What It's Like to Raft the Lower Animas River Durango, CO
3/4 Day Durango Rafting Trip
Lower Animas River
About This Trip
Raft through Durango for 4-5 Hours!
Treat yourself to a day well spent on Durango’s Animas River, a popular town run with a fun Class III rapid, several Class II splashes, and relaxing sections to float as you learn about the area.
Later in the season as the water levels lower, all rapids are usually downgraded a full Class. Most of the rapids on this trip are during the first half of the day with a calmer float after lunch.
For those who want to step up the adventure level, Lower Animas Kayaking trips can go at the same time as this trip! The rafts and kayaks will not necessarily be together the whole time, but everyone will get the thrills and splashes they’re looking for!
Lower Animas 3/4-day trips starting at $129.00
Season
April – September
Class of Rapids
High Water: I, II & III
Low Water: I, II & one III
Meet Time
8:30 AM
Return
3:00 PM
Boat Options
Standard Rafts
Premium Rafts
Inflatable Kayaks
Itinerary
8:30 AM
Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and wetsuit boot rentals are highly recommended through June.
Shuttle to the river for your safety orientation and rafting instructions.
Hit the river!
Tackle “Train Bridge Rapid,” “Baby Smelter” and the exciting Class III “Smelter Rapid”.
Then, thunder through “Santa Rita,” “Sawmill” and “Pinball”.
Refuel with a delicious, river side deli-style lunch with sides, fruit, chips and dessert.
Back on the river we head further out of town and away from the road as the river becomes more peaceful.
3:00 PM
Take out and shuttle back reflecting on your special day! Arrive at office about 5.5 to 6 hours after your departure.
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
- Healthy and delicious deli lunch
