This Class IV-V ride is not for the faint of heart, as the Arkansas River turns into a bit of a beast when it hits the Royal Gorge Canyon ... there are no services or rafting outfitters running ...

about 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. Full-day and overnight rafting trips in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, as well as trips in Royal Gorge are available. Mountain biking tours are also an option.

Colorado Springs has plenty of nearby outdoor attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but if you're looking for something further afield, you can't go wrong with Royal Gorge.