Rafting No Name Rapid on the Upper Animas River

4 CORNERS WHITEWATER

CHALLENGE METER

Rating: Expert

DEPARTURE TIMES

7 AM
(Meet 4 PM day prior)

AGES

15 - 75

SEASON

May - July

RESERVATIONS

Required

COST

$240
(Train ticket included)

970-259-4608
888-RAFT-YAK

No Rental Fees
COLORADO » UPPER ANIMAS » TOP UPPER

TOP UPPER ANIMAS - HALF DAY RAFTING / ONE WAY TRAIN RIDE

View of Garfield Peak from the Animas River

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.

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 ~12 miles (19 km)
  • Total Time: Full Day
  • River Time: ~4 hours
  • Driving Time: ~1.5 hours
  • Train Time: ~2 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

  • 4 PM Day Prior to Launch: Meet at 4 Corners Riversports in Durango for a pre-trip safety video, gear fitting and in river swim training/evaluation on the Lower Animas to assess skills and train for the challenges ahead.
  • 7 AM: Depart Durango for Silverton, Colorado.
  • 9:00 AM Launch Day: Arrive in historic Silverton. Rig boats.
  • 10:00 AM Launch Day: Begin floating.
  • 11 AM Launch Day: Run class IV+ Snow Shed rapid.
  • 12 Noon Launch Day: Tasty lunch.
  • 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 and so do the guides.
  • 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 our campsite.

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

Solitude on the Upper Animas