Upper Animas One Day Needleton Section
Upper Animas River
Upper Animas
One Day Rockwood Gorge Section
About This Trip
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— so be prepared to help your guide navigate through the rapids. 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! All points presented, every participant must be a strong swimmer and able to constantly paddle through fabulously frothy and highly technical whitewater.
Upper Animas, One-Day Rockwood trips start at $449.
Season
Late Season Option Only
Class of Rapids
IV & V with continuous II & III
High Adventure
Meet Time
8:00 AM
Return
5:30 PM
Boat Options
Standard Rafts
13 foot self-bailing rafts rigged as a paddle boat. Be ready to paddle and swim on your pre-trip orientation!
Ages 16+
New Flexible Payment & 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
A 90% refund, less than the train ticket fees, is issued for cancellations received in writing 5 days prior to trip departure.
At the orientation, if it is determined that the Upper Animas is not the right trip for you, there is a $250 nonrefundable train ticket & orientation trip fee per person. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability. After the $250 nonrefundable fee, the remaining trip balance may be applied to any of our other trip options or kept on your account in a trip gift certificate for future use.
We conform to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad cancellation policy. Train ticket cancellations are subject to a fee 5 days before your reserved date. There are no refunds issued on reservations cancelled less than 5 days before your reserved date.
Itinerary
DAY BEFORE ITINERARY
5:15 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 1 ITINERARY
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.
5:30 PM
Arrive back at our office around 6:00 PM.
* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.
Rockwood Camp Out Option
Want to experience the excitement of Upper Animas whitewater rafting and a serene night under starry skies all in one trip? The Camp Out trip is for you! You will meet at our main office at 11:00 AM on the first day of your excursion. We’ll get you suited up for the river and head out for your on river orientation on the Lower Animas River.
After orientation, we will depart for Silverton (with lunch provided on the way!) where you will 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 get to relax, wander around and just enjoy your time in this beautiful wilderness while our guides prepare dinner.
After a peaceful night under the stars, you will 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!
Trip Map
