Durango Rafting - Whitewater Rafting In Durango, CO
1/4 Day Durango Rafting Trip
Lower Animas River
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!
Season
April – September
Class of Rapids
High Water: I, II & III
Low Water: I, II & one III
Meet Time
10:30 AM or 3:15 PM
Return
12:50 PM or 5:35 PM
Boat Options
Standard Rafts
Premium Rafts
Inflatable Kayaks
Itinerary
Itinerary
10:30 AM or 3:15 PM
Meet at the Mild to Wild Office (50 Animas View Drive).
Sign waivers, use the bathroom & get fitted with a PFD, paddle, helmet, & wetsuit (if rented).
Ride the Fun Bus over to the put-in.
Enjoy a riveting safety speech and instruction from your guide.
Hit the water for an eventful hour!
Arrive at the take-out and ride the Fun Bus back to the Mild to Wild office.
12:50 PM or 5:35 PM
Get back to your car about 2 hours and 20 minutes later.
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.
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)
Trip Highlights
- 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
- Hang out with fun, entertaining river guides
- Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
- Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
- A hands on experience in helping the guides paddle and navigate down the river
- A great trip that pairs perfect with our other Durango tours.
