Telluride Afternoon 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

San Miguel River

About This Trip

Telluride Rafting: Afternoon Half Day Trip

Rafting the San Miguel’s Afternoon Half Day Trip is basically the best way to enjoy Telluride’s surrounding wilderness. Not that we’re partial to running rivers around here or anything… But c’mon, it’s a free-flowing, mountain river, who doesn’t want that?

This stretch of the San Miguel is a bit more mild than the upper section as the canyon widens out. Don’t get it twisted though, the flows are higher in this sections and the splashes are aplenty with constant Class II drops and wave trains.

In between the ferocious (yet surprisingly friendly) froth on this run, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique scenery of Norwood Canyon. Keep an eye out for deer, birds of prey, and sociable river otters. By the end of afternoon, you’ll have conquered one of the most elusive rivers in the region, despite its proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.

 
  • Unique scenery in a red sandstone canyon covered with pine trees
  • Narrow waterway that cuts through twisting canyons
  • Constant rapids in a swift moving current
  • Diverse ecosystem where the alpine melds with the desert
  • Wildlife: Otters, eagles, snakes, deer
  • Perfect for those who want an active rafting trip
  • Fun river guides who have run the San Miguel for years

Itinerary & Map

2 PM
Check in and get your wetsuit on for the river!
 
Safety orientation & rafting instructions.
 
Hit the river!
 
Enjoy the continuous Class II splashes of the fast flowing San Miguel River.
 
Paddle though the winding river canyon.
 
Take out and shuttle back to Caddis Flats.
4:30 PM
Arrive back to your vehicle.

* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.

San-Miguel-e1509656423996

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 8+

Adult (12+)

$129

Youth (8-11)

$119

Reviews from our Guests

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Sandra Perez profile picture
Sandra Perez
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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.
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R C profile picture
R C
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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!
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Deb Terry profile picture
Deb Terry
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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!
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Crystal Lemmons profile picture
Crystal Lemmons
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The half day kayak trip was an adventure worth experiencing. Eli was our guide and was helpful and enjoyable.
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R Di Wu profile picture
R Di Wu
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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!!!
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Oleksii Misiura profile picture
Oleksii Misiura
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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!
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Dmytro Dmytrenko profile picture
Dmytro Dmytrenko
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Really emotional and fun trip, thanks to all team. Everyone should try kayaking
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Trey Walker profile picture
Trey Walker
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Creed and Peyton were awesome guides! Would highly recommend checking out this place.
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Nikki Coppola profile picture
Nikki Coppola
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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 Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.

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.

Multi-Day Trips: See our Cancellation Policy page.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. 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)
  • 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

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

Scenic Upper Animas River - Upper Animas Rafting - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

people padding a raft on the San Miguel River - Mild to Wild
  • Wetsuits are required through Spring on this trip. We have rentals available!

  • Wear your swimsuit under your clothes when you show up. There are no actual changing rooms at our remote meeting location.

  • If you are rafting in May or June, bring extra layers of fleece or polypropylene for warmth. Wool socks under the wetsuit boots also help keep you warmer.

  • All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions and/or water levels.

  • Due to limited put-ins and take-outs, all trip times can vary by half an hour.

  • This is a hands-on paddling trip! Be ready to navigate with your guide through this narrow canyon.

Plan Your Trip

Meet Location & Directions

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