You should find the answers to most of your questions right here!
STAYING WARM: loss of body heat, “hypothermia”, is the major contributing factor to death and injury and the major cause of discomfort on river trips. Even in clear, 70°F weather, the wrong combination of water temperature, wind and wet clothing can bring on this condition. We recommend renting one of our wetsuits. Cotton and/or acrylic clothing, ESPECIALLY BLUE JEANS or SWEATS, are NOT ACCEPTABLE because they hold cold moisture next to your skin.
Our trips represent a full range of difficulties. It is not necessary that you have any previous experience for the Lower Animas or 1 day Piedra River or low water Upper Animas Trips. It is required that you have prior experience for Upper Animas and Piedra marathon trips. It is highly recommended you have prior experience for Class V Upper Animas Trips. Non-swimmers are welcome. When you look at the river descriptions, you will see the general class rating of the sections of the river. Rivers and rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI as a way of comparing their relative difficulty. [Check out the River classifications] [Top]
Rafting is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as in all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy it so much. Our guides are trained to minimize risks and, statistically, you’re safer on a raft than in your car. One state government study found in an investigation that the injury rate for whitewater rafting is similar to that for bowling! But still, there is a risk, and you must accept that risk when you go on the river. By the way, the most common injury is sunburn, and most other injuries occur on land, especially getting into and out of the boats. [Top]
I can’t swim. Can I still go rafting?
Everyone on our trips wears a coast guard approved life jacket. This will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. We take many non-swimmers on trips, and they have a great time. It is more important that you are not afraid of the water. Non-swimmers should not go on class IV or class V trips, and should be comfortable in the water with a life jacket for class III. [Top]
How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it strenuous?
On most of our trips we run oar-paddle combination boats. This means that you may have a paddle in your hands. You should be reasonably healthy, and must be able to fit into our life jackets. Paddling can be tiring, but our guides will instruct you on efficient paddling technique. Paddle rafts are available on request. Oar boats, where you ride along as a passenger, are available on the Lower Animas. If you’re in doubt, check with your doctor before you go. [Top]
I’ve never been rafting before. Which trips are best for me?
Start off with a Class III trip. A good one to consider is the Lower Animas. If you’re confident in the water, healthy, and feel adventurous, you can drop right into a class IV trip such as the Piedra River or low water Upper Animas without prior experience. Our guides will make sure you are trained well in safety and paddle techniques. For the class V Upper Animas and our marathon trips you must have prior experience and complete a physical fitness and swim test. [Top]
I am a senior citizen. Which trips are right for me?
For fit, active seniors over age 65, we recommend the Lower Animas. Healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in the 70′s and 80′s enjoy rafting with Mountain Waters Rafting. [Top]
What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do if this happens?
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the boat. It’s exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It’s a part of rafting. Before you go on any trip, you’ll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow your guide’s instructions, and your “out of boating experience” could be the most exciting part of your trip! [Top]
What about insurance and responsibility?
We encourage the purchase of vacation trip insurance that covers personal property and personal injury. Many insurance companies offer such policies at modest daily rates. Although we spare no effort to ensure a safe trip, a river trip, bus ride, or a canyon hike are not without some risk. We cannot assume responsibility for injury to participants or damage to personal belongings or for time and expense incurred. We are equipped to handle emergency first aid in case of illness or accident. We will provide aid and arrange evacuation when a trip leader deems necessary or desirable. Costs of specialized means of evacuation, such as helicopters, and medical care beyond first aid are the financial responsibility of the ill or injured person. Purchase a Colorado Hiking Card or a Colorado Fishing License and the cost of the Search and Rescue and Medical Evacuation are covered. [Top]
Is there a liability release form?
You will be required to sign a release of liability prior to departure. Download Liability Release. [Top]
Will the altitude have an effect on me?
Altitude causes shortness of breath and dehydration. Most people do not have serious problems. If you are concerned, come a day or more early to acclimatize yourself and drink plenty of fluids while you are here. A headache often means you are dehydrated – drink a big glass of water. [Top]
Our booth/office is open daily from 8:00AM to 7:30PM during the rafting season, generally May 1st into September. In the off-season we will answer the phones 8AM-5PM, Monday thru Friday Mountain Time Zone and try to get to emails and phone messages within 48hrs. [Top]
Call our toll-free number at 1-800-585-8243 or 970-259-4191 and speak to our helpful reservation staff. We can also be reached via
E-mail (information@durangorafting.com)
Our mailing address is PO Box 2681, Durango, CO 81302 [Top]
Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans, although seats are usually available up to the last minute. Late registration is on a space-available basis. We can make a tentative reservation if you need us to hold a date while you gather a group together. [Top]
Your reservation is made and confirmed when full payment has been received. We will accept your credit card payment via
phone (1-800-585-8243)
E-mail (information@durangorafting.com)
mail (PO Box 2681, Durango, CO 81302). [Top]
Can I make reservations online?
