4 CORNERS WHITEWATER

CHALLENGE METER

DEPARTURE TIMES

6:30 AM

(Meet 6 AM)

AGES

15 - 75

SEASON

May - July

RESERVATIONS

Required

COST

$340

(Train ticket included)

970-259-4608
888-RAFT-YAK

MARATHON UPPER ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING - RAFT AND TRAIN

Boaters view Garfield Peak

For crazies only. Run over 25 miles of class III, IV and V whitewater all in one day. You will journey into a completely roadless portion of the San Juan National Forest, with stunning scenery and 14,000 foot peaks nearby. You will hit class V Tenmile rapid, No Name rapid and Broken Bridge rapid in one exhausting day! Are you really crazy? Add on the Rockwood Box for an Ultra-Marathon (flow dependent)!

Participants should have above average fitness and stamina, as well as strong swimming skills and previous whitewater rafting experience. During high water in May and early June this is especially important as we will likely be portaging at least one rapid (you must be able to help carry the boat). We reserve the right to move participants to the Middle Upper trip based on flows or skill/fitness levels of participants.

No other river in Colorado can match the scenery and wilderness character that is found on the Upper Animas. Come and see for yourself or watch the video!

QUICK LOOK

• Rating: class V
• Distance ~25 miles (38 km)
• Total Time: Long Day
• River Time: ~6 hours
• Driving Time: ~1.5 hours
• Train Time: ~30 min
• 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

• 4 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.
• 6:30 AM: Depart Durango for Silverton, Colorado.
• 8:30 AM: Arrive in historic Silverton. Rig boats.
• 9:00 AM: Begin floating.
• 10 AM: Run class IV+ Snow Shed rapid.
• 11 AM: Run class V Tenmile rapid.
• 12 PM: Arrive at and scout class V No Name rapid. Eat a quick lunch.
• 1 PM: Run class IV+ Tank Rapid.
• 2 PM: Arrive in Needleton, CO.
• 2:30 PM: Run class V Broken Bridge Rapid.
• 3:30 PM: Run class IV Lunch Box rapids and Dinner Gorge rapids.
• 4:30 PM: Arrive at Tacoma Station and derig the boats.
• 5:30 PM: Board the train bound for Durango.
• 7 PM: Arrive in Durango, CO

WHAT SHOULD I BRING/WEAR?

In early season the Upper Animas can be chilly and you could fall in the river for a long swim. 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 (life jacket) and helmet, booties and gloves. We also provide a hearty riverside lunch. This is all included in the price!

You should bring the following items for this trip:

1. Fleece/synthetic layers for under the paddle suit and swimsuit for under the wetsuit (we have some loaner fleece available). Absolutely no cotton when on the water.
2. Sunglasses with strap (cheap pair).
3. Street clothes for the train ride.
4. A water bottle to clip to boat.

DURANGO & SILVERTON RAILROAD INFO

Standard coach or gondola train tickets are included in the price. Upgraded cars are available. Visit durangotrain.com for more info about this part of your day.

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.

Solitude on the Upper Animas