Telluride Guided Rafting
The San Miguel River is considered one of the funnest white water rafting trips in Southwest Colorado, despite how well it flies under the radar. Located just 25 minutes west of Telluride, rafting the San Miguel is easily one of the best things to do in the area. It is also the closest white water rafting experience to Ouray, Ridgeway, and Montrose. This is the kind of rafting trip that doesn’t require any experience, just the ability to paddle and readiness for a good hoot and holler.
- Unique scenery in a red sandstone canyon covered with pine trees
Narrow waterway that cuts through twisting canyons
- Constant rapids in a swift moving current
- Professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides.
- Diverse ecosystem where the alpine melds with the desert
- Great scenic trip for ages 8+ on the afternoon section, and 10+ on the morning section. (Younger rafters must be at least 50 lbs to fit into their PFD!)
More About Telluride Rafting
Take it from the river guides on this one— If you don’t raft the San Miguel River during your visit to Telluride, it’s going to be the biggest regret of your life… Okay, maybe like the second or third, but do you really want that on your conscience? Probably not!
You probably want Class II and III whitewater shenanigans! With a dollop of technical runs spent bouncing off boulders and skirting past trees. All in a scenic display of crimson sandstone coated alpine. By the end of your voyage, you’ll see why so many river guides have declared the San Miguel as their favorite river to run.
We run half day trips both in the Morning and Afternoon to give you, your friends and family a few rambunctious hours well-spent on the San Miguel. Want to spend the day out there? There’s a Full Day Trip for that! And if one day isn’t enough, we offer a 2-day San Miguel Rafting Trip as well— great for younger groups!
Now, if none of this sounds like it’s enough to fulfill your whitewater aspirations, consider dipping your paddle into the pandemonium of the Upper Piedra just outside of Pagosa Springs. It’s a Class III and IV ride through steep chutes and staircase drops— all in the wild and remote sanctuary of a granite river canyon. To see even more white water rafting options visit our Colorado white water rafting page.
Trip Options
Telluride Rafting Trips
San Miguel River
3hrs and 45min on the water, 5hrs and 45min from meet to return. Lunch included!
- Adult: $199
- Youth: $189
San Miguel River
1hr and 30min on the water, 2hrs and 30min from meet to return.
- Adult: $139
- Youth: $129
San Miguel River
1hr and 30min on the water, 2hrs and 30min from meet to return.
- Adult: $129
- Youth: $119
San Miguel River
Enjoy the Class II & III rapids with five-star camping! Groups of 8+.
- Adult: $799
- Youth: $749
Related Trips
Why Raft Telluride with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Free on-site parking
- On-site bathrooms
- 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
Plan Your Trip
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The San Miguel River – Colorado Whitewater Rafting In Telluride, CO
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Telluride Rafting Meeting Location
- 970-247-4789
- Caddis Flats Campground, Placerville, CO 81430
- Get Directions
Telluride White Water Rafting FAQs
When is the best time to raft the San Miguel River?
Since the San Miguel is a free flowing river fed by snowmelt, the season is short and exciting! For the most consistent Class II-III splashes and peak water levels, June is the premier month. As we move into July, the river typically offers a more technical “paddling” experience requiring precise navigation through tight chutes and drops.
When can I book a Telluride rafting trip?
Our San Miguel season generally runs from late May through July, depending on the year’s snowpack. We offer half-day morning and afternoon departures, and full-day and multi-day wilderness expeditions. Because the season is brief, we recommend booking early to secure your spot on this twisting, fast-paced waterway.
What is the minimum age to raft the San Miguel?
The minimum age to raft the San Miguel River Varies by section:
- Lower Section (Afternoon): 8 years old (and at least 50 lbs).
- Upper Section (Morning): 10 years old. The San Miguel is a “hands-on” paddling river, meaning everyone in the boat—including younger adventurers—will be an active part of the crew as you navigate through the narrow canyon.
What should I wear and bring on my Telluride rafting trip?
We recommend:
- Clothing: A swimsuit or synthetic base layers (no cotton) to wear under your wetsuit.
- Footwear: Secure water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. Wetsuit boots are available for rent if you would like added warmth or an approved footwear option.
- Essentials: Waterproof sunscreen, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap (like Chums), and a hat that fits comfortably under a helmet.
For more details visit our what to wear and bring page.
Is white water rafting in Telluride safe?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides that exceed state training requirements and trip leaders that average 2,000 river miles of experience. We utilize quality and well maintained self bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and helmets.