Durango Lower Animas River Rafting: Class II & III Rapids

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.95 (624 reviews) 97% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/14

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 700

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

An hour of Class II splashes, one wild Class III, and a guide who knows the river

A 1/4 day rafting trip on the Lower Animas River near Durango takes you through Class II rapids ("fun and friendly") and one Class III rapid at Smelter Whitewater Park ("wet and wild"), with a live guide, safety gear and round-trip shuttle from the office. You choose a morning, afternoon or fall departure; spring runs have higher water and bigger splashes, while summer flows are milder. Children from age 4 are welcome, and all equipment—life jacket, helmet, splash jacket—is provided.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting on Lower Animas River

Meet at Durango Office
Get fitted with life jacket and helmet
Shuttle to the river
Attend safety orientation
Raft through Class II rapids
Navigate Class III rapid at Smelter Whitewater Park
Take out and load boats
Shuttle back to Durango Office

The Experience

What's the difference between Class II and Class III, and which one will actually soak you? Class II rapids roll over the bow and drench the front of the raft; Class III rapids soak everyone head to toe. On this trip down the Lower Animas River, you'll run through plenty of Class II water, then hit the Class III at Smelter Whitewater Park. The whole thing takes about an hour on the water. Spring trips run higher and faster with bigger splashes; summer flows are lower and gentler, with more time to navigate between rocks. Fall trips bring their own rhythm as the water cools.

You start at the Durango office, where a guide fits you with a life jacket, helmet and splash jacket (wetsuits are available if the water or weather is cold, and are recommended through June). After a quick safety talk and paddling instructions, you shuttle to the put-in. The guide will get you downstream—you can paddle alongside them or sit back and let them handle it. They share stories and history about the area as you go. Once you've run the rapids, you load up, shuttle back to the office and you're done.

The trip includes the shuttle both ways, all safety gear, the guide's expertise (trip leaders average 2,000 river miles), and parking at the office. You don't arrange transportation to the river or worry about equipment maintenance. Public transit options are nearby if you need them. Morning, afternoon and fall departures are available; pick the time that fits your day.

What’s included

Round-trip shuttle from the Durango office.
life jacket, helmet and splash jacket.
safety orientation and paddling instruction from an experienced guide.
river and land access fees.
free parking at the office.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Book a morning or afternoon departure if you want to fit rapids into a half-day without committing a full afternoon, or choose the fall trip if you prefer cooler water and fewer crowds. The short duration and included shuttle mean you're not spending time arranging logistics—just showing up and getting on the water.