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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cynthia forbis profile picture
cynthia forbis
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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!
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Tim Swope profile picture
Tim Swope
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Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
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vicki fathallah profile picture
vicki fathallah
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Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
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Claudia Hartley profile picture
Claudia Hartley
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Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable. It was a great experience.
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Alberto Gonzalez profile picture
Alberto Gonzalez
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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)!
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Holly Gibson profile picture
Holly Gibson
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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!
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Sam Lyons
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Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
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Josh Jessop profile picture
Josh Jessop
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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 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