Durango 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

Lower Animas River

About This Trip

Hop on a half day trip and enjoy Durango like a local! This stretch takes you through a variety of rapids before floating through the scenery south of town. Along the way you’ll learn the history of the region and stories of local traditions!

Later in the season, water levels do get lower and all rapids are usually downgraded a full Class. This causes the river to become more technical as you bounce and spin-off of rocks that are usually submerged in the river.

A Durango rafting half trip offers a great mild trip option for ages 4+, but if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, try your hand at Inflatable Kayaks!

Durango Rafting Half Day trips start at $79.00.

See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
Learn the wild history of the town and Southwest Colorado
Experience the river with our professional, fun, and entertaining river guides
Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
A team oriented experience in helping the guides paddle and navigate down the river
A great trip that pairs perfect with our other Durango tours

Durango Rafting - Whitewater Rafting In Durango, CO

Overview

Season

May – September

Restrictions

Raft: Ages 4+

Inflatable Kayak: Age 12+

Class of Rapids

High Water: I, II & III+

Low Water: I, II & one III

Meet Time

8:30 AM, 1:30 PM – All Season

Return

About 3 hrs 45 minutes later

Boat Options

Standard Raft - Up to 10 guests

Premium Raft - Up to 6 guests

Kayak - 1 guest per kayak

Book Your Trip

1/2 Day Durango Rafting Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

8:30 AM or 1:30 PM

Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and wetsuit boot rentals are highly recommended through June.

Shuttle to the river for your safety orientation and rafting instructions.

Hit the river!

Tackle “Train Bridge Rapid,” “Baby Smelter” and the exciting Class III “Smelter Rapid”.

Take a short break at Santa Rita Park.

Back on the river tackle “Santa Rita,” “Sawmill” and “Pinball” (depending on flows).

12:15 PM or 5:15 PM

Take out and shuttle back to our office. You will arrive back to the office approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes after your meet time.

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 4+

Adult

$99

Youth

$79

Premium Rafts

Experience a smaller guide to guest ratio (up to 6 guests) and a more personalized trip.

Just like the standard option, we use 15 foot self-bailing rafts with Oar or Paddle rig set up depending on water levels. You’ll just have less folks in the boat with you!

Ages 4+

Per Person

$129

Inflatable Kayaks

Up the adventure level!

This could be you; get ready for a great workout as you navigate your own kayak through the Lower Animas!

Ages 12+

Per Person

$129

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jim Wade 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Teaf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent in every respect
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy McCullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimber R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Joyce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deanna Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people.  We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mr. Debatable 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melody Urso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Krystal Folsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

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)
Rain jacket
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
Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)

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

· At high water levels (usually early June) our age limits may increase.
For safety, 4 and 5-year-olds will be escorted around the Smelter Rapid if your trip goes through the whitewater park.
Rafting/kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+.
When water levels rise, we take extra safety precautions which may include walking around one of the rapids where the river narrows or using other river sections.
Low water season usually starts in late July and rapid classes drop a ½ to a full notch. Our trips become more technical as we navigate through the rocks in the river.
Wetsuits are often required from May through June, and wetsuit boots are recommended all season. Rentals are available!
Durango tends to get afternoon rain showers, so sometimes you get more water than you pay for!
If you’re traveling with a dog, you cannot leave them in your car in the parking lot. Please make arrangements for them beforehand.
All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions.