River Rafting Options

Lower Animas River Rafting

Class: II–III
Adventure Level: Moderate
Trip Durations: Quarter Day, Half-Day, Full Day

The Lower Animas is the heart and soul of Durango, a river woven into the town’s identity long before rafting became one of its signature adventures. When tourism began to replace the old smelting industry in the 1980s, the Lower Animas quickly became the place where families, locals, and visitors found laughter, splashes, and summer excitement. Thrills from the class II & III rapids carry on in the stories of generations of Southwest Colorado adventurers. Today, this stretch remains Durango’s most iconic rafting trip, flowing directly through town with an excellent mix of scenery, local history, and accessibility.

Lower Animas River Inflatable Kayaking

Class: II–III
Adventure Level: Medium
Trip Durations: Quarter Day, Half-Day, Full Day

Inflatable kayaks provide paddlers the option steer their own craft and control their own destiny on the river. With expert guidance nearby and class II & III waves ahead, kayakers navigate eddies, thread currents, and punch through wave trains to experience Durango’s most beloved stretch of river.

Piedra River Rafting

Class: III-IV
Adventure Level: Intermediate
Trip Duration: 1 Day

The Piedra River offers the most under the radar whitewater experiences in Colorado. 40 miles east of Durango and 20 miles west of Pagosa Springs, the Piedra River carves through an alpine rain forested canyon delivering continuous Class II rapids with intermittent class III. It’s an ideal adventure for families with older kids, strong beginners, and rafters seeking more thrill than the Lower Animas without committing to the intensity of the Upper Animas.

Mild to Wild operates Piedra trips from our Durango office, making it a convenient upgrade for guests based in Durango while still serving the Pagosa Springs region.

Upper Animas River Rafting

Class: IV-V
Adventure Level: High Adventure
Trip Durations: 1 & 2 Days

The Upper Animas is one of North America’s most continuous and demanding alpine river runs. With steep gradients, big whitewater, and rugged mountain canyons, this trip is reserved for strong swimmers. A mandatory swim test ensures readiness for the high adventure experience. Expect continuous Class II and III whitewater with intermittent Class IVs and a Class V rapid at high flows. The river is accessed via the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at the Needleton access point approximately half way between Durango and Silverton.

River Conditions and Seasonality

Late May– Early June

May marks the beginning of rafting season across Durango as snowmelt accelerates in the San Juan Mountains. The Lower Animas typically reaches peak flows in the first or second week of June between 3,000 and 6,000 CFS. The Piedra River’s high water season usually comes a few weeks earlier – typically in late May or early June – due to a lower elevation run off. Peak Flows vary between 900 and 2,000 CFS. The Upper Animas season begins in late May when mountain snowpack above 10,000 feet in elevation starts to melt. Peak flows usually hit the second week of June and range from 1,000 to 2,200 CFS. Water temperatures range from 38-45 degrees. Mild to Wild rents high quality wetsuit, wetsuit boots, and thermal protective equipment for guests that do not have their own.

Late June – July

The end of June and July marks the most popular time to raft in Durango. The Lower Animas settles into medium to low water flows (1500 – 350 CFS) with water warming to the 52-68 degree range with daytime highs in the 80’s and low 90’s. Warmer air and water temperatures and calmer currents make swimming a popular activity. The Piedra typically tapers off by the end of June, becoming more technical as flows drop, and most commercial rafting concludes by July. The Upper Animas remains a high adventure option through mid summer with continuous class III & IV whitewater and water flows varying between 300 and 1,000 CFS. In middle to late July, a monsoon rain pattern develops providing a much needed water supply boost to the Animas. Subsequently, morning trip departure times are usually the better option.

August – September

In August, the Lower Animas reaches low water levels (250-600 CFS) with water temps between 60 and 70 degrees. The river is characterized by a couple small class II rapids with one sampler class III rapid. The Upper Animas is hit or miss as sufficient water flows become dependent on unpredictable monsoon rains. Inflatable kayaks on the Lower Animas are usually the best option for those seeking more adventure.

Current and historical water flow conditions on the Piedra, Lower Animas, and Upper Animas rivers can be checked on the USGS website.

What to Wear and Bring

• Quick dry clothing – Polyester and fleece materials are the warmest and dry fastest.
• Sunscreen – Durango is in a high UV zone. Any exposed skin should be covered with SPF 50.
• Sunglasses – The river has claimed many pairs of sunglasses. Don’t let it take yours too! A sunglasses strap helps keep your glasses on your head. They’re also know as chums and are available for purchase at our gift shop.
• Secure footwear – Shoes must be able to get wet and tighten with laces or a strap. No crocs or flip flops.
• Hat – A hat can be worn under your helmet for extra sun protection.
• Water bottle – Your water bottle can rest at your feet in the bottom of the raft to keep easily accessible. Guides bring larger water containers for refills.
• Fleece – If theres cooler weather, fleece is a great material for added warmth. It is quick drying and stays warm when its wet. It can be worn under our complimentary splash tops or a rain jacket to break the wind and prevent evaporative cooling.
• Thermal river equipment – Wetsuits and wetsuit boots available for rent.