3 DAY UPPER ANIMAS RAFT AND HIKE, WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS

Raft on the Upper Animas

This is one of the most sought after trips in the United States due to the remoteness, stunning scenery and fantastic whitewater. You will be immersed in over 25 miles of class III, IV and V whitewater with some rapids that last for miles. Not only that you get to spend two nights in this amazing canyon where we will cook and clean for you (you will have earned it).

On day two you will have the chance to hike into Chicago Basin from our camp near Needle Creek. An ambitious hiker could certainly summit one or more peaks. Possibilities include Pigeon Peak, Eolas Peak, Windom Peak and Sunlight Peak. Of course you could easily spend the day exploring the river corridor and historic Needleton. Some people choose to rest up or spend the day fishing. Its up to you!

There is a short season and limited space so reserve your space now!

QUICK LOOK

• Rating: class V
• Distance ~25 miles
• Trip Length: 3 Full Days
• Season: May thru Jul
• Current Flow: USGS
• Avg. Gradient: 78 ft/mi (14.8 m/km)
• Put-in: Silverton, CO
• Take-out: Tacoma Station

SAMPLE ITINERARY

• 3 PM Day Prior to Launch: Meet at 4 Corners Riversports in Durango for a pre-trip safety video, gear fitting and swim test on the Lower Animas to assess skills and train for the challenges ahead.
• 6 AM Launch Day: Depart Durango for Silverton, Colorado.
• 7:30 AM Launch Day: Pit stop on top of majestic Molas Pass.
• 8:30 AM Launch Day: Arrive in historic Silverton. Rig boats.
• 9:00 AM Launch Day: Begin floating.
• 11 AM Launch Day: Run class IV+ Snow Shed rapid.
• 12 Noon Launch Day: We prepare a tasty lunch above Ten Mile rapid, then scout this class V rapid.
• 1 PM Launch Day: Arrive at and scout class V No Name rapid. We set safety and video camera man. Look like too much for you? You have the option to walk around.
• 2 PM Launch Day: Run class IV+ Tank Rapid.
• 3:30 PM Launch Day: Arrive at our fully stocked riverside camp. We make dinner and a fire.
• Day 2: Spend the day hiking, climbing, fishing, or reading. Enjoy it. This is a magical place.
• Day 3: Breakfast at camp. Launch around 11 AM. Lunch on the River. Class V Broken Bridge Rapid!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING/WEAR?

In early season the Upper Animas can be chilly. We provide a wetsuit with splash top or a full paddling suit for your safety and comfort. We provide dry storage, a proper-fitting personal flotation device and helmet, booties and gloves. We also provide a hearty riverside lunch. This is all included in the price!

Overnight participants are additionally provided with double occupancy tent, sleeping pad, toilet, warm fire, dinner, breakfast and day two lunch.

You should bring the following items for this trip:

1. Fleece/synthetic layers for under the paddle suit and swimsuit for under the wetsuit. Absolutely no cotton.
2. Sunglasses with strap (cheap pair).
3. Street clothes for the train ride.
4. A water bottle to clip to the boat.
5. A synthetic or down mummy style sleeping bag (rentals available).
6. Jacket, warm hat, shoes, dry pants and shirt for camp.
7. Headlamp, toothbrush, toiletries.

HOW MUCH IS THE TRAIN?

For 2007 the one-way price will be $50 per person. Please allow us to purchase your ticket for you.

OTHER INFORMATION

The maximum number allowed per trip by the U.S. Forest Service is 24 including guides. We require a minimum of 4 persons total to conduct a trip. Discounts are available for a group of 10 or more.

Climb Pigeon Peak