Cañon City, Colorado has endless recreational opportunities from fishing and whitewater rafting, to viewing the abundant wildlife, or spending a day in one of our parks. Below are just a few ideas!
The Arkansas River
As the snow melts high in the Colorado Rockies, world class whitewater rapids are born in the Royal Gorge Region. The Arkansas River hosts more rafters than any other river in the world. Easy access and wide diversity, awards the Arkansas River recognition as the number one river in the country for rafting and kayaking. Bighorn Sheep Canyon just west of Cañon City offers Class II-Class III waters, ideal for first time rafters and families, while the Royal Gorge itself boasts the steep drops and huge rapids that make this the Class IV and V run that draws experienced rafters from far and wide.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
The Arkansas River provides other water sports for the ultimate sports enthusiast. Kayaking the rapids through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a premier place for intermediate kayakers to test their mastery of the sport. Others who prefer to remain grounded can try their luck at fly fishing for rainbow trout.
Touring through the Royal Gorge Region whether on horseback, on mountain bike or by foot, is an extraordinary experience that will not be matched anywhere on earth. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a unique rec area stretching 148 miles from high in the mountains where the Arkansas River is born all the way to it's holding area at Lake Pueblo
Wildlife prospers throughout the area and can be seen without much effort from visitors, Deer, rabbits, hummingbirds and chipmunks are the most prevalent. However, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bears, elk, bald eagles, and antelope can be seen if you keep your eyes open!
