About This Trip
Telluride Rafting: Afternoon Half Day Trip
Rafting the San Miguel’s Afternoon Half Day Trip is basically the best way to enjoy Telluride’s surrounding wilderness. Not that we’re partial to running rivers around here or anything… But c’mon, it’s a free-flowing, mountain river, who doesn’t want that?
This stretch of the San Miguel is a bit more mild than the upper section as the canyon widens out. Don’t get it twisted though, the flows are higher in this sections and the splashes are aplenty with constant Class II drops and wave trains.
In between the ferocious (yet surprisingly friendly) froth on this run, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique scenery of Norwood Canyon. Keep an eye out for deer, birds of prey, and sociable river otters. By the end of afternoon, you’ll have conquered one of the most elusive rivers in the region, despite its proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.
- 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
- Wildlife: Otters, eagles, snakes, deer
- Perfect for those who want an active rafting trip
- Fun river guides who have run the San Miguel for years
Itinerary & Map
* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.
Booking 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 at high water, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at low water, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!
- Ages 8+
Our Client Reviews from Google
Kim Furry2024-10-27 Miles gave my team a fantastic tour! Lois Weddle2024-10-27 Jay was a fun and educated guide to Mesa Verde! Thank you Alissa Troike2024-10-26 It was great. Miles was incredible. Highly recommend!!! Tom Evans2024-10-25 Great trip to the old mining operations north of Silverton. Very enjoyable. Vicky Guggino2024-10-19 Miles was our guide for both the 1/2 day Jeep Tour out of Silverton and the Mesa Verde Discovery Tour. He did a great job driving, and the history he told us about was amazing. He also gave great dinner suggestions after both tours! Terrye Gorman2024-10-17 It was super. Our tour guide Miles was awesome. Sarah Mcanally2024-10-15 The staff was friendly and went above and beyond to help meet our dates and needs. Their Jeeps were in great condition and took us to see parts of the untouched countryside that I have never seen before. We will certainly use them again on our next trip to Durango. Jane Turpen2024-10-12 We took a jeep trip up into the mountains to enjoy the fall scenery. The colors were beautiful, our guide,Jay, was excellent, and our group of six was great! We even saw them on our train trip back to Durango. There were some health issues for one traveler and a fear of heights for another. Jay was just terrific in handling both! He was caring but didn’t make a big issue of either. Just took the time to make sure everyone was doing okay and made it a good experience for all. It was a terrific day! Margot Wacks2024-10-12 We booked the guided Mesa Verde trip for our family of four. Our guide was Lee, he was INCREDIBLE!!! A wealth of knowledge, kind, considerate, engaging, and wonderful with our two small children (7 and 10) who at times have endless questions. He really made the history come alive for all of us and definitely made the trip a fun historical adventure! He was just wonderful to work with and made the entire experience one we will never forget. This was our first experience with a guided tour and we will definitely do this again. Not having to worry about driving, navigating the park traffic, getting lost, or not making it to the our scheduled palace tour on time was a huge relief. Everything was planned for us, including lunch. We just had to show up and enjoy!
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
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 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, 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.
What to Wear & Bring
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
- 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
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
Important Considerations
Wetsuits are required through Spring on this trip. We have rentals available!
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes when you show up. There are no actual changing rooms at our remote meeting location.
If you are rafting in May or June, bring extra layers of fleece or polypropylene for warmth. Wool socks under the wetsuit boots also help keep you warmer.
All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions and/or water levels.
Due to limited put-ins and take-outs, all trip times can vary by half an hour.
This is a hands-on paddling trip! Be ready to navigate with your guide through this narrow canyon.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping
Getting To Telluride
First Timer's Guide
Off-Roading
Weather
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