The Upper Animas River Rafting Trip
the ultimate Colorado Whitewater adventure!

Sign up for an Upper Animas Rafting trip

One of the Toughest Commercially Run Trips in the United States!

"I just returned from a 2 day trip on the Upper Animas. I just wanted to let you know what a great time we had! This is the 7th river that I have rafted and have never been treated better. The guides were awesome: Andy, Darrel (sp) and John. Give them raises, as they are worth it!!! Thanks for a great trip!!!!!"
- Jay

Upper Animas River Description

The Upper Animas brings adventure enthusiasts from around the world to Durango, Colorado. It is the quintessential whitewater experience! In high water, many consider this river to be the most difficult commercially run trip in the United States. Thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand-foot peaks rise from the banks of the river as you face continuous sections of whitewater that leave your arms shaking from the continuous paddling. Cascades and waterfalls pour into the river as you tackle the exciting rapids.

As the high water of spring recedes, the Animas River settles down a bit and becomes suitable for those looking for a great wilderness trip with lots of technical whitewater, but not quite the intensity of high-water runoff in June. The age limit drops to 14 when accompanied by a parent or guardian in July and early August. The ability to walk around the class V rapids at more moderate water levels allows a larger spectrum of river enthusiasts to experience this magical Colorado rafting trip.

Our 1-day animas river rafting guests only have one regret: missing out on our spectacular, deluxe, private camp and the thrilling rafting of day 2. An established camp, complete with kitchen tent, pot belly wood burning stove, bathroom teepee, camp tables and chairs, hammocks, horseshoes, games, campfire pit and occasionally a visit from the area’s bear, followed by another spectacular day of whitewater rafting, is not to be missed!

Any of the Animas River rafting trip options is complete when you board the famous Narrow Gauge Railroad, overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, for your shuttle out of Colorado's most imposing canyon.

Upper Animas Rafting Trip Highlights

• 100-plus rapids
• 13,000-foot peaks rising from the banks of the river
• Shuttle on the Historic Narrow Gauge Railroad
• 3 optional class V rapids
• Deluxe permanent/private wilderness camp
• Great fishing around camp
• Delicious steak and salmon dinner, complete with wine, appetizers
• Fresh salad, pasta, scrumptious dessert

Special Ways Mild to Wild Cares for Guests on the Upper Animas

• Train ticket included in Package Rate
• Additional Safety Boater for every 3 boats of customers
• Low guide to guest ratio, with an average of 4 customers to 1 guide
• Pre-trip orientations (bonus raft trip and practice swim the night before the trip!)
• Free helmets, splash jackets, and Coast Gaurd approved Personal Flotation Devices
• State-of-the-art self-bailing rafts
• Satellite phone for when communication is necessary
• Extra thick wetsuits available for rent
• Various boat sizes provided in order to give the best experience at different water levels
• Our unique service guarentee "If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, then your trip is free!"

Upper Animas Rafting Trip Options

1-Day

Conquer continuous whitewater and explore 14,000 foot peaks in the
most spectacular and entertaining 12 miles of whitewater in Colorado.
Conquer non-stop class II and III rapids with intermittent class IV and one class V rapid. Creeks and streams cascade into the river as you continuously paddle. Travel by historic railroad into the heart of Colorado's largest wilderness area to access and depart this adventure. Must be a strong swimmer and able to paddle while the boat bounces, spins and submerges. Wetsuit/Fleece required.

2-Day

Our spectacular 2-day trip on the Upper Animas begins in Silverton where rafters conquer non-stop class II and III rapids with intermittent class IV and, depending on water level, at least two class V rapids. The first day ends at our exclusive 5-star camp in the Weminuche Wilderness. Day two is filled with continuous class II and III rapids, intermittent class IV and one class V rapid, and ends with a ride out of the wilderness on the historic narrow gauge railroad.

3-Day

Our amazing 3-day trip on the Upper Animas begins in Silverton where rafters conquer non-stop class II and III rapids with intermittent class IV and, depending on water level, at least two class V rapids. The first day ends at our exclusive 5-star camp in the Weminuche Wilderness. Day two serves as a "layover day", in which guests spend a day at our established camp and are able to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Day three is filled with continuous class II and III rapids, intermittent class IV and one class V rapid, and ends with a ride out of the wilderness on the historic narrow gauge railroad.

- Select a trip option to learn more

              * 5% river and land access fee is not included within the price

Sign up for one of these trips
View Photos