Animas River Rafting in Durango: Class I-III Rapids

Run the Animas without arranging the drive or the equipment

Rafting the Animas River in Durango is a two-hour guided trip on Class I, II and III rapids through the heart of town, with transportation, a certified guide, life jackets and helmets included. Kids as young as four can paddle alongside adults; the rapids are designed to give novices real action without the intimidation. The operator has run this route since 1981 and specializes in keeping families comfortable on the water.

The Experience

What makes the Animas work for families is the rapids themselves. Class I, II and III whitewater gives you enough current and splash to feel like you're actually rafting, but the difficulty stays low enough that a four-year-old in a life jacket and helmet can handle it without fear. The river runs through downtown Durango, so you're paddling past the town instead of driving hours to reach a remote gorge — the scenic part is the route itself, not a destination you arrive at after a long approach.

The two-hour trip includes transportation to and from the river, so you don't need a car or have to figure out parking. A professionally certified guide runs the raft and handles the technical parts; your job is to paddle when they tell you to and take in the water and the canyon walls. The operator calls the Animas "El Rio de las Animas Perdidas" — the River of Lost Souls — and whether the spring runoff is high or summer is lazy, the current changes the feel of the same stretch of river. All equipment comes with you: life jackets, helmets and the raft itself.

The trip works whether the water is moving fast or slow. Spring runoff brings more adrenaline; summer float trips are easier on smaller kids and anyone new to paddling. Either way, the guide knows the river and the area around Durango and will point out what matters as you move downstream. Free parking is included at the base, and the whole operation is built around getting families on the water without the logistics becoming the main event.

What’s included

• Transportation to and from the river.
• professionally certified white water guide.
• life jackets and helmets.
• raft equipment.
• free parking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company LLC

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Durango without a car, the included transportation means you walk to the meeting point and the guide handles the rest — no rental, no navigation, no parking negotiation. The two-hour window also works for families with young kids or anyone who wants to try rafting without committing to a full day on the water.

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Top questions

Can my four-year-old actually paddle, or will they just sit in the raft?

Children from age four can paddle on the Animas, though kids under eleven need to weigh at least 30 pounds to wear the life jacket safely. Younger children and infants can ride along in the raft without paddling, and the guide will manage the boat so everyone stays secure.

What's the difference between the spring and summer rafting on the Animas?

Spring runoff brings higher water and faster current, so the rapids feel more active and splashy. Summer trips are a slower float through the same canyon, with less whitewater but the same scenery and the same two-hour timeframe. Both run the same Class I-III rapids; the water level changes the intensity.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

The operator provides life jackets, helmets, the raft and transportation to and from the river. Bring a change of clothes and a towel because you will get wet. Thermal gear is available to rent at the time of your trip if the water is cold.

How does transportation work if I'm staying in town without a car?

The trip includes pickup and drop-off, so you don't need your own vehicle. Public transportation options are also available near the meeting point if you prefer to get there on your own.

Is this rafting trip safe for someone who's never been on a raft before?

The Animas River trip is designed for first-timers and families. The Class I-III rapids are enough to engage you without being intimidating, and a professional certified guide runs the raft and manages the technical parts. The operator has been running this route since 1981 and specializes in keeping novices comfortable.