Pagosa Springs Whitewater Rafting Highlights
We are currently not rafting the Lower Piedra this season. Check out our whitewater trips through the Needleton Section of the Upper Animas here to run Southwest Colorado’s biggest rapids!
Paddle through 1,000 foot deep canyons, alpine forests, and heart-pounding whitewater while you experience this exquisite Rocky Mountain jewel! Dropping down some of the biggest drops we run on any river, Piedra River rafting provides a true adrenaline rush. “The River of Stone Wall” (Piedra means rock) lives up to its name with towering granite walls, and a boulder-strewn river bed. Highly regulated by the Forest Service, this river has restricted access to maintain its pristine, wilderness nature. Whitewater river rafting satisfaction is guaranteed on the stair-step, “big drop,” pool rapids.
- Highly restricted access by the Forest Service
- Pristine, preserved wilderness area
- Pool-drop river with very distinct drops
- Lush, alpine rain forest type setting
- Colorado wildlife
Double Box 2 Day Piedra River Trip with Mild to Wild

More About This Trip
The two day trip of Piedra River rafting combines the Upper Box and the Lower Box into one multi-day adventure! Starting at the headwaters of the Piedra River on the Upper Box, we “warm-up” by bumping and grinding our way through technical rapids as we watch creek after creek cascade into the river. As the river volume grows, so do the rapids, especially as we enter the Lower Box which escalates the river to a raging torrent of huge drops and chutes. Bear and elk are often spotted along the banks of the Piedra River trail and if we are really lucky, they are forging the river in front of us! And maybe you’ll even discover freshwater otters playing in the mountain waters of the Piedra River. This two-day adventure delivers excitement, relaxation, and rejuvenation! Lower Piedra raft trips starting at $239.00
Does the Piedra not offer the non-stop whitewater action you’re looking for? Well, the Upper Animas does! Is your group looking for something a little more kid-friendly? The San Miguel is great for ages 8 and up!
Both sections of the Piedra River (Upper & Lower Box) are some of the most highly restricted and regulated rivers in Colorado. Reserve your seats early…or hope for a cancellation! Click here for directions to the Piedra River.
Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River
- Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires
Click here for important considerations on the Piedra River.
Trip Options
Lower Piedra Rafting Trips
3 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package
Pagosa Springs, CO
Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first day of this package tackling the Lower box of the Piedra river. On the next two days take on the…
4 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package
Pagosa Springs, CO
Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first two days of this package tackling the little known Piedra river in Pagosa Springs, CO. On the next…
Our Client Reviews from Google
Kelly Cornelius2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fun 1/4 trip over Labor Day weekend! Caleb was our guide and he was great. Hoping to do a multi day in Moab and will request him as our guide! Kim Webb2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was great, loved the jeep ride, we even saw a bear! I am so glad that we only did the train one way, it would have been a really long day if we had rode it both ways. It was really heard to pick the place to sit on the train trying to guess what the weather would be like, so far in advance. I wish we would have sat in the open air car , but I did see a lot of people standing up and may have blocked my view. Over all it was a great day!! Rusty Havener2025-08-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lauren was an amazing guide... She was in charge and made us feel safe as well as having fun. 5 stars is not enough for her or the team Lacey Booth2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did rafting today with Caleb as our tour guide. He is an epic guide and all though a short trip it was a lot of fun. Dennis Pocius2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great guide can really elevate a tour, especially when they go the extra mile To make sure everyone feels informed and safe. Kat clearly knows her stuff! Sarah Wethington2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 experience!! We rafted late in the summer and were only able to do the quarter day. Can’t wait to go back for more!! Corbin was a great guide for our family!! Laura Isaacson2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Our guide Bella was amazing and gave us a lot of behind the scenes information we would have missed out on without the tour. We enjoyed our day with Bella! Laura Ulici2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time! Shout out to our guide Corbin! Hope you get that raffle prize
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Boat Options
We offer these boat options so that you can customize your Durango rafting trip to the experience you desire.
Lower Animas Boat Options Explained
Premium Raft
Premium Raft
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Standard Raft
Standard Raft
• Ages 4+
Single Person Kayak
Inflatable Kayak
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
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 8% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
Getting to Durango
Best Times to Visit
Lodging
First Timer's Guide
Special Ways We Care for You on the Lower Piedra River
- Required pre-rafting swim practice through a Class II+ rapid prior to your trip
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on all Lower Piedra River rafting trips
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience (the state requires only 750 miles)
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires