The Lower Animas River flows right through the heart of Durango, offering an excellent mix of scenic, calm sections (Class I and II) and exciting whitewater, culminating in the Class III rapid Smelter Rapid at the Durango Whitewater Park.
An inflatable kayak, often called a “ducky,” is the ideal way to experience the river while in control of your own destiny. Unlike rafting, where a guide directs the paddling for the group, duckies allow you to fully control navigation of the river craft. The soft buoyant design makes inflatable kayaks more forgiving than hard shells, ideal for less experienced river runners who are looking for a river kayaking experience. Before grabbing a paddle to head for the water, it’s crucial to understand the river environment.
Choosing Your Experience: Rental vs. Guided Tour
| For a Rental Choose… | For a Guided Tour Choose… |
| Calm Water: You only want to float the mellow, flatwater sections upstream of town (Oxbow Park to 9th Street). | Whitewater: You want to run the exciting Class II and III rapids, including Smelter Whitewater Park. |
| Independence: You have solid river knowledge, your own transportation plan, and are comfortable with self-rescue. | Professional Guide Support: You want professional instruction, all logistics handled, and an expert guide navigating the most challenging currents. |
Guided Kayaking Trip Options
Mild to Wild offers trips tailored to your schedule and desired adventure level. All trips include professional guides, necessary gear, and round-trip transportation.
| Trip | Time on Water (Approx.) | Total Trip Time (Approx.) | Per Person | Comments |
| ¼ Day Kayaking | 1 Hour | 2 hours 20 minutes | $99 | A quick teaser |
| ½ Day Kayaking | 2 Hours 15 Minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes | $119 | The most popular option |
| ¾ Day Kayaking | 4 Hours 15 Minutes | 5 hours 45 minutes | $189 | Includes river side lunch |
Note: In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees.
Important Trip Restrictions:
- Age: Minimum Age 12
- Height: Minimum Height 5′ 2″ (if under the age of 12)
- Water Levels: Trips run when water levels are below 1800 CFS.
- Fitness: Must be physically fit for constant paddling and prepared for a potential swim.
Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?
1. Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides: Our guides are certified professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. They provide a comprehensive orientation and paddle instruction before you get on the water, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident. They’re right there with you throughout the trip, offering real-time instructions, assistance, and leading navigation down the river. Our trip leaders average 2,000 river miles and are certified in CPR & First Aid.
2. Navigate Class II & III Rapids with Assurance: The Lower Animas River features class II rapids include Train Bridge, Baby Smelter, Santa Rita, and Saw Mill. Smelter Rapid, the class III rapid on the stretch, is a guest favorite. Our guides know the best lines to take to best navigate the rapids.
3. Superior, Custom-Designed Equipment: We provide top-of-the-line, self-bailing inflatable kayaks that are far more stable and maneuverable than hard kayaks. We take the guesswork out of gear by providing everything you need, including Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and helmets. Neoprene wetsuits and boots are also available for rent.
4. All Logistics Handled: A guided tour is stress-free. We provide round-trip transportation from our meet location, free on-site parking, and on-site bathrooms and changing rooms. We take care of all the planning and logistics, so all you have to do is show up ready to paddle.
5. Local Knowledge and Insight: Our guides are local experts who will point out wildlife, share stories about the area’s history, and offer insights into the unique geology of the San Juan Mountains. It’s an educational and enriching experience that turns a simple paddle into a full adventure.
Inflatable Kayak Rentals:
For those with a solid understanding of river navigation and the outdoors, renting an inflatable kayak (or ducky) can be an option. However, rentals are only recommended for the calmer sections of the river when flowing under 1800 CFS, and only for intermediate paddlers comfortable with self-rescue. Visit the United States Geological Survey (USGS) site to check the current Lower Animas River flows
If you choose to rent, you are your own guide. This means you need to be fully prepared and responsible for your own well-being, transportation, and equipment.
Rental Overview
| Detail | Description |
| Location | Mild to Wild Durango, CO office50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301 |
| Inclusions | Single or Double Inflatable Kayak, Paddles, PFD (personal flotation device), Patch Kit, & Pump |
| Restrictions | River flow must be below established limits (check daily CFS). Kayaking requires more skill than tubing/rafting. |
| Transportation | No shuttle is provided. Kayakers must coordinate their own put-in and take-out transportation. |
The Recommended Kayaking Float (Calm Water)
The calmer stretches of the river, especially from Oxbow Park to the 32nd Street bridge, are perfect for a gentle, scenic float. Use this as your guide to plan your self-guided adventure:
| Float Section | Put-In | Take-Out | Approximate Kayak Time |
| Short Scenic Float | Oxbow Park | 32nd Street Bridge | 1 Hour |
| Extended Float | Oxbow Park | Recreation Center Take-Out | 2 Hours |
| Maximum Recommended | Oxbow Park | 9th Street Bridge | 3+ Hours (Be prepared for faster currents and obstacles). Hazards include class 2 rapids and bridge pylons. |
A Critical Warning: The river’s character changes significantly past the 9th Street Bridge as it approaches the Santa Rita Whitewater Park, where Class III rapids like “Smelter” await. It is never recommended to proceed past the 9th Street Bridge in an unguided inflatable kayak if you are a novice or do not have Class III self-rescue experience. These features are challenging and require a high level of skill and experience to navigate successfully.
Kayaking Tips & Tricks for a Rental Adventure
To maximize your rental experience, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Secure Your Gear: Use a dry bag with a clip to secure your phone, keys, and snacks to your boat. The river will try to claim anything loose! Dry bags can be purchased at the Mild to Wild office.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Water shoes or sandals with heel straps are essential. Flip-flops will be lost the second you step out of the boat or hit a wave. Wetsuit boots are available for rent for $7/pair.
- Avoid Cotton: Wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothing. Cotton stays wet, which can lead to chilling, even on a warm day. Wetsuits and paddle jackets are highly recommended for colder days or high water. Wetsuits are available for rent for $10 each.
- Be Your Own Guide: You must know how to read the river, identify hazards like strainer logs or exposed rocks, and know exactly what to do if you capsize.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water! A secured water bottle is a must, especially during the peak summer months. Carabiners are available in the gift shop for purchase to secure your water bottle.
- Know the Rules: No open containers of alcohol or glass containers are allowed on the river. Pack out all your trash.
- Yield to Others: Be polite to anglers (move to the opposite side of the river to pass) and yield to downstream boats when necessary.
Guided Inflatable Kayaking Tours
While renting offers a sense of independence, a guided inflatable kayaking tour is, without a doubt, the superior option for experiencing the true thrills of the Lower Animas River, especially the white water park.
For those looking to run the Class II and III rapids, experience the entire scenic stretch, and paddle with the confidence that comes from having an expert guide by your side, a Mild to Wild tour is the way to go.
Ready to Paddle?
Inflatable kayaking the Lower Animas River is an incredible way to experience a local’s favorite Durango’s. While a rental might seem appealing for its lower price point, a professionally guided trip far exceeds the rental option in value. Regardless of your adventure choice, Mild to Wild is excited to share the Lower Animas River with other adventurers!