The 17th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season. Enjoy summer flows in a fantastic whitewater setting in historic Cañon City, Colorado. Held in the refurbished and family-friendly Centennial Park, the Whitewater Festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled (and whitewater-fueled) events. It's the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed. It's all about "Boats, Bands, Bikes, and Beer!"
Choose from whitewater events, running events, or biking events. Each event will list the experience level needed. Events range from beginner-friendly to experienced only. There's something for everyone at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival! All event participants will receive FREE entry to the festival on the day of their event.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Great Escape 5K Trail Run - Sat., July 18 Closed
Experience level: Beginner to advanced Cost includes: Timing, aid stations, bib Add a t-shirt to your registration by June 1st for $15. Kids' sizes available in tees only. This course leaves from Centennial Park and travels along the Arkansas Riverwalk trail. You'll cross over the river at the pedestrian bridge, head toward Tunnel Drive, and turn around at the Trailhead (or go up the hill for a beautiful view and a little extra elevation gain). Return to the park for a nice, easy second half and post-run celebration at the park.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
Great Escape 10K Trail Run - Sat., July 18 Closed
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced Cost includes: Timing, aid stations, bib Add a t-shirt to your registration by June 1st or $15. Kids' sizes available in tees only. You'll experience the best of lower South Cañon on this beautiful fun. Leave from Centennial Park, climb up Wagon Trail, then make a hard right to climb all of Schepp Ridge for stunning views of the town, mountains, and the Ecology Park. At the end of Schepp Ridge, you'll use Piñon Trail to merge onto Recycle. You'll start your descent on Mutton Bustin', where you'll then return to Centennial Park to awaiting spectators.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
Great Escape Family / Beginner 5K Mountain Bike Ride - Sat., July 18 Closed
Experience level: Beginner Coming Home Realty 5K Family / Beginner Mountain Bike Ride Location: Arkansas Riverwalk Start Time: 9:45 a.m. Distance: ~4 miles Elevation Gain / loss: 279 feet Course: Along the Arkansas Riverwalk to Tunnel Dr. Registration includes: Ride, bib, timing, swag bag (Add a tee / tank for just $15 more!) Bring the kiddos! Try a mountain bike event for the first time! This low-stakes and super-fun course will allow mountain bikers of all experience levels to enjoy participating in an event. This course follows the Arkansas Riverwalk west to Tunnel Drive and has very little elevation gain. Youth as young as 6 years old may enjoy this course (our younger on a bike seat), and kids as young as 10 are welcome to ride solo. This course leaves from Centennial Park and travels along the Arkansas Riverwalk trail to the trailhead at Tunnel Drive. Turn around at the trailhead or climb the hill for an extra high-five and a sweet view. Return to the park for a beginner-f
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$23.39
(Per person)
Apr 2 - Jul 1
Great Escape 10K Mountain Bike Ride - Sat., July 18 Closed
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced Registration includes: Ride, bib, timing, swag bag (Add a tee / tank for just $15 more!) Intermediate-level riders with the ability to navigate some technical elements will enjoy this fun and fast 6-mile course. Leave from Centennial Park, climb up Wagon Trail, then make a hard right to climb all of Schepp Ridge for stunning views of the town, mountains, and the Ecology Park. At the end of Schepp Ridge, you'll use Piñon Trail to merge onto Recycle. You'll start your descent on Mutton Bustin', where you'll then return to Centennial Park to awaiting spectators.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
Build Your Own Boat Race - July 18 Closed
Experience level: Beginner Build it, bring it, float it, and flaunt it! The boat with the most applause and style wins the golden coin. This event is FREE but requires a refundable deposit to hold your spot. (Refund will be processed upon completion of the event.)
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FreeApr 2 - Jul 1
Duckie Dash - July 18 Closed
Experience level: Beginner-Advanced 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.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
Royal Gorge Race - R6 Team Captain - July 17 Closed
This race is for people experienced in the Gorge. Start at Pura Vida beach and end at the lower feature in Canon City. This race is a mass start and is over 12 miles of hard paddling.
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$55.49Apr 2 - Jul 1
Royal Gorge Race - Kayaks - July 17 Closed
This race is for boaters experienced in the Gorge. Start at Pura Vida beach and end at the lower feature in Canon City. This race is a mass start and is over 12 miles of hard paddling.
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$39.44Apr 2 - Jul 1
Raft Rodeo - Team Captain - July 18 Closed
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. Lower feature.
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$66.18Apr 2 - Jul 1
Kayak Head 2 Head race - July 18 Closed
Kayaks will start at the same time, each kayak must navigate around a buoy on each side of the river. Enough sign ups will turn this into a tournament with multiple heats.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
SUP Head 2 Head race - July 18 Closed
This is a mass start event. Competitors will navigate around two buoys, one on each side of the river. If enough sign up, this will become a tournament.
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
SUP parade - July 17 Closed
This is a SUP show of force. If you SUP come show the town. Interesting outfits encouraged.
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FreeApr 2 - Jul 1
Surfing competition - July 17 Closed
Can you surf the features in the park? Boogie Boards, Surf Boards. This is not the raft surfing competition. NOW ON FRIDAY NIGHT
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FreeApr 2 - Jul 1
RMR Storm Head 2 Head - R2 - July 18 Closed
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
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$23.39Apr 2 - Jul 1
All Hands On Deck! - July 17 Closed
Anything in town that floats, get on the water! Bring your SUP, your tube, your floatie, your canoe, your barrel, your wal-mart raft, BRING ANYTHING! This is a show of force. Get on the river and show the town how many people float.
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FreeApr 2 - Jul 1
Royal Gorge Race - R6 Team Member - July 17 Closed
This race is for people experienced in the Gorge. Start at Pura Vida beach and end at the lower feature in Canon City. This race is a mass start and is over 12 miles of hard paddling.
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FreeApr 2 - Jul 1
The Canon City Cardboard Cup - presented by Mead Lumber - July 17 Closed
Build a cardboard boat using provided materials and race it on the Arkansas River! Each team will receive an identical kit of materials (provided by Mead Lumber Center). Time limit: 2 hours to construct your vessel. Only materials provided can be used. No outside adhesives, tools, or components allowed. Design must accommodate at least two team members on board for the race. Race Phase All boats will begin from the Ice House Wave in a mass start. Course ends at the WKRP Wave (marked with a finish banner). First boat with at least two team members still onboard to cross the finish line wins. If your boat sinks, you may still push/swim it across as long as two riders remain touching the vessel.
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$87.58Apr 2 - Jul 1
Weenie Dog Race Closed
Get ready for pure joy on tiny paws! Our Weenie Dog Race features adorable dachshunds dashing down the track in a hilarious, high-speed scramble. With floppy ears flying and tails wagging, these pint-sized pups race for glory, treats, and bragging rights. It’s cuteness, chaos, and competition all in one!
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$12.69Apr 2 - Jul 1
Contact information
- Event contact
- Royal Gorge RIO
