Durango, Colorado, is a true mecca for outdoor adventure, and at its heart flows the magnificent Animas River. While many know this waterway for its thrilling white water rafting, there’s another, more serene way to experience its beauty: stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Paddleboarding offers a unique, personal connection to the river, allowing you to glide over the water, feel the gentle currents, and take in the stunning scenery from a new perspective.
But before you grab a board and a paddle, it’s critical to understand the lay of the land—or, in this case, the water. The Animas River, particularly the Lower Animas section that flows through town, is a tale of two rivers. It has both calm, tranquil stretches perfect for leisurely exploration and powerful white water sections that are best left to professional guides in more stable vessels. For your safety and enjoyment, and to ensure you have an unforgettable day on the water, it’s vital to know where to go and where to avoid.
Paddle Boarding the Mellow Sections
For those with personal experience or the desire to go it alone, a stand-up paddleboard is an excellent vessel for exploring the Animas’s peaceful, flatwater stretches. Just like our recommendations for tubing the Animas, we can’t stress enough that the mellow sections are the only suitable option for unguided paddleboarding. These stretches offer a beautiful experience where the gentle current allows you to relax and enjoy the serene environment.
The most recommended and accessible route for a self-guided paddleboard adventure is the stretch from Oxbow Park to the 32nd Street Bridge. This section of the river is characterized by a calm, consistent flow and a few fun, mild ripples. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. As you glide along, you’ll pass beautiful riverside homes, lush vegetation, and get an incredible view of the glacially created Animas River Valley.
Some considerations before venturing out on your stand up paddle boarding adventure include:
- River Safety: You must know how to read the water, identify potential hazards like submerged rocks, fallen trees (strainers), and how to perform a self-rescue if you fall off your board.
- Paddling Technique: You need to have a solid grasp of how to paddle effectively, steer the board, and maintain your balance in a variety of conditions, even in the absence of major rapids.
- River Regulations: You are responsible for knowing and adhering to all local rules and regulations, including where to legally put in and take out.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan for every contingency. You’ll need to know what to do if you lose your board, get swept downstream, or need assistance. Unlike a guided trip, you don’t have a professional with rescue gear and a plan right by your side.
Paddle Upstream from Oxbow: A Hidden Gem
While most people float downstream with the current, a unique and rewarding experience awaits those who decide to paddle upstream from the Oxbow Preserve. This section of the Animas River is incredibly scenic and perfect for a peaceful, meditative paddle.
From the launch point at Oxbow Park, you can paddle against the river’s gentle current for as long as you like. The river here is wide and slow-moving, making it easy to make headway upstream. As you paddle, you’ll be treated to spectacular, unobstructed views of the Animas River Valley and the majestic, rolling foothills of the southern San Juan Mountains. This vantage point offers a completely different perspective than you get from the riverbank, with towering cliffs, lush riverine forests, and the occasional sighting of local wildlife like deer, beavers, and great blue herons.
Paddling upstream first is a great way to control exactly how much time you want to spend on the river. For instance, a quick float from Oxbow Preserve downstream to the 32nd Street takeout takes only about 20 minutes. By paddling upriver for a set amount of time before turning back, you can ensure your total trip fits perfectly into your schedule. When you’re ready, simply turn around and let the current do the work as you leisurely float back to your starting point. This is an ideal way to get a workout and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area without the stress of navigating rapids or worrying about a downstream shuttle.
The Guided Tour: Our Recommended Choice
While self-guided paddleboarding on the mellow sections of the Animas is a fantastic option, if your goal is to experience the thrilling white water that the river is famous for, a guided tour is one of the best ways to do it. At Mild to Wild, we don’t offer guided paddleboard tours on the Lower Animas precisely because the white water sections are not a safe environment for SUPs. Instead, we provide professionally guided adventures on more stable vessels.
Our guided trips in rafts and inflatable kayaks offer a host of benefits that a DIY trip simply can’t match:
- Expert Guides & Instruction: Our guides are seasoned professionals who know the river intimately. They’ll teach you all the necessary paddling techniques and navigate the best lines through the rapids.
- Superior Equipment: We provide top-of-the-line, self-bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks that are specifically designed to handle white water. We also supply all the necessary safety gear, including Coast Guard-approved PFDs and helmets.
- Group Support: You’ll be part of a team, with your guide and fellow paddlers looking out for one another. You can focus on the fun, knowing that you have a team of experts ready to assist if needed.
- Logistics Handled: Forget about shuttling vehicles or finding parking. Our team handles all the logistics from start to finish. All you have to do is show up ready for an adventure.
A guided tour is the smartest choice for families and friends who want to experience the full force and fun of the Lower Animas without the stress and risk of navigating it alone. It’s an instant sense of camaraderie as you all conquer the rapids together, sharing in the splashes and the laughs.
Ready for Your Animas Adventure?
Whether you choose a peaceful paddle upstream or a thrilling ride through the rapids, the Animas River is waiting for you. For the calm, scenic parts of the river, a stand-up paddleboard is a fantastic choice, but remember to stay on the mellow, flatwater sections. However, if you want to experience the true rush of Durango’s white water, a guided tour is the only way to go.