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Upper Animas

River Rafting

Location/Season

Silverton, CO

Late May – Early August

Adventure Level

High Adventure: High swim potential. Lots of contact with water. Adventure level changes by section. See below.

Class of Rapids

High Water:  IV & V with continuous II & III

Low Water:
Continuous, technical II & III with IV+

Restrictions

Silverton Section: 16 and up

Needleton Section: 14 and up (when mid to lower levels)
Physical fitness essential
Required on river orientation the night before
Wetsuits required (rentals available)
Paddling experience recommended

Upper Animas Rafting: Durango’s Extreme Whitewater Rafting Experience

The Ultimate Class V extreme Colorado Whitewater Rafting Adventure!

Durango Extreme Whitewater Experience: Conquer continuous rapids and explore 14,000-foot peaks in the most spectacular and entertaining 26 miles of whitewater in Colorado. Considered to be one of the toughest commercially run trips in the United States, the Upper Animas river brings adventure enthusiasts from around the world to Durango, Colorado. Cascading creeks and waterfalls pour into the river as you face continuous sections of whitewater that leave your arms shaking from the constant paddling. Travel on the historic Durango & Silverton Train through the heart of Colorado’s largest wilderness area to access this adventure, a unique and rewarding way to start and/or end your adventure. All participants must be strong swimmers, in great physical condition, and able to paddle as the boat bounces, spins, and submerges!  Mandatory pre-trip safety orientation includes a practice raft trip with a swim through a Class III rapid!

Looking for a great wilderness trip with lots of technical whitewater, but not quite the intensity of high-water runoff in June? As water levels lower in mid-summer so does the difficulty of the trip. Age recommendations drop to 14 for the Needleton Section and the trip lowers in intensity from extreme to advanced with one portage for those rafters who are under age 16 or do not want to run the bigger rapid. The ability to walk around the Class V rapids at more moderate water levels allows a larger spectrum of river enthusiasts to experience this magical Colorado rafting trip.

Our One Day Upper Animas River rafting guests only have one regret: missing out on our spectacular, deluxe, private camp and the thrilling rafting of day two! Our unmatched base camp is complete with a kitchen tent, potbelly wood burning stove, bathroom teepee, camp tables, and chairs, hammocks, horseshoes, games, campfire pit, and occasionally a visit from the area’s bear! Then, after your relaxing night in the canyon, you get another spectacular day of whitewater rafting! All of the Upper Animas River rafting trip options are complete when you board the famous Narrow Gauge Railroad, overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, for your shuttle out of Colorado’s most imposing canyon. Upper Animas raft trips starting at $305. Click here for directions to our main office in Durango.

Adventure Level Options

With three distinct sections, the Upper Animas has multiple adventure levels to suit your needs. All sections use a standard raft that will hold up to six guests.

Rockwood Gorge

High Adventure

Rockwood gorge can only run at low water levels. Expect big drops and class IV – V rapids. High adventure level.

Silverton Section

Extreme/Highest Adventure

The Silverton section is our highest adventure offering. Constant class III-V rapids.

Needleton Section

Intermediate/High Adventure

The Needleton section, while still high adventure, is the lowest adventure level section on the Upper Animas

Trip Options

Single Day

Multi-Day

3 Day High Adventure Whitewater Package

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Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first day of this package tackling the Lower box of the Piedra river. On the next two days take on the infamous upper animas river on a two day trip. Guests will be responsible for thier first night of lodging in historic Durango, CO. The second night will be catered camping on the Upper Animas river, deep in the Weminuche ilderness. Save 7.5% when booking this package, over the cost of the Lower Piedra and Upper Animas booked as seperate trips.

4 DAY HIGH ADVENTURE WHITEWATER PACKAGE

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Combine the Lower Piedra and the Upper Animas rivers into an exciting high adventure whitewater trip. Spend the first two days of this package tackling the little known Piedra river in Pagosa Springs, CO. On the next two days take on the infamous Upper Animas river on a two day trip. Guests will be responsible for their second night of lodging in historic Durango, CO. The third night will be catered camping on the Upper Animas river, deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Save 7.5% when booking this package, over the cost of the Piedra 2-day and Upper Animas 2-day booked as separate trips.

Private Trips

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Rockwood Gorge Silverton CO - Mild to Wild    Upper Animas River Silverton CO - Mild to Wild    Upper Animas River Silverton CO - Mild to Wild

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