Zip Line and Rafting in Durango: Animas River Package

A 15-minute climb leads to the canopy. The river comes after.

Zip line and raft the Animas River in Durango, Colorado in a single 7-hour day, with a professional guide, riverside snack and transportation to both sites included. The zip line starts with a 400-foot elevation gain on a nature trail, and the rafting follows through the whitewater park. Children must be at least 5 years old for zip lining, and a weight limit of 230 lbs applies to that portion.

The experience

You meet at the Mountain Waters Rafting office in downtown Durango to start. The day splits into two parts: first, a 15-minute hike up the nature trail to the zip line launch point, gaining about 400 feet in elevation from Durango's already high 6,500-foot base. The climb is deliberate, not rushed, but it is a climb. The source material notes it can feel challenging for some. Once you reach the top, you move through the canopy on the zip line before heading back down to the river.

The Animas River portion comes next. You float downstream through Durango with the river trail visible along the bank, then move through the whitewater park. A professional guide leads both activities. The pace is built for mixed fitness levels, and thermal gear rentals are available if you're going in spring. Infants can ride in a stroller or pram, and service animals are welcome. Children under 5 can come along but cannot zip line.

Transportation to and from the river is included, along with a riverside snack. The full day runs 7 hours. Closed-toed shoes are required for the zip line, and the 230-pound weight limit applies to that portion only. You'll need to provide a contact phone number when you book.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading both activities.
• riverside snack.
• transportation to and from the river.
• thermal gear rentals available for the rafting portion.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Jan 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company LLC

Is this one for you?If you're staying downtown or without a car, you'll need to arrange your own way to the Mountain Waters Rafting office where the day starts: the included transportation covers the route between the two activity sites and back to the river office, not the initial arrival. The 15-minute elevation gain to the zip line is deliberate and manageable for most fitness levels, but it's worth knowing if you have cardiovascular concerns or prefer activities without climbing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the zip line and rafting offices?

Transportation to and from the river is included in the package. However, you'll need to get yourself to the Mountain Waters Rafting office in downtown Durango where the day begins, and arrange your own way back from there at the end.

What's the elevation gain on the hike to the zip line?

The nature trail to the zip line launch gains approximately 400 feet in elevation over 15 minutes, starting from Durango's elevation of 6,500 feet. The pace is slow, but the source material notes it can be challenging for some travelers.

Is lunch included in the package?

A riverside snack is included, but lunch between the zip line and rafting activities is not included in the package.

What should I wear for the zip line and rafting?

Closed-toed shoes are required for zip lining. Thermal gear rentals are available and recommended in spring for rafting. The weight limit for zip lining is 230 lbs.