Upper Piedra River Trip Highlights
For the folks who want a thrilling white water rafting experience near Pagosa Springs, the Piedra River is the ultimate way to spend the day. Unlike Pagosa’s popular excursions on the San Juan River, the Piedra is one of the least known rafting trips in Colorado. Offering up to Class IV pool drop rapids, in as highly protected area of the San Juan National Forest, this rafting trip is a must for those who want a more adventurous and wilderness experience.
Highly restricted access by the Forest Service
Unique pristine wilderness area in a dense, rainforest-like setting
Pool drop rapids in between constant class II-III rapids
Narrow corridors lined with granite cliffs and overhangs
Most exciting whitewater rafting trip close to Pagosa Springs
A good introduction to higher adventure rafting
- Opportunities to spot wildlife, including bald eagle, hawks, bear, elk, deer, beaver, or otter
Single Day Piedra River Adventure
More About This Trip
Through the rich forests of the Piedra River Canyon, a glimmering and free-flowing mountain stream rollicks with adventurous whitewater come spring. It’s Colorado’s most regulated and restricted river, and rafting within such a raw wilderness requires one eye for the rapids and the other for moose and black bears.
The Upper Piedra’s narrow waterway sends rafts bounding between gorgeous granite and hefty boulders, making the ride just as scenic as it technical for paddlers. The beginning of the run comes with long Class II rapid sections, followed by Class III and IV drops once the river fills from its contributing creeks along the way.
Be ready to spin and skirt around the river’s obstacles, and drop into chutes and staircase rapids— a great way to earn an evening at the hot springs!
Upper Piedra River raft trips start at $209.00.
Trip Options
Upper Piedra Rafting Trips
Pagosa Springs, CO
1-day trip on the Upper section of the Piedra River in Southwest CO near Pagosa Springs.
- Adult/Youth: $209
Why Raft the Piedra River with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Free on site parking
- Onsite bathrooms and changing rooms
- Gift shop for your last minute needs
- Action photos of your trip available for purchase
- Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Our Client Reviews from Google
Kelly Cornelius2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fun 1/4 trip over Labor Day weekend! Caleb was our guide and he was great. Hoping to do a multi day in Moab and will request him as our guide! Kim Webb2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was great, loved the jeep ride, we even saw a bear! I am so glad that we only did the train one way, it would have been a really long day if we had rode it both ways. It was really heard to pick the place to sit on the train trying to guess what the weather would be like, so far in advance. I wish we would have sat in the open air car , but I did see a lot of people standing up and may have blocked my view. Over all it was a great day!! Rusty Havener2025-08-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lauren was an amazing guide... She was in charge and made us feel safe as well as having fun. 5 stars is not enough for her or the team Lacey Booth2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did rafting today with Caleb as our tour guide. He is an epic guide and all though a short trip it was a lot of fun. Dennis Pocius2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great guide can really elevate a tour, especially when they go the extra mile To make sure everyone feels informed and safe. Kat clearly knows her stuff! Sarah Wethington2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 experience!! We rafted late in the summer and were only able to do the quarter day. Can’t wait to go back for more!! Corbin was a great guide for our family!! Laura Isaacson2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Our guide Bella was amazing and gave us a lot of behind the scenes information we would have missed out on without the tour. We enjoyed our day with Bella! Laura Ulici2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time! Shout out to our guide Corbin! Hope you get that raffle prize
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.
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Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Getting to Durango
Best Times to Visit
Lodging
First Timer's Guide
Map
Special Ways We Care for You on the Upper Piedra River
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4-6 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on single boat trips, or trip operated with 2 boats for safety
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires