What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip - Essential Rafting Attire
Upper Animas
One Day Rockwood Gorge Section
About This Trip
This trip is currently unavailable for the 2023 season. See our Needleton Section for available Upper Animas trips.
When the waters of the Animas River recede, fear not adrenaline junkies! The Rockwood Gorge becomes the section of choice for the Upper Animas with its big drops and channeled flow.
Due to the intensity of this particular stretch, we can only raft Rockwood Gorge at low water levels in paddle boats. This narrow and steep canyon offers exhilarating Class II and III rapids with several large Class IV’s and two Class V’s— “Mandatory Thrash” and “Dangerocity.”
For the put-in and take-out of this remote adventure, the only access is from Durango Train in the heart of Colorado’s largest wilderness area. And since this gorge is so isolated, we’re required to exit the canyon with a 3/4 mile hike to the railroad tracks. You’ll carry out your personal rafting gear, and the guides carry the boats.
Every participant must be a strong swimmer and able to constantly paddle through fabulously frothy and highly technical whitewater. An orientation is required to run this roaring section of the Animas River with us.
Upper Animas, One-Day Rockwood trips start at $499.
Season
Late Season Option Only
Class of Rapids
IV & V with continuous II & III
Meet Time
8:00 AM
Return
4:30 PM
Boat Options
Standard Rafts
Itinerary
Orientation Evening Prior (Required)
Those who cannot make the orientation the evening prior have the option to complete it the morning prior to the trip (comes with a $75 charge.)
4:45 PM
Check into our office to get fitted for your thermal wetsuit gear and go on the orientation raft trip where you will take your practice swim in a Class II+ to III+ rapid.
Day Of
8:00 AM
Meet at our Main Office in Durango.
Shuttle to Rockwood station to board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Descend from the train and get suited up for the river.
Hit the river! Begin with “Mandatory Thrash,” your first Class V of the day. Continue through numerous, thrilling Class III rapids, in your face and over your head!
Stop for lunch, a delicious deli-style spread.
Hurry back to the river for even more Class II & III rapids. Experience “Dangerocity” rapid, a Class V, as well as Hunter S. Thompson (III+), “Red Rocks” (IV+) and the Guardian (Class IV).
At the end of the trip, you will change into your hiking clothes and shoes hike the 3/4 of a mile out of the canyon carrying your personal rafting gear, while the guides carry the boats!
Arrive at the Rockwood station, and shuttle back to Durango.
4:30 PM
Arrive back at Mild to Wild.
* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.
Important Considerations
· Orientation is at 4:45 the evening prior to your scheduled trip and is 100% required. Orientation will include a practice raft trip and a swim through a Class II+ to III+ rapid, so come with a swimsuit and be prepared to get wet!
· Plan 2 to 3 hours for this orientation. If you need to schedule for a different time, there is a $50/person charge.
· All participants must be in outstanding physical shape. When rafting, it is important to choose the trip that matches the level of the least adventurous and least physically fit person in your group. It is dangerous to ignore physical limitations.
· After orientation, if it is determined that the Upper Animas is not the right trip for you, we will move you to a more suitable river. See our Cancellation Policy for rescheduling fees.
· As the season progresses and water levels change, we reserve the right to change river sections based on the type of trip you are looking for and your abilities.
· All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions
What to Wear & Bring
- Wetsuit (available for rent)
- Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
- Splash Jacket (available for free)
- Fleece jacket and fleece socks
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing
- Hat (that fits under your helmet)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottle
- Camera with waterproof case
Rockwood Camp Out Option
Want to experience the excitement of rafting the Upper Animas AND the starry skies of the Weminuche Wilderness in one trip? Our Camp Out trip is for you!
Meet at our main office at 11:00 AM on the first day of your excursion. You’ll get you suited up for the river and the head out for your orientation on the Lower Animas section in Durango.
After you’ve nailed the orientation, we’ll depart for Silverton (with lunch provided on the way) and board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for your shuttle into the canyon. The train will let us off at the camp site, where you’ll have time to relax, wander, and enjoy your time in this beautiful wilderness while our guides prepare dinner.
After a peaceful night under the stars, wake up to hot coffee and breakfast before taking down camp, loading the gear back on the train, and beginning your exhilarating day of whitewater rafting!
Request Campout Info
