Telluride Morning 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

San Miguel River

About This Trip

Telluride Rafting: Morning Half Day Trip

Start your day off better than anybody else in Telluride by rafting the Morning Half Day on the San Miguel with us! In perfectly crisp, morning alpine air, you’ll suit up and hit the first runs of the day with the most enthusiastic river guides you’ll ever meet. We mean it, it’s not just the cowboy coffee!

The San Miguel is a favorite among Colorado rafters for a reason, which you’ll quickly realize while paddling into its narrow, crimson canyon rippling with fresh snowmelt. Class II and III rapids will introduce themselves immediately into the trip.

You’ll work with your guide to maneuver around fun obstacles in the water, but also have plenty of time to take in the scenery. Anyone ages 10+ will have an absolute hoot on this trip, whether it’s your first or hundredth time rafting a river.

  • 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

10 AM
Meet us at the Caddis Flats Campground off CO 145. Here you’ll check in and get your wetsuit on for the river!
 
Shuttle to the put in, then have a safety orientation and rafting instructions.
 
Hit the river!
 
Paddle, paddle, paddle through the continuous Class II splashes of the fast flowing San Miguel River.
 
Challenge the exciting Class III rapid of “Three Sisters”.
 
Shoot down “Saw Pit” rapid, another Class III.
 
Splash through more continuous Class II rapids.
 
Take out at Caddis Flats, or another location depending on water levels.
12:30 PM
Arrive back to your vehicle.

* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.

San-Miguel-e1509656423996

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+

Adult (12+)

$139

Youth (10-11)

$129

Reviews from our Guests

Posted on Google Google
Sandra Perez profile picture
Sandra Perez
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We booked a tour of Mesa Verde for a full day. Arrived at 8:00; returned at 4:30. The day was not a blue bird sky day - we had clouds, drizzle, rain and grey but the experience was surreal. Overlooks of amazing architecture in the cliffs, pit adobes in the corn fields, storage of grain in the cliffs - all viewed easily from the road and overlooks. Easily seen but not easily understood. That’s where our tour guide, Jay was an incredible asset. He added so much to our viewing of these spaces that we will take away incredible knowledge of the Pueblan People. And then the tour of the Palace. WOW! In fact, WOW was the word of the day! Jay was the best of the best. I have gone with Viator before and have not been disappointed. They pick the best tour companies in the area. Thanks Jay for a wonderful experience.
Posted on Google Google
R C profile picture
R C
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Eli was amazing!!!! Well guided and have to say we were the only boat to have one maybe two people go overboard! Haha! But seriously, calm, knowledgeable and fun!
Posted on Google Google
Deb Terry profile picture
Deb Terry
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From start to finish our guide, Tim made sure that we had the absolute best experience on the Jeep tour! The sites that he took us to, the information he gave us ensured a memory of a lifetime! Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Crystal Lemmons profile picture
Crystal Lemmons
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The half day kayak trip was an adventure worth experiencing. Eli was our guide and was helpful and enjoyable.
Posted on Google Google
R Di Wu profile picture
R Di Wu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hannah our guide was amazing!! She took expert care of two moms and our 5 and 7 year old kids!! All the other guides played water gun battle with our kids the whole trip!! Paton was the other guide and I forgot the other names 😭 everyone was awesome 😀 Highly recommend!! We also tried Tom's for Canadian food like the guides recommended and it was delicious!!! Thank you!!! Will be back!!!
Posted on Google Google
Oleksii Misiura profile picture
Oleksii Misiura
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
First time on the rafting, and i received best experience, highly recommend this place to visit Special thanks to the instructors Eli, Hannah and Payton, best guy's!
Posted on Google Google
Dmytro Dmytrenko profile picture
Dmytro Dmytrenko
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really emotional and fun trip, thanks to all team. Everyone should try kayaking
Posted on Google Google
Trey Walker profile picture
Trey Walker
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Creed and Peyton were awesome guides! Would highly recommend checking out this place.
Posted on Google Google
Nikki Coppola profile picture
Nikki Coppola
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Peyton was an awesome guide! Beautiful scenery and so much fun!

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a full refund with written notice 24 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.

Multi-Day Trips: See our Cancellation Policy page.

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).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

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.

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

Scenic Upper Animas River - Upper Animas Rafting - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

People paddling the San Miguel in inflatable rafts - Mild to Wild
  • 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

Meet Location & Directions

Related Adventures