The San Miguel River - Colorado Whitewater Rafting In Telluride, CO
Telluride Whitewater Rafting
San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is considered one of the funnest white water rafting trips in Southwest Colorado, despite how well it flies under the radar. Located just 25 minutes west of Telluride, rafting the San Miguel is easily one of the best things to do in the area. This is the kind of rafting trip that doesn’t require any experience, just the ability to paddle and readiness for a good hoot and holler.
Trip Highlights
· Unique scenery in a red sandstone canyon covered with pine trees
· Narrow waterway that cuts through twisting canyons
· Constant rapids in a swift moving current
· Diverse ecosystem where the alpine melds with the desert
· Great scenic trip for ages 8+ on the afternoon section, and 10+ on the morning section. (Younger rafters must be at least 50 lbs to fit into their PFD!)
Location/Season
Telluride, CO
Late May – July
Adventure Level
Intermediate: This narrow and fast waterway does come with some swim potential and plenty of contact with the water.
Restrictions
Morning Section: Ages 10+
Afternoon Section: Ages 8+
About Telluride White Water Rafting
Take it from the river guides on this one— If you don’t raft the San Miguel River during your visit to Telluride, it’s going to be the biggest regret of your life… Okay, maybe like the second or third, but do you really want that on your conscience? Probably not!
You probably want Class II and III whitewater shenanigans! With a dollop of technical runs spent bouncing off boulders and skirting past trees. All in a scenic display of crimson sandstone coated alpine. By the end of your voyage, you’ll see why so many river guides have declared the San Miguel as their favorite river to run.
We run half day trips both in the Morning and Afternoon to give you, your friends and family a few rambunctious hours well-spent on the San Miguel. Want to spend the day out there? There’s a Full Day Trip for that! And if one day isn’t enough, we offer a 2-day San Miguel Rafting Trip as well— great for younger groups!
Now, if none of this sounds like it’s enough to fulfill your whitewater aspirations, consider dipping your paddle into the pandemonium of the Upper Piedra just outside of Pagosa Springs. It’s a Class III and IV ride through steep chutes and staircase drops— all in the wild and remote sanctuary of a granite river canyon.
Special Ways We Care for You on the San Miguel River:
- Smaller group sizes for a more pristine experience
- Spot communication for added safety when inside the remote sections
- Quality trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles of experience (Colorado only requires 750 miles)
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires
- Free helmets and free splash jackets
- Wetsuit rentals available
- Small guide to customer ratio averaging 1 to 4 (6 max)
