FAQ's

Which section has more rapids?

The afternoon section.

Which section can you see Fisher Towers?

The morning section.

Which is more fun, single or double kayaks?

Single kayaks will naturally give you more independence, while double kayaks require some coordination with your shipmate. If you want a good workout, a single kayak is the way to go.

What do I wear?

When water temperatures are over 55° F

• Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sandals with straps (no crocs or flip flops allowed!) or anything any shoes that will stay securely on your feet.

When water temperatures are below 55° F, we highly recommend wearing a wetsuit. They are available to rent!

What’s the water temperature?

The temperatures on the Colorado River can change as fast as the weather in Moab, but here are the averages:

March: 45° F

April: 55° F

May – June: 65° F

July & September: 70° F

August: 75° F

Can I bring alcohol?

Nope! But feel free to check out the Best Bars in Moab to enjoy after your trip.

How deep is the water?

The average width of the Colorado River is 300 ft. across with an average depth of 20 ft.

Do I have to know how to swim?

If you choose to kayak, yes! If you choose rafting, nope! If you don’t want to swim, the best way to avoid it is to listen to the safety orientation. 

Why is the Half Day trip 4 hours if we’re only on the water for 2.5 to 3 hours?

There is a scenic drive to our put-in location, along with time built in to check in and sign waivers (if you didn’t already online) and change into your river getup.

How long is the shuttle to the Put-in?

Around 30 minutes.

Do you do a sunset trip?

Unfortunately we don’t run sunset trips, but check out our top recommendation for a sunset drive in Moab!

Can I take my 3 1/2 year old?

If your child is at least 35 pounds and the water levels are low, we may be able to accommodate you. All requests must be approved by a manager, so please give us a call!

Where is the Meet Location for the Upper Piedra River? 

If you make arrangements in advance, you can meet at our office in Durango in the morning to be shuttled to the put-in. Otherwise, here’s how you get there!

Google Maps Directions to Piedra River Put In

From Durango: Leave town on U.S. 160 East for approximately 40 miles, you will cross the Piedra River and turn left on Forest Rd. #622 (First Fork Road). Drive down this dirt road for one mile. Pull out on the left.

From Pagosa Springs: Leave town on U.S. 160 West for approximately 20 miles, just as you reach the Piedra River (do no cross the river) turn right on Forest Rd. #622 (First Fork Road). Drive down this dirt road for one mile. Pull out on the left.

Is orientation required? What’s involved?

Orientation is held the evening prior to your trip, and is totally optional. It includes a wetsuit fitting and a brief safety video for rivers of this nature. If you’re unable to make it, we’ll select a wetsuit based on the sizes you gave us, and give you more of a rundown of the paddling techniques before we hop on the river.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?  

You sure do! The Piedra River is one of the coldest rivers in Colorado, and hypothermia is not on the agenda for these trips. Our neoprene wetsuits are 3-5 mm. If you prefer to wear your own wetsuit or drysuit, go for it! Just let us know its specs in advance.

Do I have to have rafting experience? 

You don’t necessarily have to have rafting experience for the Upper Piedra River, but you do need to know how to swim and have plenty of stamina. This is a very technical river, so be ready to paddle it up!

When is the best time to raft the Upper Piedra River? 

The Piedra River is fed by the snowmelt of isolated basins in the San Juan Mountains, so its season is pretty brief, typically lasting from mid-May to mid-June.

It usually hits peak flows either the last days of May or first days of June. But as the weather is always a-changin’, keep an eye on the forecast for when it starts warming up, and keep in contact with us so we can let you know when it’s going to rip.

What are rapids like on the Upper Piedra? 

The Upper Piedra fluctuates A LOT, but with that said, its rapids regularly churn out II, III, IV’s. The waterway is narrow and fast moving, so there will be some spots where you’ll need to be on point with the paddle commands as you shimmy between the canyon walls and the boulders.

The class IV’s come in the shape of pool drops throughout the run, which can be simple manuevers during low flows, or pretty rowdy when the water’s high. The Upper Piedra also sports great waves trains that send the raft bucking whilst bounding downstream. Luckily, there are some calm sections strewn throughout that give you a little time to in the scenery.

Will we see hot springs on the trip? 

Unfortunately, this section is not where the hot springs emerge along the river banks. If you feel so compelled before or after your trip, you can take the short hike to them. Check out the trail details here.

