BOTTOM UPPER ANIMAS - HALF DAY TRAIN / HALF DAY RAFT

4 Corners Raft in Red Wall Rapid.

Paddling inside the Bottom Upper Animas river through Rockwood Gorge is one of the most incredible places you will ever be. You will be in awe and afraid at the same time. The canyon walls are steep and inescapable. Swimming here would be a bad idea. Even the hike out with a boat is for people who can handle suffering.

This is for hard core, experienced rafters and kayakers only. You must have class V experience and be in superb physical condition. The flow must be just right, and a physical fitness is mandatory. This is an invitation only trip. You must prove your worth on upstream sections and the guides must agree to take you.

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 to V+
• Distance ~7 miles
• Total Time: 3/4 Day
• River Time: ~4 hours
• Driving Time: ~30 min
• Train Time: ~2 hours
• Season: Jul - Aug
• Current Flow: USGS
• Avg. Gradient: 78 ft/mi (14.8 m/km)
• Put-in: Cascade Station
• Take-out: Rockwood Station

• 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.
• 8:30 AM: Meet at the train station.
• 11:00 AM: Arrive at Cascade Station and rig boats.
• Noon: Lunch at Cascade, warm up on some easy class IV rapids.
• 2 PM: We float under the train bridge and enter class V+ Mandatory Thrashing. No mistakes allowed.
• 3 PM: Just after floating though the most narrow part of the gorge, we enter class V+ Red Wall rapid. Again, don't screw up.
• 3:30 PM: Class V Wall Slammer. Please don't swim!
• 4 PM: Take out two miles above a deadly waterfall and sieve. Do not miss this exit point or death is almost certain (no kidding).
• 4:30 PM: Begin grueling hike with raft up 1.5 miles and 800 vertical feet out of the canyon.
• 5:30 PM: We made it out of the gorge. Hop in the van and return to Durango.

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