rafting guide - Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Transcription
rafting guide - Echo Canyon River Expeditions
COLORADO RAFTING GUIDE SCAN AND FIND CURRENT DEALS AND EVENTS! RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents Family Float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bighorn Sheep Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 8 Mile Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Royal Gorge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Raft & ATV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Raft & Zip Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Echo Canyon Campground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Raft-n-Rail® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Browns Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Multi Day Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Clear Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Group Rafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Echo Canyon Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Trip Planning & Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Map & Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 “This was a great first time white water rafting experience for the entire family. Our guides were awesome and made certain that everyone was safe and having a great time. We would definitely raft with Echo Canyon again!” – The Emling Family Broadview Heights, Ohio 2 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 WELCOME TO ECHO Welcome to Echo Canyon! Our passion and experience for Colorado’s rivers and the outdoors ensures your family and friends a world class experience. The staff of Echo Canyon is devoted to making your visit with us the highlight of your summer vacation. You deserve only the best and our focus is on you. Meet the staff of Echo who are excited to host your Colorado activities! RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 3 FAMILY FLOAT Family Float Enjoy a gentle five mile Family Float trip on the Arkansas River as we navigate class II and III whitewater below towering red rock cliffs in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Perfect for families with young children or those looking for just a taste of whitewater rafting. A light snack is served during your trip. Float Trip Half Day Adult$62 Child $52 (12 & under) Departs daily at 1:30 PM Make your day easy! Arrive early and eat at our 8 Mile Bar & Grill. Matt has been guiding with Echo for more than 13 years. He’s a local of Cañon City, Colorado, where he teaches high school history and coaches football. Matt is an accomplished angler, a talented guide, and has a sense of humor that has return guests request him year after year. 4 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 Bighorn Half Day Adult$57 Child $49 (12 & under) Departs daily at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM BIGHORN SHEEP CANYON Bighorn Sheep Canyon Bighorn Sheep Canyon offers just the right blend of mild to moderate excitement with miles of scenic beauty. As the name implies, Bighorn Sheep populate this area extensively and are often spotted grazing the banks of the river and climbing the rugged slopes. Bighorn Full Day Adult$95 Child $90 (12 & under) Departs daily at 9:30 AM Full Day trip includes riverside steak lunch! Upgrade Options! n Zip Line Tour with Adventures Out West 2 Hour Tour $85/person n Pre-purchase Rafting Photos Save $10 $50 all digital images nCamping Starts at $25/night See page 19 for more details. Lauran is a 6th year guide at Echo. She’s a very talented Guide and Trip Leader by summer, and she manages a child daycare program by winter. You’ll see in an instant she has a knack for connecting with families and kids. RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 5 8 MILE BAR & GRILL Make your day easy! n Restaurant and Bar located on-site at Echo Canyon n Join us before or after your trip n Kid-friendly menu n Catered meals available n Private patio for group functions n Sand volleyball court and other games available Chef Angela Dils graduated at the top of her class from the renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco. Her passion is creating delicious, mouthwatering food for her guests to enjoy. Some of her favorites at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill are the Black and Bleu burger, Chicken Salad Wrap, Cheddar Jack Mac (with bacon!) and Harvest Salad. 