Upper Animas Highlights
The Upper Animas River, between Durango and Silverton, is one of the most notorious white water rafting trips in the United States. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness demands respect, stamina, and tenacity from all who encounter its wild waters.
- 100+ rapids
- Considered to be the most difficult commercially run river in the U.S.
- Continuous Class II and III with intermittent IV’s and V’s – no pools!
- Average gradient of 85 feet per mile.
- 13,000-foot peaks rising from the banks of the river.
- Roars through Colorado’s largest wilderness area – the famous Weminuche Wilderness.
- Catered overnight trips at our semi-permanent camp.
Does part of your group want a mild trip while you paddle away all day? Check out the Lower Animas 3/4-Day!
More About This Trip
Mild to Wild runs the Needleton Section of the Upper Animas, a more “friendly” section with big rolling waves and technical drops. Due to the remoteness of this trip, it requires us to ride the historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge train in and out of the canyon— a major highlight for this ultimate wilderness trip!
We also have the option to campout along the river for the night. Our Needleton Camp is semi-permanent and one of the most comfortable places to hangout along the Upper Animas River. Trust us when we say you’ll probably never see more stars in your life than in this canyon, encapsulated between 13,000 ft. peaks.
All Upper Animas participants must be at least 14-years-old and physically fit. Passing the swim test orientation is required to join us on these trips. If our guides determine during the orientation this trip is not right for you, we will move you to another river.
If the Upper Animas is sounding like a little too much adventure, visit our Durango White Water rafting page to see more options near by, or our Colorado white water rafting page for all options in the state.
Trip Options
Upper Animas River
Campout in the Upper Animas Canyon and run the Needleton Section the next day!
Adult/Youth: $749
Upper Animas River
Take on constant class III and IV rapids, accessible only from the Durango Train!
Adults/Youth: $499
Why Raft the Upper Animas with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- AEDs and comprehensive first aid kits on all trips
- Satelite communication devices
- Delicious meals and snacks provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Catered 3 course dinners with appetizers, entrees, and deserts
- Dietary accommodations
- High quality custom river and camp equipment
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 5,000 river miles
- Trip leaders are 5th year guides on average
- All guides certified in CPR and First Aid
- Most guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder or EMT
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
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
We conform to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad cancellation policy. Train ticket refunds/cancellations are subject to a fee cancelled 5 days before your reserved date. There are no refunds issued on reservations cancelled less than 5 days before your reserved date.
- Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
- At Upper Animas orientation, if determined this is not right for you, for 1 day trips you may apply the trip cost to another available trip, less $250 per person for the nonrefundable train ticket & orientation. For overnight trips, the non refundable amount is $300 per person. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability.
- Trip Insurance through RoamRight is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances.
Trip Planning
FAQ
Getting to Durango
Best Times to Visit
Lodging
First Timer's Guide
More Reading and Videos
Upper Animas River Rafting – Durango’s Most Extreme Multi-Day Trip
Animas River Rafting: Quick Facts & Insights
The Upper Animas River – Durango’s Most Extreme Whitewater Adventure
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
Upper Animas White Water Rafting FAQs
When is the best time to raft the Upper Animas?
The best time depends on the level of intensity you’re seeking. For extreme Class V high-water thrills, June is the peak month as the snowpack melts from the surrounding 14,000 foot peaks. For a more technical Class IV experience with slightly more manageable (though still continuous) rapids, July and August offer fantastic mid-to-low water trips.
When can I raft the Upper Animas River?
Our Upper Animas season typically runs from May through August. After August water levels typically descend below raftable flows.
What is the minimum age to raft the Upper Animas?
Due to the strenuous nature of this river, the minimum age is 14 during low water (typically July–August) and increases to 16 during high water (typically May–June). All participants must be in excellent physical condition and are required to pass a mandatory swim test orientation the evening before the trip.
What should I wear and bring on my Upper Animas trip?
Because the Upper Animas is snow-fed and stays cold year-round, thermal protection is required. We recommend:
- Required: A protective thermal river equipment including wetsuits, wetsuit boots, splashtops, and fleeces are provided with your trip.
- Clothing: Synthetic or fleece base layers and wool socks to wear under your wetsuit. Avoid cotton entirely!
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses with a secure strap, and waterproof sunscreen.
You can find a detailed list of what to wear and bring here.
Is white water rafting on the Upper Animas safe?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize the inherent risks on this notorious stretch, our trips include trip leaders who average over 5,000 river miles, satellite communication devices, and an AED. Furthermore, the mandatory pre-trip orientation helps prepare guests for the experience.