SPONSOR LISTINGS

Royal Gorge Rafting and
Whtewater Bar and Grill
719-275-7238
Colorado river rafting vacation packages at their absolute best

Historic Royal Gorge Train
888.724.5748
The best way to see the Royal Gorge is from the train!

Arkansas River Tours
800.321.4352
Since 1973, 34 years of laughs, smiles & thrills.

Royal Gorge Helitours
719.276.9038
See spectacular views from a jet powered helicopter.

Canon City's Community Heritage Pass
Four Canon City Attractions, One Price.
Celebrating the artistic, edecational & historic elements of our community.

Raft Masters Rafting
800.568.7238
Three exciting rivers with trips for all ages. Mild to wild!

Royal Gorge Bridge
888.333.5597
Colorado's Natural Wonder with exciting rides and great views.
View brochure!

Echo Canyon River Expeditions
800.575.3246
The most trusted name in rafting since 1978. Located near the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Outdoor Recreation

Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Long known as a gateway into the Rockies, Highway 50 divides Cañon City as it runs west through the towering rock walls of the Arkansas River Canyon. This beautiful canyon has been dubbed "Bighorn Canyon," and it's well named with a thriving population of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Colorado's state animal. These majestic animals are often seen on both sides of the river from convenient turn-outs throughout the canyon.

Legendary Fishing
Arkansas River trout fishing is legendary and attracts anglers nationwide year-round. The Brown Trout population in this river is second to none and makes up the vast majority of catches, although Rainbows and even an occasional Cutthroat will be caught in some parts of the river. The majority of the fish caught here range from 12 to 16 inches and there is an
enormous population of them!

Fly fishers are one of the most devoted groups on the river. They're typically out year-round, but especially around the first week of May when one of the most intense Caddis hatches in all of the United States occurs between Cañon City and Salida. Blue Winged Olives, Stoneflies, Pale Morning Duns and their respective nymphs are some of the other "bugs"
active on the Arkansas. Savvy fly fishermen know that some of the best dry fly fishing happens from midsummer through the fall with Grasshopper imitations.

Fly patterns for these favorites and dozens of others can be found, along with valuable advice, at local angler shops. Fremont County's Great Outdoors River Recreation Rafts and kayaks of every size float the beautiful Arkansas River Canyon spring through summer. Some anglers fish from rafts, some enjoy a thrilling ride through the rapids from Texas Creek to Parkdale and even through the Gorge, especially when the river flow may be too swift for good fishing. Check with local outfitters for a guided fishing trip down the Arkansas. Whatever your choice for outdoor recreation, the Royal Gorge Region can provide exhilarating activities and lifelong memories.
Editorial courtesy Grant Adkisson