San Miguel River Rafting in Telluride: Class II Rapids

Class II rapids, red sandstone canyon, wildlife between the drops

Afternoon rafting on the San Miguel River near Telluride puts you in a self-bailing raft with a guide and three to five other paddlers, paddling constant Class II rapids through Norwood Canyon. The trip runs 2.5 hours, includes helmets and Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and pairs whitewater sections with rest time to watch for river otters and take in the pine forest and red rock walls. Guides average 2,000 river miles of experience and lead a safety orientation before you push off.

The experience

The San Miguel starts high in the mountains above Telluride, tumbles through town, and enters a red rock canyon along CO 145 where it becomes a paddling river. The afternoon trip focuses on the section where the river widens into Norwood Canyon, serving up constant Class II rapids: the kind that roll over the bow instead of tossing the boat around. You'll hit a lot of drops and bound through wave trains, then have stretches of calmer water to catch your breath and scan the banks for sociable river otters that feed on rainbow trout.

Your guide handles the steering while you paddle, and the group stays small, four to six people per raft, so there's room to move and time to ask questions. All trips start with a safety orientation and paddling instructions, and your guide will share stories about the area between the frothy sections. Helmets and Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices are provided. Wetsuits are often required until July and recommended year-round (rentals available for $15).

What’s included

• Helmets and Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device.
• state-of-the-art self-bailing raft.
• experienced guide with an average of 2,000 river miles.
• small group of four to six paddlers per raft.
• safety orientation and paddling instruction before launch.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 22 May 2027

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Youth (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot 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?The trip launches from the San Miguel River near Telluride, so if you're staying in town without a car, confirm pickup logistics when you book: that settles whether you can make the afternoon departure work.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

40 verified traveler reviews

5 ★40

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What are Class II rapids like for someone who's never rafted before?

Class II rapids roll over the bow of the boat rather than rocking it violently, making them fun and manageable for all experience levels. You'll paddle drops and wave trains, but the river corridor on the San Miguel is forgiving enough that guides say it's their favorite section to run with first-timers.

How much paddling do I actually do on this trip?

You paddle the whole way: the guide steers while you and the other three to five guests in the raft provide the power. A safety orientation and paddling instructions happen before you launch, so you'll know what to expect.

Will I see wildlife on the San Miguel River?

River otters are common on the San Miguel and often visible between the rapids, especially if you watch the banks during the calmer sections. Your guide will point them out and share insights about what you're seeing.

What's included in the rafting trip, and what do I need to bring?

Helmets, Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and the raft are all provided. Wetsuits are often required until July and recommended the rest of the season. Rentals cost $15 if you don't have your own. Bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you will get wet.

How long does the afternoon trip take from start to finish?

The rafting itself runs 2.5 hours on the water. Plan for a bit of extra time for the safety orientation, gear fitting, and getting to and from the put-in and take-out points.