Est. 2005 · Canon City, Colorado
Our Story
From two river guides with a dream to Canon City's most iconic gathering place. Two decades of good food, cold drinks, and unforgettable adventures.
Established
Google Rating
Google Reviews
On Hwy 50
How It Started
Two River Guides, One Dream
In 2004, Ty Seufer and James "Jimmy" Whiteside, two Canon City natives who'd spent their lives guiding rafts on the Arkansas River, decided to build something of their own. They founded Royal Gorge Rafting at the base of Eight Mile Hill on Highway 50, the gateway to the Royal Gorge.
A year later, Ty and Anna Seufer opened Whitewater Bar & Grill right next door. The idea was simple: after a day of adrenaline on the river, people need somewhere to land. Somewhere with cold drinks, great BBQ, and a patio where the stories from the day can be told and retold.
What started as a roadside stop for hungry rafters quickly became something much bigger. Both Canon City natives, the Seufers poured everything into building not just a restaurant, but a destination. The brisket recipe was perfected. The margaritas became legendary. The patio grew.
100% Colorado Raised Beef
Every one of our half-pound burgers is made with all-natural, 100% Colorado-raised beef. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just honest, quality meat the way it should be.
Our original brisket recipe and famous fresh-cut curly fries haven't changed since 2005.
1/2 LB Burgers
All-natural beef
Smoked Brisket
Original recipe
Colorado Raised
Family ranched
Since 2005
Same recipes
The Next Generation
A New Chapter, Same Spirit
In 2025, Tanner Seufer and Trace Hildebrand officially took ownership of Whitewater Bar & Grill. But this wasn't a corporate acquisition. This was a homecoming.
Between them, Tanner and Trace have spent over 30 years working at WWBG, starting as teenagers and growing up alongside the business. Tanner is a Legend High School graduate from Parker, CO and Trace grew up in Canon City. Both went on to earn business degrees from Colorado State University (Tanner in 2018, Trace in 2020).
They also founded Whitewater Rooftop Social, a craft cocktail lounge in downtown Canon City. Proof that the next generation has its own vision while honoring the roots that made WWBG what it is.
"We grew up here. This place is part of who we are. We're not changing what makes WWBG special. We're just making sure it keeps going."
30+
Combined years at WWBG
2
CSU Business graduates
2
Restaurants owned
1
Mission: Keep the tradition
Whitewater Rooftop Social
Our sister restaurant in downtown Canon City
Our Journey
20+ Years of Adventure
The Adventure Begins
Ty Seufer and James "Jimmy" Whiteside, two river guides with over a decade of experience on the Arkansas River, founded Royal Gorge Rafting. What started as a passion for the river quickly became something bigger.
A Legend is Born
Ty and Anna Seufer open Whitewater Bar & Grill on Highway 50 at the base of Eight Mile Hill, right next door to Royal Gorge Rafting. What started as a spot for hungry rafters to grab a cold one and a brisket sandwich quickly became Canon City's favorite gathering place.
Trial by Fire
The devastating Royal Gorge Fire forces evacuation of Eight Mile Hill businesses. The community rallies together, and WWBG reopens stronger than ever. A testament to the resilience of Canon City.
The Gorge Reopens
Royal Gorge reopens for commercial rafting on July 1st, bringing a wave of visitors back to the Arkansas River corridor. The Seufer family launches a zipline business in Castle Rock, expanding the adventure empire.
The Patio Grows
A brand new back patio and beer garden transform the outdoor experience. Sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and fire pits turn WWBG into the ultimate outdoor hangout in the Royal Gorge region.
Community First
When the world slowed down, WWBG doubled down on community. The team offered a free rafting day for all Fremont County residents, because that's what neighbors do. We came back stronger than ever.
Rooftop Social Opens
After a semi-truck destroyed the Royal Gorge Rafting office in 2021, the team built something new from the wreckage: Whitewater Rooftop Social, a 4,000 sq ft craft cocktail lounge with a stunning rooftop patio in downtown Canon City.
A New Chapter
Tanner Seufer and Trace Hildebrand, who between them have spent 30+ years working at WWBG, officially take ownership. The next generation carries the torch, keeping the tradition alive while writing the next chapter.
What Makes Us Special
More Than Just a Bar & Grill
Colorado Raised Beef
All our 1/2 lb burgers use 100% all-natural, Colorado-raised beef. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Original BBQ Recipes
Our brisket and margarita recipes haven't changed since day one. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Outdoor Patio
Expansive patio with fire pits, cabanas, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Pet Friendly
Dogs welcome on the patio. We even have a dog menu for your four-legged friends.
Live Music
Local and touring artists hit our stage every Friday and Saturday night all season long.
Activities for Everyone
Sand volleyball, cornhole, axe throwing, horseshoes, playground. Something for the whole crew.
Skip the Wait. Order Ahead.
Epic Adventures Family
Gateway to the Royal Gorge
Whitewater Bar & Grill is part of the Royal Gorge Epic Adventures family, your home base for world-class whitewater rafting, zipline tours, helicopter flights, and outdoor adventures in the Royal Gorge region.
Royal Gorge Rafting took nearly 18,000 people on excursions in 2024. After a day of adrenaline on the Arkansas River, there's no better place to refuel than WWBG.
In the News
Voted Best Bar & Grill in Canon City
From the Canon City Daily Record to TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice award, WWBG has been recognized as a cornerstone of the Royal Gorge community.
Live Music
Fri · 7 PM
Karaoke Night
Mon · 7 PM
Get Event Reminders
Never Miss an Event
Download the WWBG app for live event updates, push notifications for upcoming shows, and exclusive access to our full menu.
Download on the
App Store
Dine at Base Camp.
45045 W US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212 - your post-adventure dining destination near the Royal Gorge.
