Needleton Camp Out - Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours

About this Trip

Spend the night under the glimmering skies of the Weminuche Wilderness, before taking on the non-stop waves of the Upper Animas the following day on our Needleton Camp Out trip! This 2-day excursion feels like a true expedition, with a ride on the historic Durango Train in and out of the roaring canyons where you’ll be rafting.

The Needleton Section of the Upper Animas churns up constant Class II and III rapids, with a handful of Class IV and V drops throughout the run. An orientation is required to raft this wild section of the Upper Animas with us. All participants must be physically fit and strong swimmers who are ready to paddle it out while the boat bounces, spins, and submerges in this world-class whitewater run.

The first day of this trip includes an orientation in the morning (expect around 2-3 hours for this), lunch, and a shuttle/train ride into the Upper Animas Canyon. Dinner will be served in the evening at one of our comfortable established camps along the river, with time to explore the area and enjoy the surrounding views of 14,000 foot peaks. The next day, a hearty hot breakfast will be served (you’re going to need it!) before taking on the pandemonium of the Upper Animas. After a full day on the river, we’ll take out and head for the train tracks to take us back to civilization.

Join us on this journey if you’re ready to experience the ultimate combination of history, adventure, adrenaline, and serenity in the remote reaches of Colorado’s largest wilderness.

Upper Animas Needleton Camp Out trips are limited to groups of 8, starting at $749.

Needleton on the Upper Animas

Season

Late May – Early August

Class of Rapids

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

Meet Time

8:00 AM

Return

4:00 PM

Boat Options

Standard Rafts

We use 15 foot self-bailing rafts with an oar frame with paddle assist. We typically have 4 paddlers in the boat with the guide on the oars.

This trip is limited to groups of 8, please include the dates you’d like when you submit your inquiry!

Ages 16+ until late June

Ages 14+ late June through the end of season

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 24 hrs 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

Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, unfortunately there will be no refund.

At Upper Animas orientation, if it determined this river 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. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability. We conform to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad cancellation policy.

Trip Insurance through RoamRight is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances.

Request More Info

Upper Animas FAQ

Durango First Timers Guide

Itinerary

Day 1

8:00 AM

Meet at our Durango Office (50 Animas View Dr) for your wetsuit fitting and get ready for orientation on the Lower Animas.

Practice paddle commands and safety, and swim various sections of the river.

Return to the Durango Office, have lunch, and shuttle out to Rockwood Station to board the Durango Train.

3:00 PM -ish

Head over to camp for the evening, enjoy the scenery and dinner, and get ready for an adventurous day tomorrow.

Day 2

7:00 AM -ish

Wake up to the smell of perfectly percolated coffee, followed by a freshly cooked breakfast.

Pack up camp, and get ready to hit the river with the Needleton day trippers arriving off the train.

Time to raft! Paddle through continuous Class III rapids as a warm up.

Scout the “Broken Bridge” Class V rapid and run it, followed by more continuous Class IIIs.

Stop for a delicious deli-style spread for lunch.

Hop back the river for another dose of Class III rapids before scouting/running “Tank Creek” rapid.

Run your final Class IV rapids— “Specter” and “The Narrows.”

Take out at the Tacoma Power Station, de-rig the boats, and board the train. Enjoy a well deserved break and the amazing scenery of Rockwood Gorge!

Arrive at the Rockwood Station and shuttle back to Durango.

4:00 PM

Arrive back at Mild to Wild.

* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.

Important Considerations

San Juan National Forrest - Upper Animas - Mild to Wild Rafting

· Orientation the morning before heading out 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

For Rafting:

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

For Camping:

Sleeping bag (available for purchase)
Tent (available for purchase)
Sleeping pad (available for rent)
Small pillow
Warm base layers
Warm socks, beanie & gloves
Headlamp or flashlight
Sneakers/hiking shoes
Rain gear
Personal items & toiletries
Alcoholic beverages if desired in non-glass containers. Please bring in moderation.

Upper Animas

Needleton Section Camp Out