Kayaking Durango

Kayaking Durango

Lower Animas River

Durango Kayaking on the Lower Animas River

Half Day & 3/4-Day Whitewater river trips on the Animas River in Durango, Colorado

Inflatable kayaks offer the best of both worlds: the stability of a raft and maneuverability of a kayak. Paddle, spin and surf your way down the Animas River in your own craft, under the leadership of an instructional guide. No prior experience is necessary, but being physically fit is!

*Please Note* If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.

Not quite ready to take on the river in your own inflatable river craft? Try rafting Durango’s Lower Animas River first!

Click here for directions to our main office in Durango.

Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

Wide shot of two people in Inflatable Kayaks on the Lower Animas River - Scenicm ountain background

More About This Trip

Rafting in Durango is one of the most popular things to do for locals and visitors alike. Once you’re bounding downstream, it’s easy to see why everyone loves running the Lower Animas so much. The town run comes with a perfect mix of excitement with “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” “Sawmill,” and “Pinball” rapids interspersed between relaxing sections to unwind and socialize.

Naturally, the guides are a big part of the experience! Durango raft guides have the down low on the area’s rich history, stories of local traditions, and topnotch dinner recommendations. They take care of the paddle commands and navigation, so no experience is necessary! We provide all you need including safety orientation and paddle instruction.

Since the Lower Animas is a free flowing river, water levels widely vary throughout the season. Spring is the best time to catch high flows and big rapids, while the flows gradually lower throughout summer and rapid ratings drop a ½ to a full notch. Don’t be discouraged when the flows get low— The river can become a very technical float trip with lots of rocks to maneuver around! We love it at all levels!

Our trips:

  • The 3/4 Day option gives you the full Durango rafting experience with about 4 hours on the water and a riverside lunch. (6 hours total)
  • The Half Day option offers the best bang for your buck, giving you around 2 hours on the water. (4 hours total)
  • If you just want a quick taste of what rafting is like, opt for the 1/4 Day option for 1 hour on the water. (2.5 hours total)
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Trip Options

Durango Kayaking Trips

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What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Options

  1. 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
  2. 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
  3. 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

  • Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.

Trip Change Option:

  • Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.

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Trip Planning Info

FAQ

Lower Animas Rafting
Got questions about the Lower Animas? We've got answers!
Lower Animas FAQ

Getting to Durango

Lower Animas Rafting
Where Durango is located and the best ways to get there.
Directions

Lodging

Lower Animas Rafting
Our favorite local spots to stay while in Durango.
Lodging

Weather

Lower Animas Rafting
What the weather and water is like in Durango.
Weather

Best Times to Visit

Lower Animas Rafting
What to expect and do during each season.
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First Timer's Guide

Lower Animas Rafting
All of our local tips & recommendations.
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