendly outing, the Bighorn Rafting With Lunch offers a relaxed, fun experience with a classic BBQ included.
And if you’re craving something truly adrenaline-fueled, the Royal Gorge Rafting combines steep cliffs, challenging rapids, and a satisfying lunch to cap off a wild day.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find three top lunch experiences in Canon City that blend outdoor thrills with great food. Each offers something unique, whether it’s a full day of rafting and ziplining, a half-day rafting adventure with a BBQ, or an intense whitewater trip through the Royal Gorge. You can explore more about each tour through the linked descriptions below.
1. Bighorn Sheep Canyon Raft and Zipline – Class III Rapids, 9 Zip Lines, & lunch
At number one on our list, this combo tour offers a full day of outdoor fun with a satisfying lunch in between. It starts with a whitewater rafting trip down the Arkansas River, perfect for beginners and families. The rafting guides focus on safety and fun, making it accessible yet exciting.
Afterward, you’ll move on to the Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours, where nine zip lines span over a mile, offering sweeping views of rolling hills and the gorge itself.
The zipline course includes a dual race, which adds a competitive edge to your flight over 100 acres of Colorado landscape.
What sets this experience apart is its variety—paddling gentle waters in the morning, then soaring above the scenery in the afternoon.
Reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude, with one saying, “Our guide made the trip more enjoyable,” and noting the zipline’s “magnificent scenery.” The lunch is often praised for being convenient and filling, with options to view and buy photos of your ride.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, and at $299, it offers excellent value for a full day of outdoor excitement.
Bottom line: This is a fantastic choice if you want a well-rounded experience with a mix of mild rapids, ziplining, and a satisfying meal—all with top-rated guides.
2. Cañon City: Bighorn Rafting With Lunch, Wetsuit and Photos
For around $146, the Bighorn Rafting With Lunch provides a half-day adventure that’s perfect for families and first-time rafters. It’s a relaxed, friendly trip that doesn’t skimp on fun or scenery. The tour includes all necessary river gear at no extra cost, including wetsuits, shoes, and splash jackets—important for staying comfortable during the float.
The highlight? A barbecue lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers served after the river trip, a simple yet satisfying way to refuel.
This tour also offers a free digital photo of your favorite rapid, capturing the excitement of your ride. Reviewers emphasize the friendliness of the staff and the ease of the experience, making it ideal for those new to rafting or with young children. The proximity to Colorado Springs and Pueblo makes it a convenient option for a quick outdoor escape.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, family-oriented adventure with a delicious lunch included, this tour hits the spot without sacrificing fun or scenery.
3. Cañon City: Royal Gorge Rafting with Wetsuit, Lunch & Photos
This more intense option takes you through the towering 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge—a setting famous for its steep drops and challenging whitewater. The trip covers Class III to Class V rapids, making it suitable for adventurers seeking a thrill. Like the other tours, it includes a free BBQ lunch and photos capturing your ride through the gorge’s wildest rapids.
What makes this tour stand out is the dramatic scenery and the adrenaline rush from navigating steep drops and huge waves. The wetsuit and gear are provided at no extra charge, ensuring comfort even when the water is brisk.
Reviewers mention that guides are friendly and professional, making safety a priority even in the more turbulent waters. At $157, it offers a good balance of price and adrenaline for those who want a more challenging day on the river.
Bottom line: Best for thrill-seekers eager to experience the grandeur of the Royal Gorge while enjoying a hearty lunch and memorable photos.
How to Choose
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and the kind of adventure you’re after. If you want a full day with ziplining and gentle rafting, the Bighorn Sheep Canyon Raft and Zipline is ideal.
For families or beginners seeking a quicker, more relaxed trip, the Bighorn Rafting With Lunch fits the bill. Meanwhile, if thrills and dramatic scenery top your list, the Royal Gorge Rafting will deliver the most adrenaline.
Think about logistics as well: the first tour is a full day, perfect if you want variety, while the other two are shorter and more budget-friendly. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
Canon City offers a wonderful range of outdoor lunch experiences, from laid-back floats with BBQs to exhilarating whitewater trips with breathtaking views. The Bighorn Sheep Canyon Raft and Zipline is excellent for combination adventure seekers who want a little of everything.
The Bighorn Rafting With Lunch is perfect for families or those new to rafting, and the Royal Gorge Rafting caters to thrill-seekers hungry for big waves and high cliffs.
No matter which you choose, these tours provide more than just a meal — they give you stories to tell and memories that last. Be sure to book early, especially during peak season, to lock in your spot and enjoy your best lunch experience in Canon City.