Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
When it comes to Colorado whitewater, hardly anyone knows about the San Miguel River. Which is kind of a surprise! Given how much fun it is, on top of being in proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.
The rafting section is gorgeously scenic, exciting for all experience levels, and pretty much a must if you want to spend the afternoon like a local. Its red sandstone canyon juxtaposed by flourishing pine forests make for a picturesque setting to recreate on this Rocky Mountain river.
Anyone who loves the outdoors will have an absolute hoot on this tour, whether it’s your first or hundredth time rafting. Just ask our guides, most— if not all!— will agree that the San Miguel is their favorite river to run.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests must be willing to paddle
Minimum age is 8 years old
Wetsuits are often required until July, and recommended all season (rentals available for $15)
What To Expect
The San Miguel is a free flowing river that starts in the mountains above Telluride. Once it’s tumbled out of the cliffs, through town, and into a red rock canyon along CO 145, the river becomes a prime arena for paddling, splashing, and by golly both at the same time. The afternoon trip offers constant Class II rapids, where the river corridor widens into Norwood Canyon. Class II rapids are fun and friendly, rolling over the bow of the boat versus rocking it like a hurricane. Be ready to hit a lot of drops and bound through the wave trains! In between the frothy sections, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a well-deserved rest and hopefully spot some wildlife. Keep an eye out for sociable river otters feasting on rainbow trout, they just love the stuff. Your guide will share insights about the area and probably a few stories or jokes, maybe even a pun or two... Fingers crossed. All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from our experienced and fun-loving river guides. You'll get acquainted quickly! As you'll be steering the boat with them the whole way.
Options
Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River
What‘s Included
Helmets and Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Device
State-of-the-art self-bailing raft
Low guest-to-guide ratio: 4 to 6 customers to a guide
Highly trained guides/trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles of experience
Lunch
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous fun and best way to see beautiful scenery
Footprints404860,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dylan was the most lovely, reassuring and professional guide for us novices. Both in our 60s and quite apprehensive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this super fun and beautiful scenic trip.
Memorable experience
MartinFG19,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was my first attempt at white Water Rafting and I am hard of hearing. Dylan went the extra mile to make sure I understood the safety precautions. It was a memorable trip much enjoyed by me and my fellow guests
Highly recommend!
josephlH5552TB,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic time! Justin was an amazing guide and I would recommend him and the company. Also great to work re scheduling etc. And the San Miguel River was absolutely beautiful!
Highly recommend!
Kathryn C,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dylan was an excellent guide- incredibly skilled at navigating and great with our kids!
The view was beautiful, the rafting was fun.
karenwT1064HI,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family had a lot of fun on our white water rafting trip. Our guide, Haden, was awesome and knowledgeable. He was able to give us some history about the river and surrounding area.
Family rafting experience
gweneverem2025,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lauren was amazing! So fun and safe for all. We loved every minute of it and will come back again for certain. 5 stars all the way!
Best couple hours of our trip to Telluride.
johneV9799ZM,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The ride down the river was exciting and enjoyable....even though the water was a bit low, the guide made the trip fun and entertaining. (Make sure you get Noah as your guide.)
Family fun at its best
codywE5838BC,Jul 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing trip we loved every minute. The guides we're super fun and informative (especially Noah) lol and the river even though it was low was very exciting.
SO MUCH FUN
W7383RJcarolinef,Jul 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 55 yo mom was extremely nervous about the rapids, and our guide Jason was awesome! He communicated extremely well with our whole group and made her feel super comfortable. At the end of the trip my mom said she could have done this all day! I had so much fun the whole time and loved every minute in the cool water. Booking was simple, the guides were very communicative, and it was worth every penny! -Caroline F Griego
Absolutely amazing! Lauren is the best!
Getaway279324,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! Can’t say enough about Lauren! She was an absolutely amazing host and has our kids wanting to come back to do it all over again tomorrow! We couldn’t recommend this highly enough!
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