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

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

Upper Animas Rafting Adventure Highlights

• 100-plus rapids

• 13,000-foot peaks rising from the banks of the river

• Shuttle on the Historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

• 3 class V rapids

• Deluxe private wilderness camp

• Great fishing around camp

• Delicious steak and salmon dinner, complete with wine, appetizers

• Fresh salad, pasta, scrumptious dessert

Upper Animas River Trip Description

The Upper Animas brings adventure enthusiasts from around the world to Durango, Colorado. It is the quintessential whitewater experience! At high water, many consider this river to be the most difficult commercially run trip in the United States. 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 constant paddling. Cascading creeks 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. As water levels lower in mid summer so does the difficulty of the trip.  Age recommendations drop to 14 and the trip lowers in intensity from extreme to advanced with one portage for those rafters who are under age 16 or do not want to run the bigger rapid.  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 one 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 are 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.

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 Guard 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 guarantee "If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, then your trip is free!"

Upper Animas Rafting Trip Options

1 Day Needleton Section: The friendlier section of the Upper Animas, with continuous Class III rapids with Class IV rapids and one Class V. Click here for more info.

1 Day Silverton Section: Conquer continuous whitewater on the most challenging section of the Upper Animas. Discover continuous Class III rapids with Class IV "big drop" rapids and two Class V "violent" rapids. Click here for more info.

2 Day Adventure:  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. Camp exclusive 5-star camp in the Weminuche Wilderness and enjoy a ride on the historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to finish your adventure. Click here for more info.

3-Day: Truly escape from cell phones, email and the bad news of the world. Challenge continuous Class III rapids with intermittent Class IV and Class V rapids.  Take a day to explore the Weminuche Wilderness where you can fish, hike and explore in the remote Colorado Wilderness. Click here for more info.