About This Trip

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

Truly disconnect on our 3 Day trip into the Upper Animas River Canyon. You will challenge 2 days of continuous Class II and III with intermittent Class IV and Class V rapids, and also a day to yourself to reflect and enjoy the beauty surrounding you!

The second day of the trip is for you to explore the Weminuche Wilderness where you can fish, hike, and explore in the remote Colorado wilderness. All of your meals, starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 3, are included and prepared for you. Evenings are spent in our established campsites. At high water, this trip is considered extreme.

Upper Animas River rafting Silverton section trips starting at $949.

The Upper Animas River - Durango's Most Extreme Whitewater Adventure

Overview

Season

Late May – Early August

Restrictions

Raft: Ages 16+

Class of Rapids

High Water: IV & V with continuous II & III

Low Water: Continuous, technical II & III with IV+

Meet Time

7:30 AM

Return

5:30 PM

Boat Options

Standard Raft - Up to 6 guests

Book Your Trip

3 Day Upper Animas Rafting Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

DAY BEFORE ITINERARY

5:15 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 1 ITINERARY

7:30

Meet at our Office at the time the guides designated at orientation.

Shuttle to Silverton Colorado via the Million Dollar Skyway. Suit up for your river trip! Wetsuits and Booties are required all season and are available for rent.

Hit the river! Warm up through “Animas Gorge” with continuous Class III rapids. Scout and Run “Ten Mile” rapid your first Class V of the day.

Stop for a deli-style riverside lunch.

Hurry back to the river for more continuous Class III rapids. Scout “No Name” rapid and run it, if you dare! More continuous Class III rapid fun!

Arrive at our semi-permanent Needleton Camp. Relax, hike and/or fish while our guides become your gourmet chefs and start to prepare your dinner! Enjoy the night in the true Colorado Wilderness.

DAY 2 ITINERARY

Wake up to fresh brewed coffee and a filling breakfast.

Hit the river! Again! Enjoy continuous Class III rapids as a warm up for your second day of rafting. Scout “Broken Bridge,” a Class V rapid, and run it!

Take a break for a hearty riverside lunch.

Get back on the river for even more Class III fun! Hit more continuous Class III rapids.

Arrive at camp and enjoy the beautiful riverside camp as your guides cook up a delicious dinner.

DAY 3 ITINERARY

Wake up to another hearty breakfast and get ready to raft!

Hit the river! Enjoy continuous Class III rapids as a warm up for your second day of rafting.

Take a break for a hearty riverside lunch.

Get back on the river for even more Class III rapids. Scout & run “Tank Creek.” Run your final Class IV rapids, “Specter” and “The Narrows.”

Arrive at the Tacoma Power Station, take out & de-rig boats for the train ride out of the canyon. Board the train and relax as you take in the sights of the Rockwood Gorge.

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

5:30 PM

Arrive back at our Durango office at approximately 5:30 PM.

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

Booking Options

Standard 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

$949

Reviews from our Guests

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

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