Telluride 1 Day Rafting Trip

San Miguel River

About This Trip

Treat yourself to an exhilarating one-day rafting trip on Telluride’s little known San Miguel River. This lively little mountain stream serves up constant, splashy whitewater with Class II and III rapids to oblige.

The first half of the day is spent twisting around tight bends in a narrow sandstone canyon. Here, you’ll have plenty of Class II’s for the taking, with a couple of Class III’s sprinkled in along the way.

This section involves more technical paddling as you skirt around plenty of rocks and trees in the river. After a riverside lunch, you’ll hop back in the boats and start paddling towards Norwood Canyon, where the corridor opens up and the rapids come with bigger, choppier holes.

San Miguel River 1-day raft trips start at $189.00.

If you’re looking for an intermediate trip with some bigger Class III and IV drops, check out the Upper Box of the Piedra River near Pagosa Springs!

  • 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

10 AM
Meet at Caddis Flats campground and get suited up for the river!
 
Safety talk and paddling instruction. Then hit the river!
 
Enjoy the continuous Class II splashes of the fast flowing San Miguel River.
 
Challenge the Class III rapids of “Three Sisters”and “Saw Pit”.
 
Stop out for a riverside deli style lunch.
 
Paddle through more continuous Class II rapids.
 
Take out and shuttle back!
3:45 PM
Arrive back to Caddis Flats

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

San-Miguel-e1509656423996

Booking Options

Inflatable raft with 3 oars

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 10+

Adult (12+)

$199

Youth (10-11)

$189

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
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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 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 paddling the San Miguel in inflatable rafts - 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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