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The Animas River in Southwest Colorado near Durango offers a variety of white water rafting for all ages and abilities. Try the Lower Animas for families and first-timers or the Upper Animas for some of the most exciting and scenic Colorado white water rafting you can find.

 

 

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Fast Facts about the Animas River

Location: Durango, CO

Drive time from Denver: 7 hours

Best time to raft: May – August (the rapids will be biggest earlier in the season)

Ages: Either 4 or 16 years of age depending on the section of river

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Our Animas River Rafting Trips

  • Lower Animas Half Day

  • Age Minimum: 4 years old

    Rapids: Class III

    Best Time to Go: May – August

    Location: Durango, CO

    Price: Starts at $57/person

  • Lower Animas Full Day

  • Age Minimum: 4 years old

    Rapids: Class III

    Best Time to Go: May – August

    Location: Durango, CO

    Price: Starts at $89/person

  • Upper Animas Full Day

  • Age Minimum: 4 years old

    Rapids: Class V

    Best Time to Go: May – August

    Location: Durango, CO

    Price: Starts at $285/person

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Rafting on the Animas River

Family Friendly Adventure

Looking for a rafting adventure that's great for the kids? The Animas River near Durango, CO offers just that! The Lower Animas River rafting trips offer exciting family trips for those with kids as young as 4 years old.

WHAT TO WEAR

For these rafting trips you will want to wear secure shoes (Chacos/Tevas are acceptable), wear clothing that will dry quickly (avoid cotton). Wetsuits will be on site ready to rent and helmets will be provided.

WHAT TO BRING

It's always a good idea to bring sunglasses with you and a water bottle to bring along! It is also smart to bring along some croakies so you don't lose your shades, and your own sunscreen to bring with.

Trips for Thrill Seekers

Ready for some serious whitewater action? The Upper Animas River has the adrenaline-pumping raft trip for you! This Animas River rafting trip is a full day adventure perfect for anyone looking for an action-packed experience.

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Frequent Questions about the Animas River

  • When can I raft on the Animas River?

    Water levels will vary throughout the rafting season with the highest flow during the spring. When the river begins to drop it will actually become more technical to raft with more rocks to maneuver around. All levels can be a blast in each of their own ways. Any time between May and August is a great time to check out the river.

  • How far away is the Animas River from Denver?

    The drive from Denver to this area isn't quite ideal. All in all its a 7 hour drive south west from there. Durango is a beautiful place in itself and would more likely be your main hub on this trip.

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MORE INFORMATION

ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING

The Animas River has everything from easy-going family trips to bucking rapids on advanced trips! Animas River rafting trips check in in Durango, the hub of southwest adventure in Colorado.

TRIPS ON THE ANIMAS

  • Lower Animas Half Day: family rafting, minimum age: 4
  • Lower Animas Full Day: family rafting, includes lunch, minimum age: 4
  • Upper Animas Full Day: advanced+ rafting, includes lunch, minimum age: 16

VISIT DURANGO 

The Southwest part of Colorado is a must-do for many travelers. From the ruins of Mesa Verde to the breathtaking drives through the San Juan Mountains, this corner of the state is a gem. Durango is home to many historical sites, including the famous Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, world class whitewater on the Animas River, and the San Juan National Forest.

Durango is home to a full-service regional airport and is easily accessible by car. Several major U.S. and state highways approach the city from every direction, and make up the scenic San Juan Skyway. Durango’s rich Colorado history and endless activities make this the ideal Colorado vacation town!

MORE OPTIONS NEAR DURANGO

Also consider a Dolores River rafting trip, an unbelievable scenic canyon overnight trip available in 3-Day, 6-Day or 10-Day lengths.

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Trips on the Animas River