Animas River Rafting: Durango's Home River

The Animas River flows through downtown Durango, making it one of the most accessible commercially-rafted rivers in Colorado — and one of the most dramatic. A 30-minute drive north you can board the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge railroad for the only put-in to the Upper Animas, an expert-level Class IV-V wilderness run. Or you can step into a raft in downtown Durango for a Class II-III family trip. Whitewatr lists 7 outfitters running Animas trips, with prices starting around $72 on average. Prices shown are representative — always confirm current pricing directly with the outfitter.

Why the Animas

The Animas is Durango's river, and Durango is the only major Colorado mountain town with commercial whitewater running through downtown. That makes it the default rafting choice for visitors to Durango, Mesa Verde, and the Four Corners region. The range is wide — a 3-hour scenic float with kids as young as 4, or a 2-day wilderness Class V expedition that starts with a train ride to Silverton. Both exist here, run by the same outfitters.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Lower Animas — Durango In-Town (Class II-III)

Durango — 4-7 miles

The classic Durango family trip. Class II-III rapids right through downtown, with good wave trains at moderate flows. Trips run 2-3 hours, meeting points are in-town, and most outfitters offer multiple departures per day in peak season. Age minimums typically start at 4-5. This is the trip most Durango hotel guests end up taking.

Class: II-III

Typical age minimum: 4-6

Best for: Families, first-timers, Durango vacationers

Upper Animas — Silverton to Tacoma (Class IV-V)

Silverton to Rockwood — 28 miles, typically 1-2 days

One of the most committing commercially-run rivers in Colorado. Continuous Class IV-V rapids through a remote canyon — no road access, no bail-out options, and limited helicopter evacuation. Put-in is reached via the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge railroad. Age minimums are 16 or 18, prior Class IV experience is required at most outfitters, and trips only run during a short high-flow window (typically mid-June to mid-July).

Class: IV-V

Typical age minimum: 16-18

Best for: Expert rafters seeking a wilderness Class V

Lower Animas — Rockwood Box / Cascade Canyon (Class III-IV)

Rockwood to Tacoma — 3-5 miles

A shorter Class III-IV run through a tight granite canyon below the Upper Animas takeout. A good step-up from the in-town Durango section without the full wilderness commitment of the Upper Animas. Available at medium-high flows and typically offered as a full-day paired with the Lower Animas.

Class: III-IV

Typical age minimum: 12-14

Best for: Rafters stepping up from Class III

Season & Best Time to Go

Season: Late April through August. Shorter than Arkansas because it's entirely snowmelt-fed.

Peak water: Late May through June. Upper Animas is only commercially runnable during this window.

Peak demand: July, with daily runs through early August.

Best for families: Mid-June through mid-July when flows are steady and warm weather is reliable.

Best deals: Late August when flows drop off and crowds thin.

Getting to Durango

Durango sits in Southwest Colorado, 6 hours from Denver and 7 hours from Albuquerque. It has its own commercial airport (DRO) with direct flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. Most Animas rafting guests are already in the Four Corners region for Mesa Verde, the Durango-Silverton train, or the San Juan Mountains.

Animas River Outfitters on Whitewatr

7 outfitters run trips on the Animas, with prices from $64 to $958.

Outfitter	Location	Class	From
Colorado Outback Adventures	Durango, CO	—	$64
Mild to Wild	Durango, CO	I-III	—
Four Corners Rafting	Durango, CO	—	—
Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours	Durango, CO	I-V	$74
Southwest Raft & Jeep	Durango, CO	—	—
Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company	Durango, CO	I-V	—
4 Corners Whitewater	Durango, CO	III-V	$79

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Data based on 544 verified outfitters on Whitewatr. Last updated April 2026.