Durango Lower Animas River Rafting: Class II & III Rapids

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.

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.

Options for this experience

3 options

Fall Rafting Trip, Quarter DayGuide in English · Available from 7 Sep 2027Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Quarter Day Rafting in OctoberGuide in English · Available from 4 Oct 202712:30 PM to 2:50 PM

Morning Rafting Trip, Quarter DayGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

From US$ 86.11 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

GroupUp to 700

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 84 years) · Youth (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

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 25 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 11 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 water like on the Lower Animas River in spring versus summer?

Spring trips run with higher water flows, creating bigger splashes and more dramatic rapids. Summer flows are lower and milder, giving you more time to see the rocks and landscape as you navigate through them.

Do I have to paddle, or can I just sit in the raft?

You can do either. The guide will paddle and steer the raft. You're welcome to paddle alongside them or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

What gear do I get, and do I need to bring my own?

The trip includes a life jacket, helmet and splash jacket. Wetsuits and wetsuit boots are available to rent and are highly recommended through June when the water is cold.

How long am I actually on the water?

About an hour. The full trip, including the safety orientation at the office and the shuttle to and from the river, takes around 2.5 hours total.

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

No. Round-trip shuttle from the Durango office is included, and free parking is available there. Public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer.