Animas River Rafting Durango: 1-Hour Family Splash & Dash

One hour on the Lower Animas, gear and transport included

You arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in, ride to the put-in, spend one hour paddling the Lower Animas with a guide and other families, then ride back to your car. All gear and transport are included. The whole outing is two hours, which means you can fit it into a morning or afternoon and still have time for dinner in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Family rafting on Lower Animas River

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early
• Park and check in at back area
• Transport to river put-in spot
• Raft on river for about 1 hour
• Return transport from river

The experience

The parking lot is already warm when you pull in, and the check-in happens fast: fifteen to twenty minutes before your start time, in the back area where the gear sits stacked and ready. You meet your guide and the other families, maybe four or five rafts' worth, and then a short ride takes you to the put-in. The whole thing is two hours door to door, which sounds tight until you realize that's exactly the point. One hour on the water on the Lower Animas River in Durango means you're not sitting around. You're paddling, reading the current, and feeling the river move under the raft.

The guide handles the bigger decisions (where to angle, when to lean), but everyone paddles. Kids as young as three ride along, and the pace stays steady rather than extreme, which is why families book this instead of the longer, harder trips downstream. You get all the necessary equipment: paddles, personal flotation devices, the raft itself. The shared transport picks you up and drops you back at the meeting point, so you don't need a second car or a shuttle puzzle. Dress in fast-drying clothes and sturdy shoes (no jeans, no flip-flops), because you will get wet, and the water moves year-round, so the company runs in all weather.

The option to buy photos afterward is there if you want proof, but the real memory is the one you carry: the sound of the paddle hitting water, the spray when someone leans too far, the moment the guide points out a move and it actually works. It's short enough to fit between other plans, long enough to feel like you did something, and built for people who want to raft without spending the whole day on the river.

What’s included

• All necessary equipment (paddles, personal flotation devices, raft) is provided.
• Your package includes pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point, round-trip shared transport to and from the river, a one-hour rafting trip on the Lower Animas with a guide, and the guide's expertise throughout.
• You arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in at the back area.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Youth (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 22 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Right for families wanting a quick water adventure without a full-day commitment or the need to arrange separate transport. Plan for two hours total, with about one hour actually on the river: that short window is what makes it easy to fit between other plans and keeps the pace brisk and engaging for kids.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the minimum age for this rafting trip?

Three years old. Children under 12 pay the child rate. 12 and up are adult pricing.

How long is the actual time on the water?

About one hour. The full experience is two hours door to door, including check-in, transport to and from the river, and gear setup.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Fast-drying clothing and sturdy footwear. Avoid jeans and flip-flops. All paddling gear, life jackets, and the raft are provided.

Is this trip cancelled in bad weather?

No. The company operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for rain or cold.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the river?

No. Round-trip shared transport from the designated meeting point is included.

Can I buy photos of the trip?

Yes, photos are available for purchase after the trip to preserve memories.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are small. All companies in Durango put in and take out at the same spots, so you'll be with other families, but the exact group size varies by departure.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, but the guide leads the paddling and the pace is suitable for families.