Upper Animas

One Day Rockwood Gorge Section

About This Trip

This trip is only run when the Needleton section of the Upper Animas River is too low. Visit our Upper Animas Rafting page to book your trip!

When the waters of the Animas River recede, fear not adrenaline junkies! The Rockwood Gorge becomes the section of choice for the Upper Animas with its big drops and channeled flow.

Due to the intensity of this particular stretch, we can only raft Rockwood Gorge at low water levels in paddle boats. This narrow and steep canyon offers exhilarating Class II and III rapids with several large Class IV’s and two Class V’s— “Mandatory Thrash” and “Dangerocity.”

For the put-in and take-out of this remote adventure, the only access is from Durango Train in the heart of Colorado’s largest wilderness area. And since this gorge is so isolated, we’re required to exit the canyon with a 3/4 mile hike to the railroad tracks. You’ll carry out your personal rafting gear, and the guides carry the boats.

Every participant must be a strong swimmer and able to constantly paddle through fabulously frothy and highly technical whitewater. An orientation is required to run this roaring section of the Animas River with us.

Upper Animas, One-Day Rockwood trips start at $499.

Rafting The Upper Animas River

Overview

Season

Late Season Option Only

Restrictions

Raft: Ages 16+ until late June

Ages 14+ late June through the end of season

Class of Rapids

IV & V with continuous II & III

Meet Time

8:00 AM

Return

4:30 PM

Book Your Trip

1 Day Rockwood Gorge Rafting Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

Orientation Evening Prior (Required)

Those who cannot make the orientation the evening prior have the option to complete it the morning prior to the trip (comes with a $75 charge.)

4:45 PM

Check into our office to get fitted for your thermal wetsuit gear and go on the orientation raft trip where you will take your practice swim in a Class II+ to III+ rapid.

Day Of

8:00 AM

Meet at our Main Office in Durango.

Shuttle to Rockwood station to board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Descend from the train and get suited up for the river.

Hit the river! Begin with “Mandatory Thrash,” your first Class V of the day. Continue through numerous, thrilling Class III rapids, in your face and over your head!

Stop for lunch, a delicious deli-style spread.

Hurry back to the river for even more Class II & III rapids. Experience “Dangerocity” rapid (V), as well as Hunter S. Thompson (III+), “Red Rocks” (IV+) and the Guardian (Class IV).

At the end of the trip, you will change into your hiking clothes and shoes to hike the 3/4 of a mile out of the canyon carrying your personal rafting gear, while the guides carry the boats!

Arrive at the Rockwood station, and shuttle back to Durango.

4:30 PM

Arrive back at Mild to Wild.

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

Booking Options

Oar Rafts

This trip is currently unavailable for the 2023 season. See our Needleton Section for available Upper Animas trips.

13 foot self-bailing rafts rigged as a paddle boat. Be ready to paddle and swim on your pre-trip orientation!

Ages 16+

Per Person

$499

Reviews from our Guests

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

1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
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

Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.

At Upper Animas orientation, if determined this is not right for you, for 1 day trips you may apply the trip cost to another available trip, less $250 per person for the nonrefundable train ticket & orientation. For overnight trips, the non refundable amount is $300 per person. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability.

Trip Insurance through RoamRight is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances.

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

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

Important Considerations

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

Rockwood Camp Out Option

Want to experience the excitement of rafting the Upper Animas AND the starry skies of the Weminuche Wilderness in one trip? Our Camp Out trip is for you!

Meet at our main office at 11:00 AM on the first day of your excursion. You’ll get you suited up for the river and the head out for your orientation on the Lower Animas section in Durango.

After you’ve nailed the orientation, we’ll depart for Silverton (with lunch provided on the way) and board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for your shuttle into the canyon. The train will let us off at the camp site, where you’ll have time to relax, wander, and enjoy your time in this beautiful wilderness while our guides prepare dinner.

After a peaceful night under the stars, wake up to hot coffee and breakfast before taking down camp and beginning your exhilarating day of whitewater rafting!

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