Be Among the First to Paddle The New Royal Gorge Rapid!
Whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River is always an adventure — a powerful mix of roaring rapids, awe-inspiring canyon walls, and unforgettable moments with people you care about. If you’ve ridden these waves before, you likely remember the heart-pounding thrill of Class IV rapids like Sunshine Falls or Sledgehammer. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, the river throws a new surprise your way.
A New Feature is Born
After a series of heavy rainstorms swept through Cañon City and the surrounding areas, nature made a bold move. On a day that started like any other, our team at Raft Masters launched a trip with one commercial boat and two private rafts. Guides and guests alike were eager to get back on the water after days of being rained out — but none of us expected what came next.
As we approached the bottom of the Grateful Dead Rapid, something was definitely different than how it was on the trips just days before. Three massive boulders now blocked a portion of the river — a completely new formation. We glanced to our right and spotted the cause: a massive rockslide, most likely triggered by the recent rains. What once was familiar had changed overnight, and we were among the first to witness it.
“It’s not every day you stumble across a new rapid.”
George Kearsey, one of our veteran guides with over a decade on the Arkansas River, was on the second boat to run the new feature. “This is new and could be difficult for an upcoming low water year,” he said. “But it’s going to be very exciting when the flows pick up. It’s not every day you stumble across a new rapid. I think the last time something shifted like this here was in 1995. This is a beautiful and magical thing that we’re a part of.”
Be a Part of Rafting History
In the days since that first trip, the buzz on the river has been electric. Rafters and outfitters are talking — wondering how this new rapid will evolve, how it will challenge them, and how it will define the rafting season ahead. The new feature is more than just rocks in the water — it’s a reminder of how alive and unpredictable nature can be.
This marks the third major transformation in the Royal Gorge since 1995. Just like the reshaping of Sunshine Falls Rapid nearly 30 years ago, this new rockfall will become part of the river’s story — and yours, if you choose to ride it.
Now’s the Time to Experience It
The water levels are currently ideal for running the new feature. Boats are navigating it well, and the thrill of discovery adds something truly special to every trip. Whether it’s your first time rafting the Royal Gorge or your tenth, this is your chance to be part of something brand new — something raw, natural, and unforgettable.