1 Day Pagosa Springs White Water Rafting Trip

1-Day Trip on the Upper Box of the Piedra River in Southwest CO near Pagosa Springs

The Piedra River offers one of the most under-the-radar rafting trips in Colorado, flowing through a wonderfully rugged and highly protected swath of the San Juan National Forest. Down in the Piedra box canyon, one can expect narrow passageways lined with granite and looming ponderosas, with whitewater to oblige much of the way.

This section starts as a small creek with many technical Class II “splashes” that require maneuvering around various boulders. Consider this a warm up for the rest of the day! As creeks continue to cascade into the river, the Piedra swells with Class III “wet and fun” rapids and two stair-step Class IV rapids taking you over drops of 4 feet, 3 feet, and 2 feet into a pool of water.

Along the way, you’ll intermittent moments to put the paddle down and watch for wildlife, or admire the rare geology of this wild river canyon. We’ll stop for lunch in a forest grove midday, before finishing out the run through the trip’s biggest splashes.

Upper Piedra River 1-day raft trips starting at $209.00

· A thermal wetsuit is required – rentals are available.

· Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the shuttle to the river. There are no actual changing rooms at our remote meeting location.

· When the Piedra River level drops low (it gets real bony & the drops become more dramatic with bigger consequences), we will switch participants to the San Miguel River for a more suitable/fun trip. This will be arranged prior to your trip if necessary.

· Since there is only road access where we put-in and take-out, all participants must be in shape to hike up out of the canyon (uphill 2 hours) if needed. This level of physical fitness is necessary to participate in this trip.

· All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions.

• Wetsuits (available for rent)
• Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
• Fleece jacket and fleece socks (provides added warmth if you tend to get cold)
• Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
• Water shoes or secure sandals with heel straps (no flip flops or crocs!)
• Hat (that fits under your helmet)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Water bottle
• Camera with waterproof case

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