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.
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)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cindy P,
Jul 5, 2024
- Viator
We had an amazing time. Rider did a great job navigating us. It was a perfect afternoon spent on the water. I wish I would of booked the whole day rafting.
Veronica V,
Jul 31, 2023
- Viator
Water level is very low so the “rapids” werent as dast which was great because it was our first time. We did hd bumps and ocasional splashes, my kids loved it! We even had to get off the boat as we had to pass a very shallow part but this added to our “adventure”. Nathaniel our guide was suuper nice!
Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours