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

What It's Like to Raft the Lower Animas River Durango, CO

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

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 during higher flows, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at lower flows, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!

Ages 4+

Rafting is not recommended for ages 80+

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+

Rafting is not recommended for ages 80+

Inflatable Kayaks

Increase the level of adventure and control your own destiny under the supervision of a kayak guide along side of you! As the more exciting option, these crafts promise for more splashes and high swim potential!

Kayakers must be ages 12+

Kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+

Payment & 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, unfortunately there will be 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.

Request More Info

Durango First Timer's Guide

Lower Animas FAQ

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.

Lower Animas Rafting Map - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

Durango Rafting on the Lower Animas River - Wide shot of boats and scenery - Mild to Wild

· 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)

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip - Essential Rafting Attire

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