Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Rafting through Durango is just as popular with the locals as it is the visitors. It’s the perfect mix of excitement for all ages, with the added charm of floating through an impossibly picturesque town. You’ll catch plenty of splashes while getting to sit back and relax on this free-flowing Rocky Mountain river.

Half Day rafting trips on the Lower Animas are incredibly popular for busy schedules. You'll get a couple hours on the water with the best rapid sections.

Plus, our guides are well-trained and absolutely love what they do. You’ll get a hoot out of them as much as they get a hoot out of running this river.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 4 years

Wet-suit and wet-suit boot rentals are highly recommended through June

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Pre-trip safety orientation

Highly maintained and quality equipment

River and land access fees included

Helmets, PFD's (life jakcets), and splash tops

Free Parking

Trip Leaders average 2,000 river miles

Gratuities

Lunch

What To Expect

This must-do Durango adventure gives you around 2 hours on the river, taking you through the heart of this historic town and the funnest rapid sections. Families, friends, solo travelers, and locals of all experience levels absolutely love this trip! You'll bound through plenty of Class II rapids and one exciting Class III at Smelter Whitewater Park. Class II rapids are "fun and friendly," rolling over the bow and dousing those at the front of the boat. Class III rapids are "wet and wild," usually soaking everyone in the raft head to toe. Keep in mind the size of rapids will vary throughout the season with water levels, with spring typically having higher flows and summer lower flows. Don't worry if you're here later in the season, there's plenty of excitement to be had as we navigate between the rocks! Our experienced and entertaining river guides will get you downstream, sharing tons of fun stories, and fascinating history and insights about the area. You're welcome to paddle with your guide, or sit back and relax. All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from our experienced and fun-loving river guides. We take ages 4 and up on these trips!

Options

1/2 Day Afternoon Rafting Trip

Duration: 4 hours
1:30pm - 5:30pm

1/2 Day Morning Rafting Trip

Duration: 4 hours
8:30am - 12:30pm

Reviews

4.93

896 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

869

Excellent!
tnguyen531985,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had such a great time! We went with our kids (11,9,7) and two friends. We all had so much fun! The kids loved it and was as it for it end! We did the 1/2 day which I think was perfect! Rob, our guide was awesome! He kept us all safe and entertained. Gave us some history also! All the staff were great! Would arrive at time of booking. We arrived 30 minutes before and had to hang around another 30 minutes and wait for others to get their gear. We thought it would start at 1:30pm but that was not the case and didn’t leave until around 2pm to off loading site. Otherwise, would highly recommend and plan to do it again!
Book it! So fun!
Yvette T,
Sep 7, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great outfit. Amazing river guide. Highly organized. Safe and great adventure on the river. Solo traveler and treated very well.
Fun on the Animas River
LINDA L,
Jun 14, 2024
- Viator
5.00
It was a fun and exciting trip on the river with Sam Cook. He gave excellent instructions while reminding us to relax and enjoy the trip. He pointed out the trees and wildlife of interest. Safety was a priority along with fun. The entire staff at Mild2Wild was friendly and helpful. Very glad that I added this trip on the river to my itinerary while on vacation in Durango.
Great trip. Terrible pics.
Jeremiah J,
Jul 15, 2023
- Viator
5.00
Joe was our guide. Very cool and friendly. Highly recommend. The pictures from the rafting tour was a true let down. It was $35 for pics of no one’s faces and was not worth the price, unfortunately. But the memories will be forever. Great job.
great time
Lynn S,
Jun 13, 2023
- Viator
5.00
Our guide was the greatest, several of us had never been rafting and some couldn't even swim, but our guide made this experience so wonderful I'm ready for the next level.