Durango 1/4 Day Kayaking Trip

Lower Animas River

About This Trip

2 hours round trip, 1 hour on water

For those who want to be in control of their own destiny and increase the level of adventure, we offer inflatable kayaks. Paddle, spin and surf your way down Durango’s Animas River in your own craft, under the leadership of an instructional guide. No prior experience is necessary.

All of the rivers we run are snowmelt, which means later in the season, all rapids can be downgraded a half to a full Class. Inflatable kayaks are a great way to experience the river at lower water levels as it is easier to maneuver through the rocks that come up from the bottom of the river.

One hour on the water is great if you’re pressed for time, but if you’re not, try the Half Day or 3/4-Day trip to get more experience in an inflatable kayak!

  • See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
  • Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
  • Learn a fun skill while hanging out with fun, entertaining river guides
  • Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
  • Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
Ducky Guide Training - Lower Animas - Mild to Wild Rafting

Itinerary & Map

10:30 AM or 2:15 PM
Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and bootie rentals are required through June and highly recommended from July on.
 
Five minute shuttle to the river for safety orientation and kayak instructions.
 
Hit the river!
 
Practice getting in and out of your inflatable kayak at the “Lake”.
 
Tackle “Train Bridge Rapid,” “Baby Smelter” and finally the Class III “Smelter Rapid”.
 
Take out and shuttle back.
12:50 PM or 4:35 PM
Arrive back at the office.
The river becomes more peaceful as we head further out of town and away from the road.
Lower Animas Rafting Map - Mild to Wild

Booking Options

Inflatable Kayaks

Get ready for a great workout as you navigate on your own through Durango’s Lower Animas!

  • Ages 11+ 

Per Person

$99

Reviews from our Guests

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Sandra Perez profile picture
Sandra Perez
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We booked a tour of Mesa Verde for a full day. Arrived at 8:00; returned at 4:30. The day was not a blue bird sky day - we had clouds, drizzle, rain and grey but the experience was surreal. Overlooks of amazing architecture in the cliffs, pit adobes in the corn fields, storage of grain in the cliffs - all viewed easily from the road and overlooks. Easily seen but not easily understood. That’s where our tour guide, Jay was an incredible asset. He added so much to our viewing of these spaces that we will take away incredible knowledge of the Pueblan People. And then the tour of the Palace. WOW! In fact, WOW was the word of the day! Jay was the best of the best. I have gone with Viator before and have not been disappointed. They pick the best tour companies in the area. Thanks Jay for a wonderful experience.
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R C profile picture
R C
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Eli was amazing!!!! Well guided and have to say we were the only boat to have one maybe two people go overboard! Haha! But seriously, calm, knowledgeable and fun!
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Deb Terry
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From start to finish our guide, Tim made sure that we had the absolute best experience on the Jeep tour! The sites that he took us to, the information he gave us ensured a memory of a lifetime! Highly recommend!
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Crystal Lemmons profile picture
Crystal Lemmons
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The half day kayak trip was an adventure worth experiencing. Eli was our guide and was helpful and enjoyable.
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R Di Wu profile picture
R Di Wu
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Hannah our guide was amazing!! She took expert care of two moms and our 5 and 7 year old kids!! All the other guides played water gun battle with our kids the whole trip!! Paton was the other guide and I forgot the other names 😭 everyone was awesome 😀 Highly recommend!! We also tried Tom's for Canadian food like the guides recommended and it was delicious!!! Thank you!!! Will be back!!!
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Oleksii Misiura profile picture
Oleksii Misiura
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First time on the rafting, and i received best experience, highly recommend this place to visit Special thanks to the instructors Eli, Hannah and Payton, best guy's!
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Dmytro Dmytrenko
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Really emotional and fun trip, thanks to all team. Everyone should try kayaking
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Trey Walker profile picture
Trey Walker
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Creed and Peyton were awesome guides! Would highly recommend checking out this place.
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Nikki Coppola profile picture
Nikki Coppola
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Peyton was an awesome guide! Beautiful scenery and so much fun!

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.

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 (if you’re not using wetsuit booties)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with a strap
  • Water bottle
  • Camera with waterproof case
  • Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)

Trips through June and after July

  • 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)
  • Splash Jacket

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

Scenic Upper Animas River - Upper Animas Rafting - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

Lower Animas Kayaking-Durango Colorado-Mild to Wild Rafting
  • If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.

  • Wetsuits are required through June and are highly recommended after July.

  • Physical fitness is recommended, as this trip is a bit of a workout!

  • Kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+

  • The inflatable kayaks sits low in the water, so there will be water in the kayak the whole time. Thus, you’re going to get wet!

  • If everyone in your group isn’t up for the challenge of an inflatable kayak just yet, they can go along in a raft with a guide at the same time

  • We do not provide snacks on this trip, so bring some along in a small waterproof bag along with your water bottle.

Trip Planning Info

Meet Location & Directions

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