Upper Animas River Rafting

The Ultimate Class V Colorado Whitewater Rafting Adventure!

Upper Animas River Rafting
Location:	Inside the canyon between Durango & Silverton
Adventure Level:	High Water: Silverton Section – Ultimate High Adventure/Extreme Low Water: Needleton Section – Advanced Intermediate
Class:	High Water: Class IV & V with continuous Class II and III Low Water: Continuous, technical Class II & III with Class IV+ rapids
Season:	Late May – Early August
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
Current Water Levels
CLICK on the video to see the Animas in action!

Upper Animas River Trip Description:

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.

Does part of your group want a mild trip while you paddle away all day? Check out the Lower Animas 3/4-Day!

Can’t get enough high adventure?? The Ultimate Whitewater Adventure is your ticket to multi-day fun!


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 kitchen tent, pot belly 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 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. Click here for directions to our main office in Durango.

Upper Animas Rafting Trip Options