Upper Animas Highlights
The Upper Animas River, between Durango and Silverton, is one of the most notorious white water rafting trips in the United States. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness demands respect, stamina, and tenacity from all who encounter its wild waters.
- 100+ rapids
- Considered to be the most difficult commercially run river in the U.S.
- Continuous Class II and III with intermittent IV’s and V’s – no pools!
- Average gradient of 85 feet per mile.
- 14,000-foot peaks rising from the banks of the river.
- Roars through Colorado’s largest wilderness area – the famous Weminuche Wilderness.
- Catered overnight trips at our semi-permanent camp.
Does part of your group want a mild trip while you paddle away all day? Check out the Lower Animas 3/4-Day!
Rafting The Upper Animas River

More About This Trip
Trip Options
Upper Animas River
Campout in the Upper Animas Canyon and run the Needleton Section the next day!
Adult/Youth: $749
Upper Animas River
Take on constant class III and IV rapids, accessible only from the Durango Train!
Adults/Youth: $499
Our Client Reviews from Google
Stephen England2025-08-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great trip with Art. Learned a lot Sharon Chinnis2025-08-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was a great adventure, tour guide on jeep excursion Art was fantastic as was Larry who drove us to our jeep ride Dani P2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time paddling with this group. Everyone was knowledgeable and very friendly. Our guide ZB was great and made sure we were safe and enjoying our time. We will be back for the fun and the staff! Keep Zb around! Brenda Cobleigh2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great visit to Mesa Verde with our guide Cat. It saved us from driving the winding roads and we got a lot of insider knowledge. Food and drinks were provided and we had a nice small group of 6. Picking up in Mancos was easy. And Cat even took photos and videos for us. The Cliff Palace tour was very doable and worthwhile. Ryan Johnson2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ton of fun, guides were awesome 😎 M. McL.2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide, Cat, was fantastic, answering all our questions and showing real care for us. Thanks to her we had a wonderful day in Mesa Verde. Keenan Brophy2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 — would let Justin yell at me to paddle harder again, it was electric. Tom Tworoger2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Skyler, our guide, did a super job. He really helped my grandson and made sure he had a wonderful. time. The trip down the river and the entire staff did a great job. Lori Imeson2025-08-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Jeep tour in the area of Silverton. Jay was funny and very knowledgeable about the area. Enjoyed a moose sighting, and a bit of rockhounding while taking in the amazing views. If given the opportunity, ask for Jay.
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & 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
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.