Pagosa Springs Whitewater Rafting

Lower Piedra River

Pagosa Springs Whitewater Rafting Highlights

We are currently not rafting the Lower Piedra this season. Check out our whitewater trips through the Needleton Section of the Upper Animas here to run Southwest Colorado’s biggest rapids!

Paddle through 1,000 foot deep canyons, alpine forests, and heart-pounding whitewater while you experience this exquisite Rocky Mountain jewel! Dropping down some of the biggest drops we run on any river, Piedra River rafting provides a true adrenaline rush. “The River of Stone Wall” (Piedra means rock) lives up to its name with towering granite walls, and a boulder-strewn river bed. Highly regulated by the Forest Service, this river has restricted access to maintain its pristine, wilderness nature. Whitewater river rafting satisfaction is guaranteed on the stair-step, “big drop,” pool rapids.

More About This Trip

The two day trip of Piedra River rafting combines the Upper Box and the Lower Box into one multi-day adventure! Starting at the headwaters of the Piedra River on the Upper Box, we “warm-up” by bumping and grinding our way through technical rapids as we watch creek after creek cascade into the river. As the river volume grows, so do the rapids, especially as we enter the Lower Box which escalates the river to a raging torrent of huge drops and chutes. Bear and elk are often spotted along the banks of the Piedra River trail and if we are really lucky, they are forging the river in front of us! And maybe you’ll even discover freshwater otters playing in the mountain waters of the Piedra River. This two-day adventure delivers excitement, relaxation, and rejuvenation! Lower Piedra raft trips starting at $239.00

Does the Piedra not offer the non-stop whitewater action you’re looking for? Well, the Upper Animas does! Is your group looking for something a little more kid-friendly? The San Miguel is great for ages 8 and up!

Both sections of the Piedra River (Upper & Lower Box) are some of the most highly restricted and regulated rivers in Colorado. Reserve your seats early…or hope for a cancellation! Click here for directions to the Piedra River.

Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River

  • Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
  • Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
  • Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
  • Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
  • Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
  • Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
  • Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires

Click here for important considerations on the Piedra River.

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Trip Options

Lower Piedra Rafting Trips

Ruby Horsethief Rafting - Mild to Wild Rafting

3 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package

Pagosa Springs, CO

Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first day of this package tackling the Lower box of the Piedra river. On the next two days take on the…

Ruby Horsethief Canyon - Grand Junction, CO - Mild to Wild

4 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package

Pagosa Springs, CO

Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first two days of this package tackling the little known Piedra river in Pagosa Springs, CO. On the next…

Reviews from our Guests

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Jim Wade profile picture
Jim Wade
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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.
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Christopher Teaf
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Excellent in every respect
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Cindy McCullough profile picture
Cindy McCullough
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Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
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Kimber R profile picture
Kimber R
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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!!
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Chris Joyce profile picture
Chris Joyce
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Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
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Deanna Myers profile picture
Deanna Myers
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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.
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Mr. Debatable profile picture
Mr. Debatable
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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
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Melody Urso profile picture
Melody Urso
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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.
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Krystal Folsom profile picture
Krystal Folsom
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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!
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Alan Phillips profile picture
Alan Phillips
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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 Options

  1. 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
  2. 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
  3. Call for other arrangements!

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.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 8% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Cancellation Policy

  • Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.

Plan Your Trip

Getting to Durango

Lower Piedra Rafting
Where Durango is located and the best ways to get there.
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Best Times to Visit

Lower Piedra Rafting
What to expect and do during each season.
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Lodging

Lower Piedra Rafting
Our favorite local spots to stay while in Durango.
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First Timer's Guide

Lower Piedra Rafting
All of our local tips & recommendations.
Get the Guide
Ruby Horsethief Canyon - Grand Junction, CO - Mild to Wild

Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River

  • Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
  • Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
  • Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
  • Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
  • Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
  • Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
  • Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires

More Reading and Videos

Lower Piedra River Extreme Whitewater – High Adventure Rafting

Piedra River Rafting-Colorado-Mild to Wild

Meet Location & Directions