Upper Animas
One Day Needleton Section
About This Trip
Ready to conquer non-stop Colorado whitewater on the undeniably rambunctious, free flowing Upper Animas River?! This special stretch comes with constant Class II and III rapids, with a handful of Class IV and V drops throughout the run.
It’s the most welcoming section of the Upper A, but don’t get it twisted that this trip should entice the faint of heart— The suds are still quite sizable out here folks! An orientation is required to run this frothy section of the Upper Animas with us.
All participants must be strong swimmers and able to put the paddle to the metal while the boat bounces, spins, and submerges in this world-class whitewater run. To add to the special nature of this wilderness trip, you’ll board the historic Durango & Silverton Train to access the put-in and take-out for the excursion.
From late June to late July, this is a fantastic, high adventure rafting trip to check off early in the season. To step it up a notch in the ultimate swell of fresh snowmelt, the run is great for advanced boaters from mid-May to June.
The only way to make the Upper Animas better is by staying at our semi-permanent camp for a night in the roaring belly of the Weminuche Wilderness on an Upper Animas Two Day trip.
Upper Animas, One Day Needleton trips start at $499.00
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
Itinerary
Orientation Evening Prior (Required)
Those who cannot make the orientation the evening prior have the option to complete it the morning before their 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! Enjoy continuous Class III rapids as a warm up. Scout “Broken Bridge”, a Class V rapid, and run it! Hit more continuous Class III rapids.
Stop for lunch, a delicious deli-style spread.
Hurry back to the river for even more Class III rapids. Scout and run “Tank Creek” rapid. Run your final Class IV rapids, “Specter” & “The Narrows.”
Arrive at the Tacoma Power Station, take out and de-rig boats for the train ride back. Board the train and relax as you take in the sites of the 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.
