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!
Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

More About This Trip
Durango’s Lower Animas River is a playground for adventure, and inflatable kayaking is the perfect way to experience its thrill. Feel the rush as you navigate exciting rapids like “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” interspersed with calmer sections for enjoying the scenery and camaraderie.
Kayaking on the Lower Animas during lower water flows is an optimal choice in the later summer months as it amplifies the excitement of the rapids, offering a more challenging and exhilarating experience than rafting.
Our expert guides are more than just navigators – they’re local storytellers, sharing insights into Durango’s history and culture, and even offering insider tips on where to find the best post-kayaking meal. No prior kayaking experience is needed! We provide all the necessary gear, including high-quality inflatable kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices. Our guides will provide a comprehensive safety orientation and paddle instruction, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident on the water.
Choose from our 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip, Half Day Kayaking Trip, or 1/4 Day Kayaking Trip options to find the perfect fit for your schedule and desired level of excitement. Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Lower Animas River this summer!
Trip Options
Durango Kayaking Trips
Animas River
4hrs 15min on the water, 5hrs 45min from meet to return. Lunch included.
- Per person: $189
Animas River
2hrs 15min on the water, 3hrs and 45min from meet to return.
- Per person: $119
Animas River
1hr on water, 2hrs and 20min from meet to return.
- Per Person: $99
Kayak Trip Option Comparisons
Trip | Time on Water | Time from Meet to Return | Additional Cost Per Adult |
---|---|---|---|
¼ Day | 1hr | 2hr 20min | $99 |
1/2 Day AM | 2hr 15min | 3hr 45min | $119 |
¾ Day | 4hr 15min | 5hr 45min | $189 |
1 Day | 4hr | 7hr + lunch | $179 |
Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Free on-site parking
- On-site bathrooms and changing rooms
- Gift shop for your last-minute needs
- Action photos of your trip available for purchase
- Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard-approved river equipment
- Round-trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels, including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Our Client Reviews from Google
Kelly Cornelius2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fun 1/4 trip over Labor Day weekend! Caleb was our guide and he was great. Hoping to do a multi day in Moab and will request him as our guide! Kim Webb2025-08-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was great, loved the jeep ride, we even saw a bear! I am so glad that we only did the train one way, it would have been a really long day if we had rode it both ways. It was really heard to pick the place to sit on the train trying to guess what the weather would be like, so far in advance. I wish we would have sat in the open air car , but I did see a lot of people standing up and may have blocked my view. Over all it was a great day!! Rusty Havener2025-08-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lauren was an amazing guide... She was in charge and made us feel safe as well as having fun. 5 stars is not enough for her or the team Lacey Booth2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did rafting today with Caleb as our tour guide. He is an epic guide and all though a short trip it was a lot of fun. Dennis Pocius2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great guide can really elevate a tour, especially when they go the extra mile To make sure everyone feels informed and safe. Kat clearly knows her stuff! Sarah Wethington2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 experience!! We rafted late in the summer and were only able to do the quarter day. Can’t wait to go back for more!! Corbin was a great guide for our family!! Laura Isaacson2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Our guide Bella was amazing and gave us a lot of behind the scenes information we would have missed out on without the tour. We enjoyed our day with Bella! Laura Ulici2025-08-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time! Shout out to our guide Corbin! Hope you get that raffle prize
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
- 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.