Durango 1/2 Day Kayaking Trip

Lower Animas River

About This Trip

Conquer the Rapids of the Lower Animas!

For those who want to be in control of their own destiny and increase the the level of adventure on Durango’s Animas River, we offer inflatable kayaks! Inflatable kayaks offer the best of both worlds: the maneuverability of a kayak and the stability of a raft. No experience is necessary as an instructional guide goes along with the trip in their own inflatable or hard shell kayak to teach you what to do.

During the later season, all rapids can be downgraded a half to a full Class, making the inflatable kayaks a great way to experience the Lower Animas River! These smaller crafts are easier to maneuver through the river channels and avoid the rocks that rise up at lower water levels.

Durango Kayaking half day trips start at $129.

See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
Learn a fun skill while hanging out with fun, entertaining river guides
Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters

Overview

Season

May – September

Restrictions

Inflatable Kayak: Age 12+. Dependent on water level.

Class of Rapids

High Water: II and III

Low Water: I, II & one III

Meet Time

8:30 AM or 1:30 PM

Return

12:15 PM or 5:15 PM

Boat Options

Kayak - 1 guest per kayak

Book Your Trip

1/2 Day Durango Kayaking Trip

Trip Planning

Itinerary & Map

8:30 AM or 1:30 PM

Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and Bootie rentals are required through June and highly recommended from July on.

Shuttle to the river for safety orientation and kayak instructions.

Hit the river!

Practice getting in and out of your inflatable kayak at the “Lake”.

Tackle “Train Bridge Rapid,” “Baby Smelter” and finally the Class III “Smelter Rapid”.

Take a break and enjoy a river side snack of granola bars and fresh fruit.

Paddle your way through “Santa Rita,” “Sawmill” and “Pinball” (depending on flows).

12:15 PM or 5:15 PM

Take out and shuttle back. Arrive back to the office approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes after your departure time.

Booking Options

Inflatable Kayaks

Up the adventure level!

This could be you; get ready for a great workout as you navigate your own kayak through the Lower Animas!

Ages 12+

Per Person

$129

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jim Wade 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Teaf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent in every respect
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy McCullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kimber R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Joyce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deanna Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people.  We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mr. Debatable 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melody Urso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Krystal Folsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

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

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to the trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a full refund with written notice 24 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.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (i.e. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

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.

What to Wear & Bring

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 (if you’re not using wetsuit booties)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with a strap
Water bottle
Camera with waterproof case
Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)

Trips through June and after July

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)
Splash Jacket

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire

Important Considerations

If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.
Wetsuits are required through June and are highly recommended after July.
Physical fitness is recommended, as this trip is a bit of a workout!
The inflatable kayaks sits low in the water, so there will be water in the kayak the whole time. Thus, you’re going to get wet! If everyone in your group isn’t up for the challenge of an inflatable kayak just yet, they can go along in a raft with a guide at the same time!
We do not provide snacks on this trip, so bring some along in a small waterproof bag along with your water bottle.