What It's Like to Raft the Lower Animas River Durango, CO
Lower Animas
Frequently Asked Questions
River Related FAQ
WHAT DO I WEAR?
For Spring Trips when water temps are below 55°F :
- Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
- Wetsuit (available for rent)
- Synthetic fleece (available for free)
- Splash jacket (available for free)
- Wetsuit booties (available for rent)
- Helmet (available for free)
For Summer Trips when water temps are over 55°F :
- Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sandals with straps (no crocs or flip flops allowed!) or anything any shoes that will stay securely on your feet.
Keep this in mind when choosing your river look— Cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans will stay cold (the temperature of the snow melt water) when wet, so they are definitely not suggested.
DO WE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
If you are kayaking, yes.
If you are rafting, no.
PFD’s (personal floatation devices, better known as life jackets) are worn at all times on the river and are designed to float you face up. You should, however, be comfortable in moving water with a PFD.
The guides instruct you before the trip on what to do in the small chance (more likely in inflatable kayaks) you take a swim in the river.
HOW BIG ARE THE RAPIDS?
The Lower Animas is a mild trip, with mostly Class I: “moving water” and Class II: “splashes. There is one Class III: “wet and fun” rapid through Smelter Whitewater Park.
Water levels change daily on the Lower Animas, so at high water levels in early spring you can expect more rapids and bigger splashes. During low water season in the summer and fall, the river is very calm and becomes a technical paddling trip.
HOW DEEP IS THE RIVER?
This first depends on the volume of water flowing through the river on any given day. The river depth also changes at different points depending on its gradient and width.
Some stretches are low enough to see the riverbed, while others are deep enough for swimming. All in all however, the Lower Animas isn’t considered a very “deep” river.
HOW COLD IS THE RIVER WATER?
The Animas River is 100% dependent on the snow melt of the San Juan Mountains north of Durango. This means that in the early season, the water is very cold (40-45 degrees). Later in the season, the water does warm up to about 50-55 degrees.
To help keep you warm, splash jackets are provided on all of our trips. Wetsuit boots are recommended all season, and wetsuits are recommended early to mid-season. We do watch temperature gauges, and if they reach a certain level, we will require wetsuits when needed.
DO WE HAVE TO PADDLE?
There are different types of raft boats used for different situations:
Oar framed boats allow the guide to use a pair of oars to control and move the raft. Often, customers paddle along with the guide according to his or her commands. Since the guide essentially has control, guests may opt to get involved and help paddle or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Paddle boats do not have the frame so participants and the guide all have a paddle. No experience is necessary for either type of raft configuration. The guide will teach you how to paddle in your pre-trip instruction and safety orientation.
CAN WE BRING CAMERAS?
You are welcome to bring any cameras you like. Just be aware that anything you bring along is subject to being snatched or splashed by the river! We recommend at a minimum of having a waterproof case as well as a strap to keep it attached to you.
WILL I GET WET?
In short, yes! However the water level will determine how wet you get. If you raft when the snow is rapidly melting and the water is higher, you will get bigger splashes than you will later in the season. If it rains, you get more water for you money…and the rainwater is warmer than the river water!
CAN I TAKE MY 3 1/2 YEAR OLD?
If your child is at least 35 pounds and the water levels are low, we may be able to accommodate you. All requests must be approved by a manager, so please give us a call!
AT WHAT WATER LEVELS CAN I KAYAK?
We allow kayaking at 2,200 CFS and under.
CAN I BRING ALCOHOL?
Nope! But feel free to check out the Best Post-Adventure Patios in Durango to enjoy after your trip.
CAN MY DOG COME?
We love dogs! But we can only allow certified service animals with a their own PFD.
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