Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Splash through Durango with an awesome river guide on the Lower Animas River! This adventure is an absolute must for visitors and locals alike.
Everyone loves this trip for its accessibility, picturesque scenery and rollicking rapids. It’s an adventure that offers a perfect mix of excitement and time to enjoy the sites along the way. We take rafters ages 4+!
Along the way you'll bound through plenty of Class II rapids and an exciting Class III at Smelter Whitewater Park. Class II rapids are "fun and friendly," rolling over the bow and dousing those at the front of the boat. Class III rapids are "wet and wild," usually soaking everyone in the raft head to toe.
Our experienced and entertaining river guides will get you downstream while sharing plenty of stories and fascinating history about the area. You're welcome to paddle with them or just sit back and relax
All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from the best river guides in Durango.
Available options
1/4 Day Afternoon Rafting Trip
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>2:15pm - 4:45pm
1/4 Day Morning Rafting Trip
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>10:30am - 1:00pm
1/4 Day Fall Rafting Trip
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>1:30PM-4:00PM
What's included
Pre-trip safety orientation
River and land access fees included
Round trip shuttle from main office
Free Parking
Free splash jackets and helmets (if desired)
Highly maintained equipment
Trip Leaders average 2,000 river miles
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet at our Durango Office and suit up for the river!
Your fun, knowledgeable and experienced river guides will get you fitted for a life jacket, helmet, and other river getup if needed (wetsuits when the weather/water is chilly).
We'll then shuttle over to the river and have a quick safety orientation before heading out on the beautiful Animas River for an hour.
We'll splash through plenty of refreshing Class II rapids, and one exciting Class III as we paddle downstream.
Class II rapids are "fun and friendly" splashing those at the front of the boat, while Class III are "wet and fun" soaking everyone head to toe.
Spring trips usually have higher flows with bigger splashes, while summer tends to have lower flows with more mild splashes. If you're rafting later in the season, we'll have some additional entertainment as we navigate between the rocks in the river!
After an hour of fun, we'll take out, load up the boats and shuttle you back to our Durango Office.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
9 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
575 reviews
5★
556
4★
12
3★
3
2★
2
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 4 years
Wet-suit and wet-suit boot rentals are highly recommended through June
About Durango
Durango is a charming city in southwestern Colorado known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Animas Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it offers a unique blend of Wild West heritage and modern amenities.
Top Attractions
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
A historic steam train ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.
Historical/Adventure
5-6 hours (round trip)
Moderate to Expensive ($50-$150 depending on class)
Mesa Verde National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
Historical/Cultural
Full day
Moderate ($25 per vehicle entry fee, additional fees for guided tours)
Purgatory Resort
A year-round resort offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Adventure/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (varies by activity and season)
Animas Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Animas Valley and Durango region.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget ($5 admission)
Bear Creek Falls
A beautiful waterfall and hiking trail located in the San Juan National Forest.
Nature/Adventure
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Green Chile Stew
A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices, often served with tortillas.
Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian
Navajo Tacos
Fried bread topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Breakfast Burrito
A large flour tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or green chiles.
Breakfast
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Pecan Pie
A sweet pie made with pecans, sugar, and butter, often served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Dessert
Contains nuts, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Skiing and snowboarding
Rafting
ATV tours
Spa and wellness
Hot springs
Scenic train rides
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. It's also festival season with events like the Durango Blues Festival.
15-30°C (59-86°F)
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Durango is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Durango-La Plata County Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from city center
By train
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
By bus
Durango Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
The city operates a public bus system with several routes covering key areas. Buses are reliable and affordable but may have limited schedules outside peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Durango
North Durango
South Durango
East Durango
Day trips
Silverton
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A historic mining town with a charming downtown, scenic views, and a rich history. Accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or by car.
Mancos
35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day
A charming small town with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Known for its proximity to Mesa Verde National Park.
Ouray
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known as the 'Switzerland of America' for its stunning scenery and hot springs. Accessible by car via the scenic Million Dollar Highway.
Festivals
Durango Blues Festival • Mid-September
Durango Cowboy Gathering • October
Snowdown Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Animas Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region
- Take a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Explore the stunning natural beauty of Mesa Verde National Park
- Ski or snowboard at Purgatory Resort during the winter months
- Hike to Bear Creek Falls for a beautiful and scenic adventure
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
