Upper Animas

Upper Animas

The Ultra Upper Animas

About This Trip

Extreme Adrenaline!

Want to paddle through waves of whitewater until your arms fall off? Want all of the Class IV and V rapids that the Upper Animas River has to offer? Are you fit…as in, “Is there also a triathlon in town that I can participate in right now?” fit?

If you answered yes to the questions above, congratulations! The Ultra Upper Animas could be your adventure of a lifetime! Combining the Silverton and Needleton Upper Animas trips into One Day makes for a marathon of a high-adventure rafting trip.

The Upper Animas is our our most wild river. In order to participate, you must be physically fit and pass an on-river orientation the night before your trip. All trip times are approximate and depend on water levels. This combo is not available at all water levels.

Our Client Reviews from Google

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Options

  1. Pay in full.
  2. 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
  3. 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
  4. 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 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Cancellation Policy

We conform to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad cancellation policy. Train ticket refunds/cancellations are subject to a fee cancelled 5 days before your reserved date. There are no refunds issued on reservations cancelled less than 5 days before your reserved date.

A 90% refund, less the train ticket fees, is issued for cancellations received in writing 5 days prior to trip departure.

At the orientation, if it is determined that the Upper Animas is not the right trip for you, there is a $250 nonrefundable train ticket & orientation trip fee per person. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability. After the $250 nonrefundable fee, the remaining trip balance may be applied to any of our other trip options or kept on your account in a trip gift certificate for future use.

What to Wear & Bring

  • Wetsuit (available for rent)
  • Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
  • Splash Jacket (available for free)
  • Fleece jacket and fleece socks
  • Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing
  • Hat (that fits under your helmet)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with a strap
  • Water bottle
  • Camera with waterproof case

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire

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

Important Considerations

Upper Animas River-3
  • Orientation is at 4:45 the evening prior to your scheduled trip and is 100% required. Orientation will include a practice raft trip and a swim through a Class II+ to III+ rapid, so come with a swimsuit and be prepared to get wet!

  • Plan 2 to 3 hours for this orientation. If you need to schedule for a different time, there is a $50/person charge.

  • All participants must be in outstanding physical shape. When rafting, it is important to choose the trip that matches the level of the least adventurous and least physically fit person in your group. It is dangerous to ignore physical limitations.

  • After orientation, if it is determined that the Upper Animas is not the right trip for you, we will move you to a more suitable river. See our Cancellation Policy for rescheduling fees.

  • As the season progresses and water levels change, we reserve the right to change river sections based on the type of trip you are looking for and your abilities.

  • All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions

Travel Guides

Adventure Junkies

The ultimate guide to Durango for the Adventure Junkie out there. To those who just have to send it, this guide is for you.
Adventure Junkie

Mountain Biking

Get your guide to popular trail options in Durango.
Mountain Biking

Off the Beaten Path

Your guide to the top places to adventure off the beaten path in Durango.
Off The Beaten Path

Upper Animas History

Learn the origins of rafting the notorious Upper Animas River.
Upper Animas History

National & State Parks

There are several National & State Parks in the Durango area. If you’re at all into outdoor adventure, then you’re all but guaranteed an awesome time.
National & State Parks

Weather in Durango

What to expect each season in Durango, Colorado.
Weather in Durango

Related Adventures