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

One hour on the water navigates three named rapids and calmer stretches in a morning or afternoon half-day.

Kayak the Lower Animas River near Durango on a 2-hour-25-minute trip with 1 hour spent paddling Class II and Class III rapids (Smelter, Santa Rita, and Sawmill) plus easier water for scenery. Expert guides provide inflatable kayaks, helmets, personal flotation devices, splash jackets and instruction. No prior experience required. Choose from morning or afternoon departures.

The experience

The Lower Animas River trip runs 2 hours and 25 minutes round trip, with the actual paddling taking 1 hour on the water. You navigate three named rapids (Smelter, Santa Rita, and Sawmill) mixing Class II excitement with one Class III rapid, then paddle through calmer stretches where the current slows and you can take in the river and canyon. Late summer brings lower water flows that intensify the rapids even more. The guides are expert river operators trained in-house, and they handle all the technical setup: custom-designed inflatable kayaks, paddles, helmets, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices and splash jackets come with the booking.

Safety orientation and paddle instruction happen before you launch, so beginners start confident. The river itself teaches as you go: the guides read the water and point out lines through the rapids, then let you execute them. You're operating the kayak the whole time, not watching from a raft or a bench. The work is yours and so is the control.

What’s included

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

Options for this experience

3 options

Kayaking trip in the morning, lasting a quarter dayGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

Afternoon quarter-day kayak in the fallGuide in English · Available from 7 Sep 2027Lasts 3 hours, from 1:30 PM to 3:50 PM

Quarter-day kayaking in OctoberGuide in English · Available from 4 Oct 2027From 12:30 PM to 2:50 PM

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 to 98 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated 19 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Choose a morning departure if you want to paddle fresh and have the afternoon free, or pick an afternoon slot to start later in the day. The 1-hour paddle suits anyone with moderate physical fitness who wants to operate the kayak themselves rather than ride along. The Class II and III rapids deliver real current and technique without requiring prior experience.

Traveler reviews

4.74★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

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.

How much of the 2-hour-25-minute trip do I actually spend paddling?

One hour on the water. The rest covers transportation, gear setup, safety briefing and paddle instruction before launch.

What are the three rapids I'll paddle on the Lower Animas River?

Smelter, Santa Rita, and Sawmill. You'll navigate Class II rapids and one Class III rapid, with easier water in between for recovery and scenery.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this trip?

No experience is required. The guides provide instruction and safety orientation before you paddle, and they're trained to work with beginners.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

Custom inflatable kayaks and paddles, helmets, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, splash jackets, expert guide, safety orientation and paddle instruction are all included.

When is the best time to paddle the Lower Animas River?

Late summer brings lower water flows that make the rapids more intense and exciting. Morning and afternoon departures run year-round depending on the option you choose.