The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most iconic motorsport events in the world. Each summer, drivers and spectators from across the globe gather in Colorado Springs to watch machines and athletes push themselves to the edge on America’s Mountain.
For many visitors, the Hill Climb is the centerpiece of a larger Colorado trip — and once the engines cool and the crowds disperse, a common question follows:
What else should we do while we’re here?
Just over an hour from Colorado Springs lies one of Colorado’s most unforgettable outdoor experiences: whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River with Raft Masters.
Why Hill Climb Visitors Are Adding Rafting to Their Trip
Travelers coming for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb are already primed for excitement, scenery, and uniquely Colorado experiences. Rafting offers a perfect complement to race weekend — trading asphalt and horsepower for canyon walls, rushing water, and open skies.
Raft Masters operates in Cañon City, located:
- About 1 hour from Colorado Springs
- Roughly 2 hours from Denver
- Easily accessible by paved highways
This makes rafting one of the closest and most accessible adventure activities for visitors staying in or around Colorado Springs during Hill Climb week.
From Pikes Peak to the Arkansas River: A Natural Extension of Your Trip
Pikes Peak draws visitors to the Front Range, but many never realize how close they are to one of the state’s most famous rivers.
The Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge region offers:
- Consistent summer water levels
- Scenic canyon stretches perfect for first-time rafters
- Exciting whitewater sections for thrill-seekers
- Cooler temperatures — ideal during peak summer travel
For Hill Climb visitors, rafting provides a way to experience the landscape beyond the race course, without adding complex travel logistics.
Raft Masters: An Iconic Colorado Experience, Minutes Away
Raft Masters has been guiding guests on the Arkansas River for decades, offering trips designed to fit seamlessly into travel schedules.
What Makes Raft Masters Ideal for Hill Climb Travelers
- Easy half-day options that don’t dominate your itinerary
- Trips suitable for first-timers, families, and adventure seekers
- Knowledgeable local guides who bring the river and canyon to life
- Convenient proximity to Colorado Springs
Many visitors are surprised to learn they can watch the Hill Climb one day and be rafting through canyon walls the next — without changing hotels or drastically extending their trip.
A Different Kind of Adrenaline
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb delivers speed, precision, and spectacle. Rafting offers something equally memorable, but entirely different.
On the river, you’ll experience:
- The sound of rushing water instead of engines
- Wildlife, geology, and towering canyon walls
- Moments of excitement balanced with calm scenic floats
For many guests, rafting becomes the unexpected highlight of their Hill Climb trip — a chance to slow down, unplug, and engage with Colorado’s natural side.