About This Trip
Ready to conquer non-stop Colorado whitewater on the undeniably rambunctious, free flowing Upper Animas River?! This special stretch comes with constant Class II and III rapids, with a handful of Class IV and V drops throughout the run.
It’s the most welcoming section of the Upper A, but not to entice the faint of heart— The suds are still quite sizable out here folks! An orientation is required to run this wild section of the Upper Animas with us.
All participants must be strong swimmers and able to put the paddle to the metal while the boat bounces, spins, and submerges in this world-class whitewater run. To add to the special nature of this wilderness trip, you’ll board the historic Durango & Silverton Train to access the put-in and take-out for the excursion.
From late June to late July, this is a fantastic, high adventure rafting trip to check off early in the season. To step it up a notch in the ultimate swell of fresh snowmelt, the run is great for advanced boaters from mid-May to June.
The only way to make the Upper Animas better is by staying at our semi-permanent camp for a night in the roaring belly of the Weminuche Wilderness on a Needleton Camp Out trip.
Upper Animas – One Day Needleton trips start at $499.00
Itinerary & Map
* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.
Booking Options
Standard Rafts
15 foot self-bailing rafts.
15 foot self-bailing rafts rigged as an oar boat with paddle assist.
Be ready to paddle and swim on your pre-trip orientation!
- Ages 16+ until late June
- Ages 14+ late June through the end of season
Per Person
$499
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Plan
We start with 35% down, then 35% at 180 days, and 30% at 60 days before your trip. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.
Booking closer to your trip?
- Within 180 days: 65% due at booking
- Within 60 days: paid in full at booking
Minimum deposits apply.
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.
- 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.
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
- 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
Travel Guides
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
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