Kayaking Durango

Lower Animas River

Durango Kayaking on the Lower Animas River

Half Day & 3/4-Day Whitewater river trips on the Animas River in Durango, Colorado

Inflatable kayaks offer the best of both worlds: the stability of a raft and maneuverability of a kayak. Paddle, spin and surf your way down the Animas River in your own craft, under the leadership of an instructional guide. No prior experience is necessary, but being physically fit is!

*Please Note* If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.

Not quite ready to take on the river in your own inflatable river craft? Try rafting Durango’s Lower Animas River first!

Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

More About This Trip

Durango’s Lower Animas River is a playground for adventure, and inflatable kayaking is the perfect way to experience its thrill. Feel the rush as you navigate exciting rapids like “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” interspersed with calmer sections for enjoying the scenery and camaraderie.

Kayaking on the Lower Animas during lower water flows is an optimal choice in the later summer months as it amplifies the excitement of the rapids, offering a more challenging and exhilarating experience than rafting.

Our expert guides are more than just navigators – they’re local storytellers, sharing insights into Durango’s history and culture, and even offering insider tips on where to find the best post-kayaking meal. No prior kayaking experience is needed! We provide all the necessary gear, including high-quality inflatable kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices. Our guides will provide a comprehensive safety orientation and paddle instruction, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident on the water.

Choose from our 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip, Half Day Kayaking Trip, or 1/4 Day Kayaking Trip options to find the perfect fit for your schedule and desired level of excitement. Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Lower Animas River this summer!

Location/Season

Durango, Colorado / April – September

Restrictions

Inflatable Kayak: Age 11+ & be 5′ 2″ Tall

Water Levels must be below 1800 CFS

Must be physically fit for constant paddling / swimming

Adventure Level

Kayaks: Intermediate

Class of Rapids

High Water: II & III

Low Water: I, II, & one III

Boat Options

Kayak - 1 guest per kayak

Book Your Trip

3/4 Day Durango Kayaking Trip

1/2 Day Durango Kayaking Trip

1/4 Day Durango Kayaking Trip

Trip Planning

Trip Options

Durango Kayaking Trips

Durango Kayaking 3/4 Day Trip

Animas River

4hrs 15min on the water, 5hrs 45min from meet to return. Lunch included.

Per person: $189

Durango Kayaking 1/2 Day Trip

Animas River

2hrs 15min on the water, 3hrs and 45min from meet to return.

Per person: $129

Durango Kayaking 1/4 Day Trip

Animas River

1hr on water, 2hrs and 20min from meet to return.

Per Person: $99

Kayak Trip Option Comparisons

Trip	Time on Water	Time from Meet to Return	Cost Per Adult
¼ Day	1hr	2hr 20min	$99
1/2 Day	2hr 15min	3hr 45min	$129
¾ Day	4hr 15min	5hr 45min	$189
1 Day	4hr	7hr + lunch	$179

Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?

Trip Provisions

Free on-site parking
On-site bathrooms and changing rooms
Gift shop for your last-minute needs
Action photos of your trip available for purchase
Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
Custom, quality, & Coast Guard-approved river equipment
Round-trip transportation from meet location

Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides

Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
Certified in CPR & First Aid
Pay incentives for higher certification levels, including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education

Our Commitment
to You

Mild to Wild has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. We value excellence in guest services and strive to curate incredible experiences for our guests. We are proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is free.

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 the trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

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.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (i.e. 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.

Trip Planning Info

Lodging

Our favorite local spots to stay while in Durango.

Lodging

Restaurants

The best places to eat in Durango, including breakfast diners, local favorites, and dine-in spots.

Where To Eat

Things To Do

A comprehensive guide to activities in Durango, Colorado.

Weather

What the weather and water is like in Durango.

Weather

Best Times to Visit

What to expect and do during each season.

First Timer's Guide

All of our local tips & recommendations.

Get the Guide

Inspiration & Videos

Mild To Wild Difference

Contact

Kayaking Durango

Lower Animas River

Durango Kayaking on the Lower Animas River

Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

More About This Trip

Trip Options

Durango Kayaking Trips

Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?

Trip Provisions

Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides

Our Commitment to You

Reviews from our Guests

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

Cancellation Policy

Trip Change Option

Fees

Trip Departure Policy

Free Courtesy Hold

Trip Planning Info

Lodging

Restaurants

Things To Do

Weather

Best Times to Visit

First Timer's Guide

More Reading and Videos

Durango Family Activities – Top 4 Things To Do In Durango That Kids Will Love

Animas River Rafting: Quick Facts & Insights

Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

Meet Location & Directions

Get the Latest Adventure News

Our Commitment
to You