Pagosa Springs Whitewater Rafting Highlights
We are currently not rafting the Lower Piedra this season. Check out our whitewater trips through the Needleton Section of the Upper Animas here to run Southwest Colorado’s biggest rapids!
Paddle through 1,000 foot deep canyons, alpine forests, and heart-pounding whitewater while you experience this exquisite Rocky Mountain jewel! Dropping down some of the biggest drops we run on any river, Piedra River rafting provides a true adrenaline rush. “The River of Stone Wall” (Piedra means rock) lives up to its name with towering granite walls, and a boulder-strewn river bed. Highly regulated by the Forest Service, this river has restricted access to maintain its pristine, wilderness nature. Whitewater river rafting satisfaction is guaranteed on the stair-step, “big drop,” pool rapids.
- Highly restricted access by the Forest Service
- Pristine, preserved wilderness area
- Pool-drop river with very distinct drops
- Lush, alpine rain forest type setting
- Colorado wildlife
Double Box 2 Day Piedra River Trip with Mild to Wild
More About This Trip
The two day trip of Piedra River rafting combines the Upper Box and the Lower Box into one multi-day adventure! Starting at the headwaters of the Piedra River on the Upper Box, we “warm-up” by bumping and grinding our way through technical rapids as we watch creek after creek cascade into the river. As the river volume grows, so do the rapids, especially as we enter the Lower Box which escalates the river to a raging torrent of huge drops and chutes. Bear and elk are often spotted along the banks of the Piedra River trail and if we are really lucky, they are forging the river in front of us! And maybe you’ll even discover freshwater otters playing in the mountain waters of the Piedra River. This two-day adventure delivers excitement, relaxation, and rejuvenation! Lower Piedra raft trips starting at $239.00
Does the Piedra not offer the non-stop whitewater action you’re looking for? Well, the Upper Animas does! Is your group looking for something a little more kid-friendly? The San Miguel is great for ages 8 and up!
Both sections of the Piedra River (Upper & Lower Box) are some of the most highly restricted and regulated rivers in Colorado. Reserve your seats early…or hope for a cancellation! Click here for directions to the Piedra River.
Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River
- Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires
Click here for important considerations on the Piedra River.
Trip Options
Lower Piedra Rafting Trips
3 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package
Pagosa Springs, CO
Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first day of this package tackling the Lower box of the Piedra river. On the next two days take on the…
4 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package
Pagosa Springs, CO
Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first two days of this package tackling the little known Piedra river in Pagosa Springs, CO. On the next…
Boat Options
We offer these boat options so that you can customize your Durango rafting trip to the experience you desire.
Lower Animas Boat Options Explained
Premium Raft
Premium Raft
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Standard Raft
Standard Raft
• Ages 4+
Single Person Kayak
Inflatable Kayak
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 8% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
Getting to Durango
Best Times to Visit
Lodging
First Timer's Guide
Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River
- Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires