Single Day Piedra River Adventure
Pagosa Springs White Water Rafting
Upper Piedra River
For the folks who want a thrilling whitewater rafting experience near Pagosa Springs, the Piedra River is the ultimate way to spend the day. Unlike Pagosa’s popular excursions on the San Juan River, the Piedra is one of the least known rafting trips in Colorado. Offering up to Class IV pool drop rapids, in as highly protected area of the San Juan National Forest, this Pagosa rafting trip is a must for those who want a more adventurous experience.
Upper Piedra River Trip Highlights:
· Highly restricted access by the Forest Service
· Unique pristine wilderness area in a dense, rainforest-like setting
· Pool drop rapids in between constant class II-III rapids
· Opportunities to spot wildlife, including bald eagle, hawks, bear, elk, deer, beaver, or otter
· Narrow corridors lined with granite cliffs and overhangs
· Most exciting whitewater rafting trip close to Pagosa Springs
· A good introduction to higher adventure rafting
Location/Season
Pagosa Spring, CO
Mid May – Late June
Adventure Level
Intermediate: Some swim potential and plenty of contact with the water.
Restrictions
Ages 12 and up
• Physical fitness required with the ability to hike out of the canyon 2 hours if necessary!
• Wetsuits Required (Rentals Available)
About the Upper Piedra
Through the rich forests of the Piedra River Canyon, a glimmering and free-flowing mountain stream rollicks with adventurous whitewater come spring. It’s Colorado’s most regulated and restricted river, and rafting within such a raw wilderness requires one eye for the rapids and the other for moose and black bears.
The Upper Piedra’s narrow waterway sends rafts bounding between gorgeous granite and hefty boulders, making the ride just as scenic as it technical for paddlers. The beginning of the run comes with long Class II rapid sections, followed by Class III and IV drops once the river fills from its contributing creeks along the way.
Be ready to spin and skirt around the river’s obstacles, and drop into chutes and staircase rapids— a great way to earn an evening at the hot springs!
Upper Piedra River raft trips starting at $209.00.
