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
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…
Reviews from our Guests
Posted on Google Kelly TuguinayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time with our guide Art at the Mesa Verde tour. It was a great experience !Posted on Google Andrew MitchellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Water was a little low, but it was a beautiful day and still a lot of fun cruising the river/rapids. Dylan was an awesome guide, super friendly / chatty /knowledgeable. Would recommend this to anyone looking to have some rafting fun in Durango.Posted on Google Martina OrnelasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 - Incredible Jeep Tour with Jay! Our jeep trail tour in Silverton, Colorado was absolutely breathtaking. The scenery was unreal, the views were stunning, and the weather was perfect - it felt like a postcard the whole way through. Jay was an amazing guide. He was kind, patient, and incredibly thoughtful, making sure we had water and blankets when the cold rolled in. On top of that, he was super knowledgeable about the rocks, the history, and the entire area, which made the experience even more special. If you're visiting Silverton, definitely ask for Jay. He made our adventure unforgettable.Posted on Google Chris WallaceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing tour of Mesa Verde. Our tour guide, Jay Bird, did a great job narrating our trip. He made us all feel welcome and provided lots of great information about the history and sights we were seeing. He was clearly passionate about the park. The van we rode in was spotlessly clean, including the windows which made viewing easy. We will definitely be using Mild to Wild tours again.Posted on Google Megan ButlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gavin was a phenomenal guide! We did the half-day morning kayak adventure and had a great time!! There was a nice combination of class I and II rapids with calm waters in between, allowing us to enjoy the views and take photos. Gavin was knowledgeable about everything we were seeing - he even pointed out rock formations, animals, etc. that we hadn’t known to look out for. Highly recommend asking for Gavin if you’re going on a river adventure through Mild 2 Wild - he will not disappoint!! You’ll have a hell of a good time and learn so much about the area!Posted on Google Bill RobinetteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was our tour guide. She was awesome. Great knowledge of the tour. Passed on lots of interesting information about the park and the indigenous people. Highly recommend.Posted on Google Conrad YoungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I truly had a fun and nice experience learning a bit of the river and the guides being funny along the way making the journey worth the view.Posted on Google Stephen HulbertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was great and we had a fun morning!Posted on Google Nicholas VarelaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dillion did a great job, highly recommend.Posted on Google Drewbie AdamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a wonderful exciting time water rafting and in the jeep tour!!! Corbyn was a great guide on the river, and Art was also a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of the town. Definitely will be coming back
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
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.
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
More Reading and Videos
Lower Piedra River Extreme Whitewater – High Adventure Rafting










Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions