Kayaking on Lower Animas River, Durango: Class II & III Rapids

Four hours paddling Class II and Class III rapids, with lunch and calm stretches between.

Kayak the Lower Animas River near Durango on a half-day paddle through Class II rapids and one Class III rapid called Smelter, with expert guides, inflatable kayaks, safety instruction, helmets, personal flotation devices and lunch included. No experience needed. The trip runs 5 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 4 hours and 15 minutes spent on the water. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak the Lower Animas River

• Receive gear and instruction
• Paddle through Durango town
• Navigate Class II and III rapids
• Enjoy calmer river stretches
• Have included lunch

The experience

You paddle an inflatable kayak through Durango on the Lower Animas River, navigating three named rapids (Smelter, Santa Rita and Sawmill) with calmer stretches between them for scenery and recovery. The guides are trained in-house and lead the whole paddle. They handle the safety orientation and paddle instruction before you launch, so no prior experience is required. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids sharper, which is when the trip gets its edge.

Lunch is included and served during the paddle, along with beverages. You wear a helmet and a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, plus a splash jacket to manage the spray. The full outing takes 5 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, with 4 hours and 15 minutes actually on the water. The operator provides the kayaks and paddles. Wetsuits and boots can be rented separately for $15 each if you want extra insulation.

What’s included

• Expert in-house trained river guides.
• custom-designed inflatable kayaks and paddles.
• safety orientation and paddle instruction.
• helmets and Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
• splash jackets.
• deli-style lunch and beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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.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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to paddle Class III whitewater in a full-day format with guided instruction: the river conditions shift the difficulty, so check water levels before booking.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 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 are the rapids like on the Lower Animas River?

The Lower Animas has Class II rapids throughout and one Class III rapid called Smelter, plus two other named drops at Santa Rita and Sawmill. Lower water in late summer makes them more intense. Between the rapids are calmer sections where you can paddle at an easier pace and take in the scenery.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle this trip?

No experience is required. The guides provide a safety orientation and paddle instruction before you launch, and they lead the whole paddle from the water.

What's included in the price?

The trip includes an expert guide, an inflatable kayak and paddle, a helmet, a personal flotation device, a splash jacket, safety instruction, and lunch with beverages during the paddle.

How long does the whole outing take?

The trip is 5 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 4 hours and 15 minutes spent paddling on the water.