Upper Animas River Trips
Wild and inaccessible, the Upper Animas features some of the most challenging whitewater you'll ever raft. We run a 28 mile stretch just below Silverton, and take out just before the Rockwood Gorge gets too hairy for any craft. The launch is at over 9,000 feet, (the highest commercial launch in the lower 48 states) and this trip continues for 28 miles and up to 3 days (the longest class IV - V trip in the U. S). The average drop is 85' per mile with some sections dropping 150' per mile! As an added bonus, we shuttle out on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Check out these video clips:
For only $5 you can purchase a full video of the Upper Animas. DVD's available too! Purchase online or contact us for more information.
World Famous Adventure
The Upper Animas is renowned worldwide as a superb, challenging & scenic river. Does this sound like what you've been looking for? Read the article from Paddler Magazine.
The whitewater is awesome (28 miles of Class IV and V rated rapids, on a scale to VI), as snowcapped peaks tower overhead. The flora and fauna are spectacular, and the rugged mining and railroad history of the canyon unfolds before you. You must be in top physical shape and pass the physical fitness described below to qualify for these trips.
Upper Animas Class V Multi day Adventures
Discounted Camp Setup Trip
Awesome trip with a great workout thrown in! You'll have to work (carry gear and set up camp) and the meals are very simple, but you'll you'll love every minute of it. Only $300 per person. It's a 3-day trip - May 8, 9, and 10. This trip is limited to 10 guests. Contact us now if you are interested.
Three Day Upper Animas Trip
A 3-day trip is available where we layover in Needleton, a beautiful and remote section of the Weminuche Wilderness. This extra day allows you time to hike, explore, fish or just relax in the largest wilderness area in Colorado. $550/person. Make your reservation today!
Two Day Upper Animas Trip
Our normal 2-day trip includes a shuttle from Durango, catarafts and self bailing rafts, experienced guides, deluxe meals, and technical gear. After the trip, hike out to Haviland Lake (1.5 hours hike). $395/person. D&SNG train ride back to Durango is an additional $75. Make your reservation today!
Intermediate Upper Animas Adventures
When the water levels from Colorado mountain snow melt drop off and the daytime temperatures warm up, the very difficult class V Upper Animas rapids become more like technical class IV rapids. Mid-July through August is a great time to sample the Upper Animas at lower levels.
Upper Animas One Day
This classic trip includes a shuttle on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad into the heart of the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado, the Weminuche. The snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains will provide breathtaking views as you paddle the legendary Upper Animas. $190/person (does not include $75 train fare). Make your reservation today!
Rockwood Gorge One Day
Hike seven spectacular miles down the Purgatory trail into Cascade Canyon (there is no train ride for this trip). The Upper Animas River below the Tacoma take-out is a little-known gem usually reserved for hardcore kayakers. In mid-summer, with the water volume decreasing, we take paddle rafts down through the Rockwood Gorge with expert guides and experienced rafters. If you've already done the tourist thing on other rivers, step up to the Gorge for a thrill! $190/person. Make your reservation today!
Upper Animas Requirements
Fitness Test
- Physical fitness test required before Upper Animas Trips:
- Hand over hand for 15 feet on a horizontal ladder
- Pre-trip swim in class II or III whitewater
Equipment Needed
- Wetsuit, booties and gloves — REQUIRED - (available for rent, see below.)
- Shorts or swimsuit
- Shirts and underwear
- 1 pair of long pants Long Johns
- Wool socks, hat and gloves
- Shoes for around camp
- Long Sleeve T-shirt (good as a cover-up from the sun)
- Jacket and/or windbreaker
- Sunglasses with a safety strap
- Sunscreen, suntan lotion, hand lotion, and Chapstick
- Insect repellent (Cutters or Deep Woods OFF)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Biodegradable soap, wash cloth and towel
- Personal items: toothbrush and paste, facial tissue, medications, etc.
- Camera
- Extra beverages (liquor, wine, beer/wine coolers/sodas — all packed in unbreakable containers)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
We have rentals available: wetsuits $25/day, sleeping bags/pads $10/night, and tents $10/night.
Cancellation Policies
Trip Insurance
Many rafting adventure guests wish to be able to cancel at the last minute due to weather, illness, family emergency or changes in travel plans. Cancellation Insurance allows guests to receive a full refund no questions asked. The cost of the insurance is $25 per person for Upper Animas and Piedra River trips. Our normal cancellation policy is listed below:
Guest Cancellation
- A 50% deposit is required to make a reservation.
- The balance is due 60 days prior to your trip.
- 100% refund for cancellations made 60 days prior to trip.
- 50% refund for cancellations made 45 days prior to trip.
- No refunds for cancellations made less than 45 days prior to trip date. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
Trip Cancellation by Mountain Waters Rafting
- A trip may be cancelled at any time for river safety reasons.
- If a trip does not have a minimum number of participants it may be cancelled 15 days prior to trip date.
- Mountain Waters will not reimburse any travel costs. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Book Your Reservations Today!
Rafting, like all other outdoor activities, is inherently dangerous. By participating in Mountain Waters Rafting activities, you will be assuming those risks. As such, all participants will be required to sign a release of liability before undertaking any activity with Mountain Waters Rafting, Inc.
