4 CORNERS WHITEWATER

CHALLENGE METER

DEPARTURE TIMES

8 AM

(Meet 7 AM)

AGES

13+

SEASON

Mid-May -
Early-Aug

RESERVATIONS

Required

COST

$140

(Train ticket extra)

970-259-4608
888-RAFT-YAK

FULL DAY UPPER ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING, NEEDLETON TO TACOMA

Rafts below Pigeon Peak

Great adventure and stunning scenery await you in the San Juan National Forest of Southwest Colorado! There are no roads in paradise so we board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gage Railway for the best part of the Animas River Gorge. Once we hit the water the action starts with Broken Bridge rapid just a few miles downstream. Plenty of other class III and IV rapids follow along with some calmer sections and visits to historical landmarks.

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

QUICK LOOK

• Rating: class IV with one V
• Distance ~12 miles (19 km)
• Trip Length: ~11 hours
• Season: May thru Jul
• Current Flow: USGS
• Avg. Gradient: 78 ft/mi (14.8 m/km)
• Put-in: Needleon, CO
• Take-out: Tacoma Station

SAMPLE ITINERARY

• 7 AM: Meet at 4 Corners Riversports in Durango for a pre-trip safety video and gear fitting.
• 8 AM: Depart for Train Station.
• 8:30 AM: Board Durango and Silverton Train.
• 9 AM: Train leaves station.
• 11:30 AM: Arrive Needleton, Colorado. Rig boats.
• 12 Noon: We prepare a tasty lunch before launching.
• 1 PM: Arrive at and scout class V Broken Bridge Rapid.
• 2:30 PM: Stop for a well deserved snack break at Cascade Canyon.
• 3:30 PM: We tackle several class IV rapids above Tacoma.
• 4:30 PM: Arrive at Tacoma Station and derig boats and gear.
• 5:30 PM: Board the train for Durango, Colorado.
• 7 PM: Arrive in Durango, Colorado.
• 8 PM: Optional: Join us for trip video and food at Beaujos.

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!

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 boat.

HOW MUCH IS THE TRAIN?

For 2008 the round trip train ticket price is $75 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.

Rafting on the Upper Animas