Bucket list item checked off: Multi-day whitewater rafting trip with camping

My husband has had a bucket list travel idea for years: whitewater rafting and camping on the river. I booked this trip for him and my sons using miles and points for flights and hotels (see this post). Then a few weeks ago, a man died on the rapids and they considered scraping the trip (see this post). But, I’m happy to report that they went on the trip, survived and enjoyed their adventure.

Whitewater rafting and camping

They booked their two-day rafting trip with Lost Paddle Rafting in Cañon City, Colorado. As expected, the rapids under the Royal Gorge were a bit higher and rougher (class V rapids) than usual due to the high levels of snow and rain in the mountains. Since they were beginners and my youngest son is just 15 years old, they changed their route to include class II and class III rapids instead.

Surprisingly, it was only the three of them and a guide together on their overnight trip. Their guide, Taylor, was very good at teaching them how to get through the rapids safely.

I’m actually amazed that none of them fell out! in areas where the river was deeper and calmer, they could jump out and float along with the raft. My younger son was the only one willing to brave the freezing water to do that.

They camped on the side of the river and tied up their raft for the night. Lost Paddle Rafting provided all of the camping supplies.

Taylor cooked them chicken fajitas and peach cobbler for dinner. For breakfast, he made them breakfast sandwiches with egg and sausage.

My husband and boys didn’t sleep too well in the tent overnight, so they are glad they only had one night camping. The next day, they rafted a different stretch of the river. The rafting company picked them up in a van at the end to take them back to their starting point.

My husband asked Taylor about the man who recently died rafting the river, and his response was, “Actually six people have died on the rapids so far this year.” Whitewater rafting is definitely not an activity to take lightly. They even saw some rafters not wearing helmets. My boys said they felt safe, though, because Taylor was very specific about how they were going to enter and navigate through each series of rapids.

Other activities in Cañon City

Before embarking on their overnight rafting trip, my husband and sons had a free day in Cañon City. They booked a 2-hour ATV tour with Play Dirty ATV Tours. While my older son had been on an ATV before, this was his first time driving one. He loved it!

They also visited Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. I’ve wanted to visit the Royal Gorge with my kids before, but it was impacted by a fire in 2013 and was closed the last time we were in the area. I’ve been there twice before. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

My daredevil son did this swing ride that swings you over the canyon. No, thanks!

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Cañon City

We used our credit card free night certificates from our Chase IHG One Rewards Premier credit cards to stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Cañon City. Their room had two King beds and plenty of room. The hotel also has a decent hot breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage and a pancake maker. (Sorry, no photos of the room because I wasn’t there and they didn’t remember).

Final Thoughts

According to my post-trip interrogation of the guys, they had a fantastic time on this trip. The hotel was comfortable, the rafting and camping was a unique experience, and they all loved the ATV ride. I’m so happy that we could use our miles and points to help offset the cost of a trip like this one, and that we could squeeze it in before my oldest leaves for college.