PRESS & MEDIA
From a semi-truck accident to Canon City's coolest rooftop bar
Our Origin Story
How a Semi-Truck Built a Rooftop Bar
In January 2021, a semi-truck crashed into the Royal Gorge Rafting and Zipline Tours office in Canon City, Colorado. Rather than simply rebuild what was lost, the team saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
Construction began in September 2022 on a brand new 4,000 square-foot building at 302 Royal Gorge Blvd. The two-story venue features a full indoor bar on the ground level, a wooden pergola, and Canon City's first open-air rooftop patio - 2,000 square feet of panoramic views overlooking the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the Arkansas River, and Centennial Park.
Whitewater Rooftop Social opened in 2024, becoming the newest venture of the Epic Adventures family (Royal Gorge Rafting, EDGE Ziplines, and more). The building also serves as Royal Gorge Rafting's winter headquarters - tying the new venue back to the very business whose office was destroyed by the truck.
January 2021
The Accident
A semi-truck crashes into the Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours office at the intersection of Fourth Street and U.S. Highway 50 in Canon City. The building is damaged beyond repair.
September 2022
Construction Begins
Rather than simply rebuild the office, the team envisions something extraordinary. Construction begins on a brand new 4,000 square-foot, two-story building at 302 Royal Gorge Blvd.
July 2023
LLC Formed
Whitewater Rooftop Social LLC is officially registered in the state of Colorado, marking a new chapter for the Epic Adventures family of businesses.
February 2024
Press Coverage
The Canon City Daily Record publishes a feature story on the upcoming opening, sharing the vision: breadboards, craft cocktails, and Canon City's first rooftop patio.
April 2024
Grand Opening
Doors open to the public with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on April 13th. Canon City's premier rooftop destination is born - featuring a 2,000 sq ft open-air rooftop patio with panoramic mountain views.
Today
Community Hub
From hosting community fundraisers to weekly live music, Rooftop Social has become Canon City's go-to gathering place - open seasonally February 26 through January 3.
Featured Coverage
In the News
Press articles and media coverage about Whitewater Rooftop Social
In Colorado's Royal Gorge, One Outfitter Is Bringing a More Connected Approach to Adventure Travel
National feature on the Royal Gorge Epic Adventures group and how it brings rafting, ziplines, lodging, food, drinks, and helicopter tours into one local operation near the Arkansas River. Whitewater Rooftop Social is named as part of the group.
Read Full ArticleNew Canon City hotspot, Whitewater Rooftop Social, set to open this spring
Covers the full origin story - the January 2021 semi-truck crash, the decision to demolish and rebuild, and the vision for Canon City's newest rooftop venue with a two-story layout, wooden pergola, and 1,500 sq ft rooftop patio overlooking the Arkansas River.
Read Full ArticleWhat People Say
Reviews & Listings
Featured on major travel and review platforms
TripAdvisor
4.5/5"Best restaurant in Canon City! Amazing service and all the food was 5 stars." - Rated among top restaurants in Canon City.
ViewGoogle Reviews
250+ reviews"Awesome spot alongside the train tracks, with a great rooftop patio!" - 250+ reviews from locals and visitors.
ViewWanderlog
4.4/5"A perfect spot for good food, drinks, and amazing rooftop views." - Featured as a must-visit Colorado destination.
ViewRoyal Gorge Chamber Alliance
Member"New. Modern. Fresh. The Coolest Rooftop Patio in SOCO." - Official Canon City chamber member.
ViewQuick Reference
Key Facts
Established
2024
Location
Canon City, CO
Venue Size
4,000 sq ft
Rooftop Patio
2,000 sq ft
Owned By
Epic Adventures
Google Reviews
250+
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please reach out to our team. We're happy to provide additional information, photos, and arrange tours of the venue.