About This Trip
A Quick Town Run With 1 Hour on the Water
Our Durango rafting 1/4 day trip is great a option for those with a tight itinerary! All while still getting plenty of fun filled rapids like “Train Bridge,” “Baby Smelter,” “Smelter Rapid,” and “Santa Rita.”
Later in the season as the flows become lower, all rapids usually taper down a full class (ex. class II becomes a class I). The river will become more technical, and you may bounce and spin-off of the rocks as you maneuver downstream.
Inflatable kayaks are a great option to increase the level of adventure for ages 11+!
The only thing you’ll regret is that you don’t get as much time on the water, so consider upgrading to a Half Day Trip for 2 hours on the water for only $20 more!
- See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
- Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
- Learn the wild history of the town and Southwest Colorado
- Experience the river with our professional, fun, and entertaining river guides
- Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
- Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
- A team oriented experience in helping the guides paddle and navigate down the river
- A great trip that pairs perfect with our other Durango tours
Durango Rafting – Whitewater Rafting In Durango, CO
Itinerary & Map
Booking Options
Standard Rafts
15 foot self-bailing rafts (up to 10 guests).
We use Oar Boats or Paddle Boats on these trips depending on water levels. Oar Boats, typically used at high water, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at low water, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!
- Ages 4+
Premium Rafts
Experience a smaller guide to guest ratio (up to 6 guests) and a more personalized trip.
Just like the standard option, we use 15 foot self-bailing rafts with Oar or Paddle rig set up depending on water levels. You’ll just have less folks in the boat with you!
- Ages 4+
Inflatable Kayaks
Up the adventure level!
This could be you; get ready for a great workout as you navigate your own kayak through the Lower Animas!
- Ages 11+ or 5’2″
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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 a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Trip Change Option
Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.
What to Wear & Bring
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
- Rain jacket
- Water shoes or secure sandals with heel straps (no flip flops or crocs!)
- Hat (that fits under your helmet)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottle
- Camera with waterproof case
- Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)
Trips from May through June
- Wetsuits (available for rent)
- Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
- Fleece jacket and fleece socks (provides added warmth if you tend to get cold)
What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire
Important Considerations
- At high water levels (usually early June) our age limits may increase.
- For safety, 4 and 5-year-olds will be escorted around the Smelter Rapid if your trip goes through the whitewater park.
- Rafting/kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+.
- When water levels rise, we take extra safety precautions which may include walking around one of the rapids where the river narrows or using other river sections.
- Low water season usually starts in late July and rapid classes drop a ½ to a full notch. Our trips become more technical as we navigate through the rocks in the river.
- Wetsuits are often required from May through June, and wetsuit boots are recommended all season. Rentals are available!
- Durango tends to get afternoon rain showers, so sometimes you get more water than you pay for!
- If you’re traveling with a dog, you cannot leave them in your car in the parking lot. Please make arrangements for them beforehand.
- All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Getting to Durango
Lodging
Weather
Best Times to Visit
First Timer's Guide
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