Durango Train entering the High Line

4 CORNERS WHITEWATER

CHALLENGE METER

Rating: Advanced

DEPARTURE TIMES

8 AM
(Meet 7 AM)

AGES

13+

SEASON

May - Aug

RESERVATIONS

Required

COST

$240
(Includes Train Ticket)

970-259-4608
888-RAFT-YAK

No Rental Fees
COLORADO » UPPER ANIMAS » MIDDLE UPPER

MIDDLE UPPER ANIMAS - HALF DAY RAFT / HALF DAY TRAIN

Rafting the Upper Animas River below Pigeon Peak

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.

This section of the Upper Animas is suitable for those with at least a moderate fitness level. Some experience is recommended. During high water season in May and early June you should expect some big wild rapids and colder temperatures. In late June and July/Aug the rapids are easier and temperatures are generally warmer.

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 IV with one V at high water
  • Distance ~12 miles (19 km)
  • Total Time: Full Day
  • Train Time: ~4 hours
  • River Time: ~4 hours
  • Season: May thru Aug
  • 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.
  • 2:00 PM: Stop for a well deserved snack break at Cascade Canyon.
  • 2:30 PM: We tackle several class IV rapids above Tacoma.
  • 3:30 PM: Arrive at Tacoma Station and derig boats and gear.
  • 4:30 PM: Board the train for Durango, Colorado.
  • 6:30 PM: Arrive in Durango, Colorado.

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.

Rafting on the Upper Animas

Rafting on the Upper Animas