Upper Animas

Needleton Section Camp Out

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.

Overview

Season

Late May – August

Restrictions

High water: Ages 16+ (May – June)

Mid-Low water: Ages 14+ (Late June – August)

Other Considerations:

Physical fitness essential
Required river swim practice at start of trip
Wetsuits required (rentals available)
Paddling experience recommended

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 Raft - Up to 4 guests

Book Your Trip

Needleton section Camp out Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

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.

Upper Animas River Rafting Trip Map – Mild to Wild Rafting

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.

Booking Options

Standard Rafts

15 foot self-bailing rafts (up to 8 guests).

We use Oar Boats or Paddle Boats on these trips depending on water levels. Oar Boats, typically used at high water, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at low water, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!

Ages 16+ until late June
Ages 14+ late June through the end of season

Per Person

$749

Reviews from our Guests

Sandra Perez

We booked a tour of Mesa Verde for a full day. Arrived at 8:00; returned at 4:30. The day was not a blue bird sky day - we had clouds, drizzle, rain and grey but the experience was surreal. Overlooks of amazing architecture in the cliffs, pit adobes in the corn fields, storage of grain in the cliffs - all viewed easily from the road and overlooks. Easily seen but not easily understood. That’s where our tour guide, Jay was an incredible asset. He added so much to our viewing of these spaces that we will take away incredible knowledge of the Pueblan People. And then the tour of the Palace. WOW! In fact, WOW was the word of the day! Jay was the best of the best. I have gone with Viator before and have not been disappointed. They pick the best tour companies in the area. Thanks Jay for a wonderful experience.

R C

Eli was amazing!!!! Well guided and have to say we were the only boat to have one maybe two people go overboard! Haha! But seriously, calm, knowledgeable and fun!

Deb Terry

From start to finish our guide, Tim made sure that we had the absolute best experience on the Jeep tour! The sites that he took us to, the information he gave us ensured a memory of a lifetime! Highly recommend!

Crystal Lemmons

The half day kayak trip was an adventure worth experiencing. Eli was our guide and was helpful and enjoyable.

R Di Wu

Hannah our guide was amazing!! She took expert care of two moms and our 5 and 7 year old kids!! All the other guides played water gun battle with our kids the whole trip!! Paton was the other guide and I forgot the other names 😭 everyone was awesome 😀 Highly recommend!! We also tried Tom's for Canadian food like the guides recommended and it was delicious!!! Thank you!!! Will be back!!!

Oleksii Misiura

First time on the rafting, and i received best experience, highly recommend this place to visit Special thanks to the instructors Eli, Hannah and Payton, best guy's!

Dmytro Dmytrenko

Really emotional and fun trip, thanks to all team. Everyone should try kayaking

Trey Walker

Creed and Peyton were awesome guides! Would highly recommend checking out this place.

Nikki Coppola

Peyton was an awesome guide! Beautiful scenery and so much fun!

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with 35% down, then 35% at 180 days, and 30% at 60 days before your trip. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Booking closer to your trip?

Within 180 days: 65% due at booking
Within 60 days: paid in full at booking

Minimum deposits apply.

Cancellation Policy

We conform to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad cancellation policy. Train ticket refunds/cancellations are subject to a fee cancelled 5 days before your reserved date. There are no refunds issued on reservations cancelled less than 5 days before your reserved date.

Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
At Upper Animas orientation, if determined this 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. For overnight trips, the non refundable amount is $300 per person. Train tickets may be able to be transferred depending on the train’s availability.
Trip Insurance through RoamRight is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances.

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).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

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.

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

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire

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.

Camping

Get all the details you need about what it's like to camp with Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

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.

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