What’s the raft setup? 

At high water, we use 16 foot rafts with oar frames on our Piedra trips. This allows the guide to have more control as they navigate the various obstacles along the way. Don’t worry though— you’ll still be paddling your butt off. During low water, we take the oar frames off to make it a paddle raft since the river is more manageable (and shallow).

How long is the shuttle from the take-out back to the put-in? 

About 35 minutes.

Most importantly— what’s for lunch? 

We use our favorite local deli for our lunch spreads, with vegetarian and gluten free options available.

Where is the Meet Location? 

Our meet location for the San Miguel River is at Caddis Flats Campground. This is a BLM managed campground 18 miles northwest of Telluride. It takes about 30 minutes to get there. Be sure to plug in the directions before you head out here, as you’ll lose service on the way through the canyon.

What are the class of rapids on the San Miguel?

The upper section that we run on our morning trips is loaded with technical Class II rapids. This is friendly whitewater where the splashes are constant but not “boat-encompassing.” This sections also comes with the added fun of paddling through a narrow canyon around boulders and other obstacles in the river.

The lower section that we run on our afternoon trips comes with Class II and III rapids. The volume of water increases and river widens, making for a little less technical as the upper section, but a bit more splashy!

Do I have to have any paddling experience?

You do not have to have held a paddle in your life before rafting the San Miguel, but you will need to be ready to use it and follow your guide’s commands accordingly. The San Miguel is a shallow and narrow waterway, so paddling is required on this trip to help your guide power the raft, and navigate the obstacles and rapids.

What do I wear?

For most of the San Miguel’s season, wetsuits are required due to the cold water temperatures.

• Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
• Wetsuit (available for rent)
• Synthetic fleece (available for free)
• Splash jacket (available for free)
• Wetsuit booties (available for rent)
• Helmet (available for free)

When water temps are over 55°F :

• Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sandals with straps (no crocs or flip flops allowed!) or anything any shoes that will stay securely on your feet.

What is the difference between the Morning and Afternoon trip?

The morning section winds through a narrow canyon of the San Miguel, making it more technical but a little less splashy. If you want a more hands on paddling experience in a unique wilderness setting, opt for the morning trip.

The afternoon section runs through a wider section of the river where the volume and speed picks up. There are few bigger splashes to be had on this section. If you want to relax a little more, opt for the afternoon trip.

When is the best time to raft the San Miguel?

The San Miguel River has a very short season— usually around 6 weeks from June to July. We recommend going as early as possible when the flows are at their peak, usually the first couple weeks of June.

How long is the drive back to the Meet Location?

For morning trips, the shuttle is about 20 minutes.

For afternoon trips, the shuttle is about 30 minutes.

Is the swim test and orientation required for this trip?

Yes, all guests are required to complete and pass the orientation to raft the Upper Animas. You’ll swim through a Class III rapid in Durango and practice paddling techniques with the guides. You’ll also get fitted for your wetsuit and have a comprehensive safety talk. 

What if I don’t pass my swim test?

If our Class V river guides have determined that the Upper Animas is not a suitable river for you, we will put you on another trip and refund the difference. This will not include the Durango Train ticket however as the train’s policy does not allow for refunds on this trip.

What experience do I have to have to be eligible to raft the Upper Animas?

We require all participants to be physically fit on this trip due to the constant paddling and high swim potential involved. Previous white water rafting experience is definitely a plus!

How long are the train rides?

Silverton Section: Shuttle van to Silverton is about 1.5 hours / Train to the Rockwood take-out is about 1.5 hours.

Needleton Section: Train into the canyon is about 1.5 hours / About 30 minutes out of the canyon.

Rockwood Section: Train into the canyon is about 20 minutes. Shuttle van back is around 45 minutes.

How does each section on the Upper Animas differ?

The Silverton Section is the most extreme stretch on the Upper Animas. Expect constant Class III – V rapids and technical runs. Ages are 16+ for this trip.

The Rockwood Gorge Section is a high adventure trip that is only available at low flows. This is a more technical rafting trip as you navigate through Class II-V rapids. It also includes a 3/4 mile hike with your gear from our remote take out location. Ages are 16+ for this trip.

The Needleton Section is more intermediate for its whitewater, with constant Class II-III and a few Class IV and V drops. Ages are 14+ for this trip.

When are the peak flows on the Upper Animas?

Usually late May to early June.