From weekend warriors to experienced whitewater athletes, the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival welcomes participants of all experience levels. Sign up online and enjoy a weekend full of activities.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. TO REGISTER FOR WHITEWATER EVENTS: Visit the white registration tent at the festival at least 30 minutes before your intended event. TO REGISTER FOR GREAT ESCAPE TRAIL EVENTS: Register at packet pickup at Centennial Park (north-west corner) on Friday from 5:30-7:30 pm or on Saturday morning at least 30 minutes prior to your intended event. Prices increase after online registration closes. Specific information will be given to whitewater event registrants at the registration / check-in tent at the center of the festival grounds. Please check in for your whitewater event at least 20 minutes before your event start time. Please note that all events are subject to change due to weather or water level. Friday, July 26 Events |
SUP PARADE
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced Cost: FREE Time: Friday at 5:00 pm Distance: ~1/2 mile This is a SUP show of force. If you SUP come show the town. Interesting outfits encouraged. There will be two launches - one for beginner paddlers from Pink House to the Pedestrian Bridge (WKRP Wave), and one for intermediate paddlers from 1st Street (Green Gate) to the Pedestrian Bridge (WKRP Wave). |
ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Experience level: Beginner Cost: FREE Time: Friday at 5:15 pm Distance: ~1/4 mile Anything in town that floats, get on the water! Bring your SUP, your duckie, your canoe, your store-bought raft, BRING ANYTHING WITH A PADDLE! This is a show of force. Get on the river and show the town how many people float. This is from Play Wave #1 (Ice House) to the Pedestrian Bridge (WKRP Wave) - about 1/4 of a mile. (Please note that no inner-tubes or paddle-less vessels are allowed.) |
COMMUNITY RAFT RACE AUCTION & TIME TRIAL
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced Cost: FREE (with bid on guide) Time: Friday - guide auction at 6:00 pm, race at 6:30 pm Distance: ~1.25 miles Join in with a team as you bid for a professional guide (employed by a local whitewater rafting company). You'll be guided through town to the play wave at Centennial Park. Auction Starts at 5:15 Main Stage. Race leaves from Pink House at 6:15 p.m. This registration is for the person organizing the team. |
ROYAL GORGE RACE RAFTS
Experience level: Experienced Cost: Included in flat fee at registration Time: Friday at 6:05 pm Distance: 12 miles This race is for people experienced in the Gorge. This event is for a team of 6 individuals. Start at Pura Vida beach and end at the lower feature in Cañon City. This race is a mass start and is over 12 miles of hard paddling. |
ROYAL GORGE RACE RAFTS
Experience level: Experienced Cost: $50 per team Time: Friday at 6:10 pm Distance: 12 miles This race is for people experienced in the Gorge. This event is for a team of 6 individuals. Start at Pura Vida beach and end at the lower feature in Cañon City. This race is a mass start and is over 12 miles of hard paddling. |
Saturday, July 27 Events
RAFTING HEAD 2 HEAD RACE
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced Cost: Included in flat fee at registration Time: Saturday at 2:00 pm Distance: ~1/4 mile Two rafts start at the same time. You must go around one buoy on each side of the river. First one to finish moves on to the next round. Tournament style scoring. |
DUCKIE DASH HEAD 2 HEAD
Experience level: Beginner-Advanced Cost: $20 Time: Saturday at 2:00 pm Distance: ~1/4 mile Grab your inflatable duckie (or borrow one) and head down the slalom course from 1st street to Centennial Park. Battle head-to-head with others. Must be at least 10 years old to participate in this event. |
BUILD YOUR OWN BOAT - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Experience level: Beginner to advanced Cost: FREE ($100 refundable deposit required) Time: Saturday at 5:30 pm Distance: ~1/4 mile Show off your craftsmanship and engineering skills in this crowd favorite event! First place is awarded a pure gold coin ($1000 value), and cash prizes awarded to second and third place. |
RAFT RODEO
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced Cost: $60 per team Time: Saturday at 6:15 pm Distance: n/a The classic Whitewater Festival event. Who can control the wave? Will be judged by the crowed and a neutral panel of judges who use established criteria. Located at the lower feature in Centennial Park. |
Join the fun! |