Pagosa Springs Whitewater Rafting
Lower Piedra River
Lower Piedra 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!
Lower Box Piedra River Trip Highlights
- 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
Location/Season
Pagosa Springs, CO
Late April – Late June
Adventure Level
High Adventure: High swim potential. Lots of contact with the water.
Restrictions
Raft: Ages 16 and up
Physical fitness essential
Required river swim practice at start of trip
Wetsuits required (rentals available)
Paddling experience recommended
Single Day Trip Options
Single Day
Multi-Day
1 Day Trip on the Lower Box of the Piedra in Southwest Colorado near Pagosa Springs
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.
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.
New Flexible 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.
Cancellation Policy
Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
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).
Reviews
I’ve been on many tours with Mild to Wild. We continue to go back every year. Mild to Wild and the staff provide excellent customer service and truly try to find the best trip for…
Jadea Braddy
Click to read moreWhat an awesome white water rafting trip! Molly asked my family of five about our previous rafting experience and then recommended the Upper Piedra. It was perfect (mostly 2 & 3’s with a couple of…
Kent Coggan
Click to read moreWe had a great time with Ellen on our trip. She was fun, knowledgeable, safe and got us down the river in one piece! We had a blast.
Joslyn
Click to read moreJenny helped me book a last minute group of 8 in our party to be able to raft the Upper Piedra river. Ellen was our guide and we had an absolute blast! We would highly…
Ian Jensen
Click to read moreThe Piedra River is your river if you want exciting white water set in a beautiful, wooded, wilderness canyon. Mild-2-Wild provided excellent river guides and safety kayaker (thanks: Emma, Miles, Orion with driver support from…
Mike Silver
Click to read moreSpecial 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.