Colorado: on the Arkansas River

On Tuesday, we loaded up and left the campsite at dawn to make the trek down to Canon City.  It was going to be a full day with a train trip at the bottom of the Royal Gorge and a float trip in Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

I chose Echo Canyon River Expeditions - we were not disappointed.  These guys made every part of the trip seem effortless and polished.  The transportation and gear was all arranged and all we had to do was make sure we had sunscreen, water, and the right shoes.  The train trip was first, in the cool of the canyon.  This is definitely a tourist trap.  Let me explain: You take the train from Canon City for a nice 45 minute ride through the canyon...then the train stops and goes in reverse back to the station.  Don't get me wrong, there's no better way to see this amazing sight.  It's beautiful, spectacular, breathtaking, etc.  The train has been restored and it's completely top-notch.  We didn't pay the premium to ride in the glass-domed cars.  We had seats in a standard car but spent most of the time in the open-air car just above the concession car.  If you do reserve a spot in the glass-domed cars you will have access to the restaurant car.  We made due with drinks and sandwiches from the concession car.  We got to see rafters making their run in the Gorge, we saw bighorn sheep, and of course the bridge from below.

But the rafting the Arkansas River was the most amazing part.  Moderate skill level (because, tiny humans) but it was still exhilarating.  We had the best time.

But man, was it hot.  We chose to stop under the bridge in Canon City for a dip in a popular swimming hole.  It was clearly the place to be that day with temperatures well over a hundred degrees.  The water was cold and refreshing, the current was strong, and Chase and the kids rode the river a million times above and below the bridge.  It was only slightly scary.  What a blast they had...

Finalized and Posted May 16 2018 - only 6 years later.