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)
Trip Options
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.
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 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Cancellation Policy
Receive an 80% refund with written notice 5 days prior to trip departure. Less notice, no refund.
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).
Reviews
I’ve been on many tours with Mild to Wild. We continue to go back every year. Mild to Wild and the staff provide excellent customer service and truly try to find the best trip for…
Jadea Braddy
Click to read moreWhat an awesome white water rafting trip! Molly asked my family of five about our previous rafting experience and then recommended the Upper Piedra. It was perfect (mostly 2 & 3’s with a couple of…
Kent Coggan
Click to read moreWe had a great time with Ellen on our trip. She was fun, knowledgeable, safe and got us down the river in one piece! We had a blast.
Joslyn
Click to read moreJenny helped me book a last minute group of 8 in our party to be able to raft the Upper Piedra river. Ellen was our guide and we had an absolute blast! We would highly…
Ian Jensen
Click to read moreThe Piedra River is your river if you want exciting white water set in a beautiful, wooded, wilderness canyon. Mild-2-Wild provided excellent river guides and safety kayaker (thanks: Emma, Miles, Orion with driver support from…
Mike Silver
Click to read moreSpecial Ways We Care for You on the Upper Piedra River
- Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4-6 guests to 1 guide
- Safety boater included on single boat trips, or trip operated with 2 boats for safety
- Highly trained, professional trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience
- Thermal wetsuits available for rental including the 5.5 mm wetsuit, 2.5 mm jacket and wetsuit boots
- Multi-faceted Satellite/Spot communication systems to increase safety
- Different boat options for various water levels and adventure desires