Colorado Rafting FAQ’s

Lost Paddle Rafting is family owned and operated with family members being part of every trip. Since 2003, we have worked hard to maintain an atmosphere and a staff that is committed to treat each guest as the most important guest of the year. We have grown to become the the most respected outfitter in the Royal Gorge area with a reputation for high standards in safety, and customer service. The “little things”, such as fresh excellent food served on full days and overnights, friendly office staff, and an outstanding guide staff are what makes Lost Paddle itself an experience not just another outfitter.

From a scenic class II lazy day float trip on the Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon to the adrenaline rush of the Royal Gorge, Lost Paddle Rafting offers a river trip that’s certain to satisfy your needs. We invite anyone, young and old, in reasonable physical condition to try one of our rafting adventures. The more advanced and difficult the trip, the more athletic and confident a guest should be.

A lot of our guests have never rafted before and some have been rafting with us for years. Your trip leader and raft guide will provide you with all the necessary information through thorough safety talks, beach orientation, and hands on training. Rafting is a fun, team activity that is great for all experience levels.

Each river section has a common minimum recommended age. During most flows, the minimum age is 6 years old or 50lbs and up on Class III sections such as the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We do offer a family float for 3 years old and up on the Class I-II “Little Horn” town run (call for details). In the spring during high flows in the Royal Gorge, the recommended age is 15 years old along with our other Class IV spring run-off trips. A minimum age of 12 is recommended in the the Royal Gorge in summer during medium to low flows. All sections may require increased minimum age requirements as the level of difficulty increases, and the flow rate increases. Lost Paddle reserves the right to make any last minute changes to trips as river conditions change. A parent or guardian must give permission for an unaccompanied minor (aged 18 years or younger) to participate in a Lost Paddle Rafting river trip and sign our “Acknowledgment of Risk” form.

SPRING-because of higher water, bigger rapids and less people. Spring also brings a beautiful array of color and life back to Colorado. SUMMER-because water levels are managed and the water is much warmer and more inviting for swimming and splashing! FALL because the water is still comfortable, the crowds are gone and the scenery is still spectacular! In other words, it’s always a great time to raft!

Each participant should be able to swim or be comfortable around moving water and select a trip that’s right for his or her level of fitness. The higher the classification, the better shape participants should be in. Individuals who are overweight, or whose height and weight ratio are out of normal proportions may not be able to participate in rafting due to the inherent nature of the activity and the inability of the required safety equipment to fit as designed and intended. If you are unsure how to evaluate your abilities and size, have special health considerations, or are pregnant, we invite you to call our office to discuss options. Please visit our Guest Responsibilities page for more information.

Pregnant women, persons with a heart condition and anyone with a medical problem that could be affected by the heat, cold, exertion, excitement, etc. of a raft trip should not raft. We reserve the right to refuse anyone the opportunity to participate in any of our adventures because of a medical, physical or size limitation that we feel might expose them to extreme risk. Contact our office with questions concerning these policies.

In short, No! Although knowing how to swim is not a prerequisite for our Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trips, we recommend you have a good level of comfort with moving water for the Royal Gorge. You’ll be issued a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V Personal Flotation Device(PFD), more commonly known as a high-float life jacket. All of our guests are required, by state law, to wear life jackets at all times while on the water. Before anyone gets on the river our guides check everyone’s personal flotation devices to make sure that they fit properly, are appropriate for their body weight, and are adjusted correctly. Should you happen to make a premature exit from the raft, your PFD is designed to keep your head above water. Please note, the ability to swim is highly recommended for our more advanced runs such as the Royal Gorge. The ability to swim greatly increases your chances of getting out of the river should you go overboard. Your trip leader and raft guide will provide you with all the necessary safety information through thorough safety talks and beach orientation.

Each section of river we raft is unique. Beginners and adventurers alike may find what they are looking for on the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The Royal Gorge is the choice favorite among the Class IV and V crowd. In other words, If you are a first time rafter,have kids, are timid, can’t swim then the Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a great place to start. If you are a first time rafter who really wants to do the Gorge and you are reluctant to jump right in to the Royal Gorge, consider our Royal Gorge Full Day Trip which couples our Bighorn Half Day Trip in the morning with the Royal Gorge in the afternoon. This gives you 10 miles in the morning in class III whitewater to learn how to raft, or to gain your confidence back, then the afternoon brings the Royal Gorge. By the time we reach the mouth of the Gorge you’ll be ready and yearning for what awaits you down stream. The Royal Gorge Full Day Trip includes a river side lunch. For the ultimate adventure consider one of our overnight trips along the Arkansas River which can include other sections such as Browns Canyon and the Numbers, with the Royal Gorge as the Grand finale. See You On The River!

All rafting trips go regardless of weather unless we deem the conditions to be unsafe. For example, we will cancel a trip if there is a snowstorm or freezing temperatures. A full refund for the trip will be made if we decide to cancel the trip. We rarely cancel trips on the Arkansas River (only one in 14 years). High water Royal Gorge trips are epic in terms of waves, fun and excitement. However, during early season spring runoff, due to high water,we reserve the right to move trips to another river section depending on the water levels and make-up of the group. Colorado State Parks recommends NOT running the Royal Gorge above 3200cfs and will issue a High Water Advisory during such occasions.

Our Hyside brand rafts are 14′ long and can accommodate up to 8 guests in the class III sections, or 7 guests in the Royal Gorge. We do offer a 12 foot extreme upgrade for those wanting a little more excitement! Our 12 foot rafts seat 6 guests.

In camp, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol which you can consume at your campsite. Please be considerate to fellow campers and our staff. Please note, we are often in a remote wilderness setting. Medical help can be very slow to respond. Do not become a liability to yourself, other guests, or our staff. There is no alcohol allowed on the river. If you have been consuming alcohol before your trip, you will not be allowed on the raft. We are strict about the enforcement of the above and if these policies do not appeal to you, then please choose to raft elsewhere.

Is it appropriate to tip the guide? Though our staff is well compensated, a gratuity is most appreciated. It is a great way to say thanks, especially if you received outstanding service.

If you have a group of friends, a scout outing, a school group, church group, or a unique team building event for your company, we’ll happily set up a trip that works just for you and your group. To set up a custom trip call Jim at 866.766.7238

Class I: Flat to Mild. No significant waves. No obstacles. Little current.
Class II: Easy. Rapids with regular waves, clear passages and wide passable channels.
Class III: Moderate. Frequent waves, narrow channels, maneuvering to avoid obstacles required.
Class IV: Challenging. Defined channels with many obstacles to be avoided. Precise maneuvering of the raft is required.
Class V: Very difficult. Long violent rapids, unavoidable features such as large waves or holes, rocks, or other features. Long sustained stretches of whitewater.
Class VI: Considered unnavigable. Imminent death or injury.