Durango Rafting - Whitewater Rafting In Durango, CO
1/2 Day Durango Rafting Trip
Lower Animas River
About This Trip
Bound Down the Animas River for 2 hours
Hop on a half day trip and enjoy Durango like a local! This stretch takes you through a variety of rapids before floating through the scenery south of town. Along the way you’ll learn the history of the region and stories of local traditions!
Later in the season, water levels do get lower and all rapids are usually downgraded a full Class. This causes the river to become more technical as you bounce and spin-off of rocks that are usually submerged in the river.
A Durango rafting half trip offers a great mild trip option for ages 4+, but if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, try your hand at Inflatable Kayaks!
Durango Rafting Half Day trips start at $79.00.
Season
April – September
Meet Time
8:30, 1:30 – All Season
9:30 – June – August
Return
About 3 hrs 45 minutes later
Boat Options
Standard Rafts
Premium Rafts
Inflatable Kayaks
Itinerary
8:30 AM or 1:30 PM
Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and wetsuit boot rentals are highly recommended through June.
Shuttle to the river for your safety orientation and rafting instructions.
Hit the river!
Tackle "Train Bridge Rapid," "Baby Smelter" and the exciting Class III "Smelter Rapid".
Take a short break at Santa Rita Park.
Back on the river tackle "Santa Rita," "Sawmill" and "Pinball" (depending on flows).
12:15 PM or 5:15 PM
Take out and shuttle back to our office. You will arrive back to the office approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes after your meet time.
Important Considerations
· At high water levels (usually early June) our age limits may increase.
· For safety, 4 and 5-year-olds will be escorted around the Smelter Rapid if your trip goes through the whitewater park.
· Rafting/kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+.
· When water levels rise, we take extra safety precautions which may include walking around one of the rapids where the river narrows or using other river sections.
· Low water season usually starts in late July and rapid classes drop a ½ to a full notch. Our trips become more technical as we navigate through the rocks in the river.
· Wetsuits are often required from May through June, and wetsuit boots are recommended all season. Rentals are available!
· Durango tends to get afternoon rain showers, so sometimes you get more water than you pay for!
· If you’re traveling with a dog, you cannot leave them in your car in the parking lot. Please make arrangements for them beforehand.
· All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions.
What to Wear & Bring
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
- Rain jacket
- Water shoes or secure sandals with heel straps (no flip flops or crocs!)
- Hat (that fits under your helmet)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottle
- Camera with waterproof case
- Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)
Trips from May through June
- Wetsuits (available for rent)
- Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
- Fleece jacket and fleece socks (provides added warmth if you tend to get cold)
Trip Highlights
- See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
- Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
- Learn the wild history of the town and Southwest Colorado
- Hang out with fun, entertaining river guides
- Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
- Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
- A hands on experience in helping the guides paddle and navigate down the river
- A great trip that pairs perfect with our other Durango tours.
