Telluride Afternoon 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

San Miguel River

About This Trip

Telluride Rafting: Afternoon Half Day Trip

Rafting the San Miguel’s Afternoon Half Day Trip is basically the best way to enjoy Telluride’s surrounding wilderness. Not that we’re partial to running rivers around here or anything… But c’mon, it’s a free-flowing, mountain river, who doesn’t want that?

This stretch of the San Miguel is a bit more mild than the upper section as the canyon widens out. Don’t get it twisted though, the flows are higher in this sections and the splashes are aplenty with constant Class II drops and wave trains.

In between the ferocious (yet surprisingly friendly) froth on this run, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique scenery of Norwood Canyon. Keep an eye out for deer, birds of prey, and sociable river otters. By the end of afternoon, you’ll have conquered one of the most elusive rivers in the region, despite its proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.

Unique scenery in a red sandstone canyon covered with pine trees
Narrow waterway that cuts through twisting canyons
Constant rapids in a swift moving current
Diverse ecosystem where the alpine melds with the desert
Wildlife: Otters, eagles, snakes, deer
Perfect for those who want an active rafting trip
Fun river guides who have run the San Miguel for years

Overview

Season

Late May – July

Restrictions

Ages 8+

Class of Rapids

Constant II’s

Meet Time

2:00PM

Return

4:30PM

Boat Options

Standard Raft - Up to 10 guests

Book Your Trip

Afternoon Telluride Rafting Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

2 PM

Check in and get your wetsuit on for the river!

Safety orientation & rafting instructions.

Hit the river!

Enjoy the continuous Class II splashes of the fast flowing San Miguel River.

Paddle though the winding river canyon.

Take out and shuttle back to Caddis Flats.

4:30 PM

Arrive back to your vehicle.

* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.

Booking Options

Standard Rafts

15 foot self-bailing rafts (up to 10 guests).

We use Oar Boats or Paddle Boats on these trips depending on water levels. Oar Boats, typically used at high water, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at low water, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!

Ages 8+

Adult (12+)

$129

Youth (8-11)

$119

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   cynthia forbis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome experience on a jeep ride through La Plata Canyon with Jared. He was knowledgeable and a skilled driver, we were in good hands. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed seeing this beautiful place. Thanks Jared!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tim Swope 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   vicki fathallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claudia Hartley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable.  It was a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alberto Gonzalez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the Silverton Jeep Tour Package on 9/28/26 and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Tim, took us to picturesque landscapes while giving us knowledge of the history surrounding the mountains of Silverton, all while it was raining I should say. Plus we were able to see and experience first hand snow falling at a higher altitude. We were given ample time to shop around town before departing on the train back to Durango. Only minor thing I would critique was that the roof cover, for the 6 seats in back, was not 99.9% waterproof because their were water drops falling from the cover while it was raining but it was no biggie for us and part of the adventure to be honest (we were given waterproof blankets to cover our bodies from the beginning). PLEASE BRING LAYERS AS MENTIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE (YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THEM)!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Holly Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour to Mesa Verde with Ann as our guide was truly amazing! She was so knowledgeable, answered questions and gave us so much to think about regarding Mesa Verde. The lunch provided was filling and there were plenty of refreshments offered throughout the day.
I highly recommend the full day tour! Visiting Cliff Palace is so worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Lyons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Jessop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide Ann made this already beautiful tour absolutely incredible! We were so grateful to spend the day with her. She was a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge. Overall a great day with great people.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.

Trip Change Option

Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.

Multi-Day Trips: See our Cancellation Policy page.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

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.

What to Wear & Bring

Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
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

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)

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire

Important Considerations

Wetsuits are required through Spring on this trip. We have rentals available!
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes when you show up. There are no actual changing rooms at our remote meeting location.
If you are rafting in May or June, bring extra layers of fleece or polypropylene for warmth. Wool socks under the wetsuit boots also help keep you warmer.
All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions and/or water levels.
Due to limited put-ins and take-outs, all trip times can vary by half an hour.
This is a hands-on paddling trip! Be ready to navigate with your guide through this narrow canyon.