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.

Read More

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

Posted on Google Google
Sandra Perez profile picture
Sandra Perez
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We booked a tour of Mesa Verde for a full day. Arrived at 8:00; returned at 4:30. The day was not a blue bird sky day - we had clouds, drizzle, rain and grey but the experience was surreal. Overlooks of amazing architecture in the cliffs, pit adobes in the corn fields, storage of grain in the cliffs - all viewed easily from the road and overlooks. Easily seen but not easily understood. That’s where our tour guide, Jay was an incredible asset. He added so much to our viewing of these spaces that we will take away incredible knowledge of the Pueblan People. And then the tour of the Palace. WOW! In fact, WOW was the word of the day! Jay was the best of the best. I have gone with Viator before and have not been disappointed. They pick the best tour companies in the area. Thanks Jay for a wonderful experience.
Posted on Google Google
R C profile picture
R C
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Eli was amazing!!!! Well guided and have to say we were the only boat to have one maybe two people go overboard! Haha! But seriously, calm, knowledgeable and fun!
Posted on Google Google
Deb Terry profile picture
Deb Terry
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From start to finish our guide, Tim made sure that we had the absolute best experience on the Jeep tour! The sites that he took us to, the information he gave us ensured a memory of a lifetime! Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Crystal Lemmons profile picture
Crystal Lemmons
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The half day kayak trip was an adventure worth experiencing. Eli was our guide and was helpful and enjoyable.
Posted on Google Google
R Di Wu profile picture
R Di Wu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hannah our guide was amazing!! She took expert care of two moms and our 5 and 7 year old kids!! All the other guides played water gun battle with our kids the whole trip!! Paton was the other guide and I forgot the other names 😭 everyone was awesome 😀 Highly recommend!! We also tried Tom's for Canadian food like the guides recommended and it was delicious!!! Thank you!!! Will be back!!!
Posted on Google Google
Oleksii Misiura profile picture
Oleksii Misiura
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
First time on the rafting, and i received best experience, highly recommend this place to visit Special thanks to the instructors Eli, Hannah and Payton, best guy's!
Posted on Google Google
Dmytro Dmytrenko profile picture
Dmytro Dmytrenko
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really emotional and fun trip, thanks to all team. Everyone should try kayaking
Posted on Google Google
Trey Walker profile picture
Trey Walker
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Creed and Peyton were awesome guides! Would highly recommend checking out this place.
Posted on Google Google
Nikki Coppola profile picture
Nikki Coppola
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Peyton was an awesome guide! Beautiful scenery and so much fun!

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.
Show More

Best Times to Visit

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

Lodging

Lower Piedra Rafting
Our favorite local spots to stay while in Durango.
Show More

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