6 RaftEcho.com RaftEcho.com || 800-497-0644 800-497-0644 ROYAL GORGE Royal Gorge Simply put, the Royal Gorge offers the best continuous whitewater in Colorado. While navigating such rapids as Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer and Boat Eater, you will pass beneath the world’s highest suspension bridge standing almost 1,000 feet above the river. Minimum age depends on water levels; call our office for details. Royal Gorge Half Day Adult$76 Departs daily at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM Royal Gorge Full Day Adult$125 Departs daily at 10:00 AM Full Day trip includes riverside steak lunch! Derek is a 6th year guide at Echo Canyon who lives in Denver, Colorado. He spends much of the year as an EMT on an ambulance crew, but he loves escaping the big city to share rafting trips with Echo rafters. He’s also big into skiing, hiking and rock climbing when he’s not rafting. RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 7 Raft & ATV PREMIER PACKAGE RAFT & ATV Join Echo Canyon for a half-day raft trip and a two hour back-country ATV ride with Play Dirty ATV Tours. You choose your speed of rafting; either family-class Bighorn Sheep Canyon or heart pounding Royal Gorge. This package books fast! Call us for availability and to reserve. Raft & ATV – Bighorn Sheep Canyon Adult$157 Child $89 (12 & under) Departs daily at 9:30 AM Make your day easy! Between your adventures eat at our 8 Mile Bar & Grill. Raft & ATV – Royal Gorge Adult$176 Departs daily at 9:00 AM JUST INTERESTED IN AN ATV TOUR? We book tours departing from Play Dirty ATV office located in Texas Creek, CO (just 25 minutes from Echo Canyon). 2 Hour ATV Tours $100Adult/Driver $40 Child/Passenger Call for daily departure times 8 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 Consider pre-purchasing your rafting photos to save money! Ask us when you make your reservation. RAFT & ZIP LINE Raft & Zip Line Echo Canyon and Adventures Out West have teamed up to offer a high adventure day of fun for both families and adventure-seekers. Package includes a half day raft trip at Echo Canyon and a two hour zip line tour departing from Manitou Springs, just outside of Colorado Springs. Minimum age 6. Raft & Zipline – Bighorn Sheep Canyon Adult$142 Child $134 (12 & under) Raft & Zipline – Royal Gorge Adult$161 Call for departure times and locations Upgrade Options! n Bike Pikes Peak with Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours $115/person n ATV Tour with Play Dirty ATV Tours $100/Adult Driver $40/Child Passenger n Camp with Echo Starts at $25/night See page 19 for more details. JUST INTERESTED IN A ZIP LINE TOUR? We book Adventures Out West zip line tours which depart from Manitou Springs, just outside of Colorado Springs. Two hour tour includes five cables and 4x4 ride from parking area to start of tour. $85/person (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Trips fill fast! Call for available departures. RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 9 ECHO CANYON CAMPGROUND 10 Echo Canyon Campground n Rustic cabins and a 3 bed/2 bath house for nightly rental n Pull through RV sites n Tent sites n Group sites available n Located across from Echo Canyon rafting location n 8 Mile Bar & Grill located on-site RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 Raft-n-Rail ® PREMIER PACKAGE RAFT-N-RAIL® Our Raft-n-Rail® package includes a 24 mile train ride aboard the Historic Royal Gorge Route through the scenic Royal Gorge, followed by a half day raft trip on Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Royal Gorge or our Family Float trip. You’ll have time between activities to grab a bite to eat at our 8 Mile Bar & Grill. Package offered through the partnership of Echo Canyon and Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Coach Class seating offers reserved seating in the temperature controlled passenger cars as well as access to an open-top observation car. Royal Gorge Route Railroad, by Ron Ruhoff Vista Dome seating provides unobstructed views from the upper level of a classic 1950’s glass-topped dome car. Vista Dome passengers have access to an open-top observation car. All Raft-n-Rail® trips depart daily at 8:45 AM COACH CLASS Bighorn Adult $102 Child $84 (12 & under) Family Float Adult $107 Child $87 (12 & under) VISTA DOME Bighorn Adult $127 Child $109 (12 & under) Family Float Adult $132 Child $112 (12 & under) Call about our Royal Gorge Raft-n-Rail® options RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 11 YOUR BEST OUR DEDICATED STAFF W AN INCREDIBLE RAF “Our raft guide was EXCELL sweet and very kind. Becaus back. I really can’t expres he was, with both us as ranging in age – Suzanne S. WE BELIEVE EVERY GUEST DESERVES A QUALITY EXPERIENCE, AND EVERY TRIP WE PROVIDE IS AN EXCELLENT VALUE. “I think you all do an amazing job!!! I am very thankful to Echo Canyon for helping me to treat my children to this wonderful, once in a lifetime experience!!!” – Deneen A. | Rochester, NY 12 Guide Alfredo 3rd year guide. T TRIP EVER! WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH FTING EXPERIENCE. LENT!! So kid friendly, helpful, se of him we will be coming ss to you how wonderful adults and our children e from 3 to 12.” | Wichita, KS WE OFFER OUR GUESTS TRULY WORLD CLASS AMENITIES AND SERVICE. Guide Robyn 8th year guide. “I had a great day with Echo Canyon. The guides were fun, the food was great, well organized, and just a fantastic facility” – Aleisha B. | Overland Park, KS 13 The