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  
   
   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.

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.