4 CORNERS WHITEWATER

CHALLENGE METER

DEPARTURE TIMES

7 AM

(Meet 6 AM)

AGES

15 - 75

SEASON

Mid-May -
Mid-July

RESERVATIONS

Required

COST

$180

(Train ticket extra)

970-259-4608
888-RAFT-YAK

FULL DAY UPPER ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING, SILVERTON TO NEEDLETON

Boaters view Garfield Peak

This is it! This section of the Upper Animas has some of the most continuous and difficult whitewater in the United States. You will journey into a completely roadless portion of the San Juan National Forest, with stunning scenery and 14,000 foot peaks nearby. Save some energy for story telling on the train ride at the end of the afternoon.

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 V
• Distance ~12 miles (19 km)
• Trip Length: ~10 hours
• Season: May thru Jul
• Current Flow: USGS
• Avg. Gradient: 78 ft/mi (14.8 m/km)
• Put-in: Silverton, CO
• Take-out: Needleton 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.
• 7 AM: Depart Durango for Silverton, Colorado.
• 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.
• 1 PM Launch Day: Arrive at and scout class V No Name rapid. Look like too much for you? You have the option to walk around.
• 2 PM Launch Day: Run class IV+ Tank Rapid.
• 3 PM Launch Day: Arrive in Needleton, CO and board train.
• Overnight participants continue on to camp.

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 Nalgene water bottle.

HOW MUCH IS THE TRAIN?

For 2007 the one-way train ticket price is $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.

Solitude on the Upper Animas