Numbers THE NUMBERS The Numbers section of the Arkansas River provides you adventure-class whitewater and classic Colorado highmountain scenery! Trip checks in at the Buffalo Joe’s office in Buena Vista. Minimum age depends on water levels. The Numbers Half Day Adult$69 Departs daily at 10:00 AM The Numbers Full Day Adult$109 Departs daily at 10:00 AM Full Day trip includes riverside steak lunch Thor is a local of Cañon City, Colorado, and has been a CDL shuttle driver with Echo Canyon for 22 years! Thor has the best handlebar mustache in town and he enjoys dabbling in photography. He can also back a boat trailer down the tightest of boat ramps and he always looks forward to the start of rafting season. Join us Over the River® for the trip of a lifetime at www.overtheriver.com 14 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 BROWNS CANYON Browns Canyon This Arkansas River family-class whitewater trip is one of the most popular and exciting in Colorado! Enjoy spectacular vistas of the 14,000 foot mountain peaks as experienced guides take you through the narrow reaches of this secluded granite-walled canyon. Half day trips include seven major rapids appropriate for kids and first time rafters, while the full day option includes additional miles of rapids and classic-Colorado scenery. Browns Canyon Half Day Adult $64 Child $49 (12 & under) Departs daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Browns Canyon Full Day Adult$98 Child $74 (12 & under) Departs daily at 10:00 AM Full Day trip includes riverside steak lunch Bill has returned for his second summer in our call center and selling rafting photos after trips. He lives in Cañon City, Colorado, where he teaches 3rd grade. Bill loves spending time with his family, biking and helping Echo guests have a great rafting experience. RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 15 MULTI DAY TRIPS Multi Day Trips Pictured: Slick Rock Canyon, Dolores River. Ask us about this multi-day trip of a lifetime. MULTI DAY TRIPS For the complete river experience, escape with us for a two to four day adventure on the Arkansas River! You choose the level of rapids; from familyclass to adventure-class, and a trip itinerary will be developed for your family or group. Multi-day trips offer some of the most beautiful scenery, exciting rapids and relaxing camping in all of Colorado. Hearty and delicious meals are freshly prepared by your guide as you settle into camp. All multi-days include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp pillows, full wetsuit package rental, and transportation once you arrive at our Echo Canyon office. 2 Day Arkansas River Adult $395 Child $315 (12 & under) 3 Day Arkansas River Adult $545 Child $475 (12 & under) 4 Day Arkansas River Adult $695 OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Perfect for our guests on a tight vacation schedule! Your 24 hour trip includes an afternoon half day raft trip, a freshly prepared evening meal, camping at our private riverside landing, a hot breakfast and another half day raft trip. You choose from adventure-class or family-class whitewater for your half day trips. All camping gear and wetsuit rental gear is included in the trip price. Overnight Experience Adult$310 Child $260 (12 & under) 16 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 Clear Creek CLEAR CREEK Just 45 minutes from Denver! From the Arkansas Valley Adventures outpost in Idaho Springs, Colorado, you can enjoy either a quick-paced introductory trip or a more challenging run for the adventurer in you. Trip prices include wetsuit and splash jackets. Beginner 1/3 Day This section is a great introduction to whitewater with eleven class II and III rapids packed in a six mile run. Ideal for families and first time floaters. Recommended minimum age 6, minimum weight 50 pounds. Adult$54 Child $49 (12 & under) Call for available AM and PM departure times Intermediate Half Day Step up the adventure level! With this run there’s just enough time to warm up before you drop into the first class IV rapid. Good physical condition and the ability to swim is advised. Recommended minimum age 15. Adult$64 Call for available AM and PM departure times Add some zip to your trip! Half Day Zip Line course includes 6 cables and departs from the Idaho Springs office. Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 pounds. nAdult $89 nChild $79 (12 & under) RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 17 Group Rafting GROUP RAFTING With world class amenities, exceptional staff training and a true passion for what we do, your rafting experience with Echo Canyon will be the highlight of your group’s Colorado trip. But don’t take our word for it, here’s what our past group leaders say: “I have been accompanying our church Ask about our Battle of the Bighorn team building event! high school choir on summer mission trips for the past 20+ years. Over that time we have dealt with countless companies that provide our group a service like yours. However, Echo Canyon is one of the most memorable companies I have had the pleasure of working with. I was extremely impressed with the efficiency of your operation, with the experience and dedication of your staff, but most of all, with your passion for customer service. ” – Mark B. | Austin, TX “As a leader of a Boy Scout Troop, Echo Canyon made us feel very welcomed and met all of our needs. The staff was very helpful and friendly and would recommend anybody to white water raft using Echo Canyon. ” – Scott B. | Melissa, TX Echo Canyon has the experience and expertise to offer your group a world class day of whitewater rafting. Call us today for a rafting quote or to inquire about our catered meals or group camping options. Paige is a 2nd year guide here at Echo Canyon. She grew up in Gadsden, Alabama, and began guiding because she loves being outdoors and wanted to share the experience with others. Paige spent last winter on the slopes of Winter Park, and enjoys hiking in her spare time. Join us Over the River® for the trip of a lifetime at www.overtheriver.com 18 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 UPGRADES Echo Canyon Upgrades CAMPGROUND Stay with us before or after your trip! n Tent sites - $25/night n Rustic Cabin – starts at $51/night n RV sites – start at $32/night JOIN US AT OUR 8 MILE BAR & GRILL Before or after your trip! Serving Lunch and Dinner. ZIP LINE TOUR NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS Adventures Out West’s five cable zip line tour. Located near Colorado Springs, CO. $85/person ZIP LINE TOUR NEAR DENVER Arkansas Valley Adventures half day six cable zip line tour. Located in Idaho Springs, CO, just 45 minutes from Denver. $89/Adult $79/Child (12 & under) YOUR RAFTING PHOTOS! Pre-purchase and save $10. All images burned to disc. $50 EXCLUSIVE TRIPS Make any Echo raft trip exclusive to your party. Call or visit raftecho.com/vip-trip ATV TOUR – TWO HOURS Take to the trails with Play Dirty ATV Tours. Located in Texas Creek, CO $100/Driver $40/Passenger MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES Ride down Pikes Peak! Includes lunch at award-winning local restaurant. Located in Old Colorado City, CO. $115/Rider RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 19 TRIP PLANNING Trip Planning & Information Before You Reserve Our reservation staff is here to make your trip planning easy. We encourage you to ask questions at the time of making your reservation to confirm you are selecting a trip that is appropriate for all members of your reservation. We have several trips appropriate for young children and special needs guests. Please inform us at the time of making the reservation if anyone in your group has medical conditions or special needs; we MUST be made aware of these conditions so we can be prepared to offer you a great trip when you arrive. Cancellation Policy Be advised that a reservation made through the Colorado Rafting Guide is a guarantee and you are obligated to check in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled trip departure unless otherwise noted. Refunds (less $15 per person per day) will be made on any reservation if cancelled 14 days before departure date (groups and multi-days require 30 days). Reservations cancelled less than 14 days before departure (30 days for groups/multi-days) are not subject to a refund. All trips depart as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. You are responsible for arriving on time at the correct departure location provided in your email confirmation, and we encourage you to take into consideration such factors as weather, traffic, driving conditions, mountain roads, construction, etc. River Use Fees Be advised that land, water and access or user fees vary from river to river averaging 9.4%. An additional gas surcharge may be applied to your reservation at the time of booking. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A Forest Service and/or Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Companies utilized are not limited to Echo Canyon River Expeditions, Four Corners Rafting, Buffalo Joes, Arkansas Valley Adventures, Adventures Out West, Play Dirty ATV Tours, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge Route and Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours. 20 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 • Quick drying shorts or bathing suits are an ideal base layer. • A short sleeve or long sleeve synthetic shirt is a good idea for both sun protection and as an insulating layer. Under Armour is a common brand, but any quick drying fabric is good. • Avoid cotton clothing since it keeps you wet and cold. • Secure footwear is required. Consider sports sandals or sneakers. • Flip flops or Crocs are not allowed. • Most outfitters have a complete on-water apparel package available for rent on the day of your trip. This usually consists of a wetsuit, splash jacket and river shoes. • Sun protection! Waterproof sunscreen is always a good idea, as are sunglasses. • Don’t forget a bottle of water to prevent dehydration. • Medications. If you are allergic to bees bring your epinephrine pen. Asthmatics should bring their inhaler on the trip. Guides carry a small dry bag for medications if necessary. TRIP PLANNING What to Wear and Bring Although we have plenty of sunshine in Colorado, the air temperature can be cool and the water temperature cooler. Here’s a list of clothing and other items we recommend you consider bringing for your rafting trip: Don’t Forget Here are a few other things to consider: • If you are bringing minors who are travelling without a parent or legal guardian, be sure to have the appropriate release form signed in advance and bring the completed form with you for check-in. Be aware that each activity (rafting, zipline tour, etc.) may require a different release form. • Bring your appetite! Our Echo Canyon office has a restaurant and bar so you can enjoy a meal before or after your raft trip. • Make it a camping trip! Across from the Echo Canyon rafting office is our full service campground and RV park. • Our phone sales staff are all locals, so they are a great source for information about other great attractions in the area. RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 21 MAP NOT TO SCALE There is no substitute for an Official State of Colorado road map. MAP Granby Boulder Denver Idaho Springs Vail 225 Clear Creek 6 470 285 Breckenridge 91 70 70 70 24 76 25 36 9 Leadville Bailey 285 Castle Rock Fairplay 9 24 25 Hartsel 24 Buena Vista 285/24 Buffalo Joe’s Woodland Park Manitou Springs 9 24 Colorado Springs 285 50 Salida 50 115 Texas Creek Penrose Canon City Echo Canyon 69 22 25 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 50 Pueblo 25 Byers Echo Canyon Directions SCAN FOR DIRECTIONS. The following trips start from this location. Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Royal Gorge, Family Float, Raft-n-Bridge™, Paddle-n-Saddle™, Raft & ATV™ and Raft-n-Rail®. 45000 West U.S. Highway 50, Cañon City, CO, 81212 DIRECTIONS s Driving Directions From Denver & Colorado Springs Travel south on I-25 through Colorado Springs to exit 140. After exiting 1-25 proceed to the second stoplight and turn right onto Nevada Avenue which turns into Colorado Hwy. 115. Proceed south approximately 30 miles through Penrose, past the world’s largest rocking chair, to U.S. Hwy. 50. Turn right (west) onto Hwy. 50 and continue through Cañon City. Continue 8 miles west of Cañon City and you will find Echo Canyon River Expeditions located between mile markers 270 and 271 on the north side of Hwy. 50. Plan on arriving 45 minutes prior to your trip departure time. Buffalo Joe’s Directions SCAN FOR DIRECTIONS. All Browns Canyon and Numbers trips depart from this location. 113 North Railroad Street, Buena Vista, CO, 81211 From Colorado Springs Take Hwy. 24 west out of Colorado Springs. You will go approximately 90 miles towards Buena Vista to the Hwy. 24/285 junction (just past Johnson Village). See From Hwy. 24/285 Junction below. From Denver, take I-70 west to C470 to Hwy. 285 south. Travel 120 miles south towards Buena Vista to the Hwy. 24/285 junction (just past Johnson Village). See From Hwy. 24/285 Junction below. From Hwy. 24/285 Junction Turn right toward Buena Vista on Hwy. 24. Travel 3 miles to Buena Vista and turn right on West main Street (the only stoplight in town), then take the first left after going over the railroad tracks and you will see our Four Corners/Buffalo Joe’s building. Clear Creek Directions SCAN FOR DIRECTIONS. All Clear Creek trips depart from this location. 431 Hwy. 103 (Chicago Creek Road), Idaho Springs, CO, 80452 From Denver Travel west on I-70. Take Idaho Springs exit 240, turn left onto Hwy. 103 (Chicago Creek Road), heading west. You will pass over the Interstate and travel 1/3 mile west. The Arkansas Valley Adventures outpost is on the left side of the road. Adventures Out West | 1335 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80929 From I-25 take exit 141, travel west on Hwy 24 (Cimarron Street) for 5.4 miles. Turn left on Serpentine Drive. At intersection with Manitou Ave drive across Manitou Ave into AOW parking area. Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours 306 S. 25th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 From I-25 take exit 141 (Hwy. 24). Turn right on 26th St., turn right on Vermijo Ave., turn right on 25th St. Shop is located on the right. Play Dirty ATV Tours Texas Creek, CO | Located 18 miles west of Echo Canyon River Expeditions, at the junction of Hwy. 50 and State Hwy. 69 RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644 23 Guide o Rafting0 WEST d a r lo o C S HWY 5 45000 U y, CO 81212 it Cañon C YOUR COLORADO VACATION STARTS HERE! “Thanks for the great time!! When we are back in Colorado, a raft trip with you will be a must on our list of things to do.” –David R. Stewartstown, Pennsylvania RaftEcho.com | 800-497-0644