Yes. Just go to our reservations page and use our on-line form. We will confirm your reservation within 48 hours. [Top]
What is the cancellation policy?
For individual cancellation policies, please refer to:
Tipping is not mandatory, but is certainly appreciated. If you feel your guide has done a good job keeping you entertained and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, then feel free to show your appreciation. [Top]
Bring suntan lotion, a hat, and a windbreaker. You’ll get splashed, so wear quick-drying clothes such as shorts and T-shirts. To keep your shoes dry and your feet warm, we recommend wet suit booties – $5 per trip. If the water is cold or the weather is cool, you should rent the warm package. It includes a wetsuit, splash jacket and wetsuit booties. Cost of the warm package is only $15. [Top]
Lower Animas
Many people come with only their normal vacation attire. We can rent you rafting gear including wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties. We can sell you shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, disposable cameras, and sunscreen.
Upper Animas
See the Upper Animas packing list for what you will need. Wet suits are required. You may bring you own or rent ours. The full Upper Animas wet suit package is $25 per day; sleeping bags are $10 per night; and tents are $10 per night. [Top]
Lower Animas
A wetsuit, splash jacket, and bootie rentals when the water is over 750 cfs (cubic feet per second) or if rain showers or winds are expected may keep you more comfortable. In May, June, and early July the water can be very cold and many guests choose a wet suit. People with less body fat (children and slender adults) can get cold quite easily. Booties are a good idea anytime to keep your feet warm and your traveling shoes dry. [Top]
Upper Animas
Full wetsuits are required. [Top]
How can I keep warm and dry with cold weather and/or cold water?
Easy – get the “Warm Package”:
What should I wear on the Upper Animas and Piedra trips?
Wet suits are required on both the Upper Animas and the Piedra River trips. Rentals are available for both trips. Being a two-day trip, the Upper Animas requires more gear including: sleeping bag (rentals available); tent (rentals available); shorts; underwear; long pants; long johns; wool socks, hat and gloves; shoes; long sleeve T-shirt; jacket or windbreaker; sunglasses; sunscreen; and any personal items you may need. See Upper Animas. [Top]
Can I use an inflatable kayak?
We offer inflatable kayak trips on our economy trips. You must be willing and able to paddle. Guests in an inflatable kayak stand a good chance of going for a swim. It’s a lot of fun. With an inflatable kayak, you are free to challenge the rapids and explore the river on your own with a guide nearby to assist you if necessary. [Top]
What is provided on day trips on the Animas?
A highly trained professional guides captains every boat. We provide all rafting equipment including Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Each boat carries a waterproof storage for personal items and wool sweaters in cool weather. You can rent wetsuits, booties, and paddle jackets from us if weather or water conditions warrant their use. [Top]
What do I need to bring on one-day trips on the Lower Animas?
Bring only your quick drying clothing and sun protection for the river. We recommend shorts and a swimming suit, T-shirt, hat, and light jacket. Sunglasses and sunscreen are important, since at high altitude you are closer to the sun that you may think. If you require a lot of water you may bring your own water bottle. See our packing list for a detailed list and an explanation of river conditions. See our links page if you want to research local weather forecasts or flow conditions. [Top]
Can I bring my camera or video camera?
We don’t recommend bringing video cameras, or even expensive still cameras on trips. We have disposable cameras available for sale at the booth. They’re great! The quality of the pictures is good, and if you lose it, it’s not the end of the world. They are well suited to rafting. Lower Animas trips have professional photographers stationed at key points, whose photos you can view and order after the trip. [Top]
We provide all river-related gear including Coast Guard approved Type III-V lifejackets (PFD’s). Also included in your trip is transportation in reliable vehicles from the meeting place for each trip to the river and back. Waterproof storage for personal items will be provided. We do not guarantee that cameras will stay dry. [Top]
We are located in the Albertson’s parking lot right in the heart of Durango at 643 Camino del Rio. See our map. [Top]
When should I arrive for my trip?
Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your trip departure time. Departure times are listed in each river description. [Top]
We have restroom facilities at our office in Durango. Restroom facilities are usually available where the trips start but not at the lunch spots. In our camps on the river, you will enjoy the convenience of our portable chemical toilet also known as the groover. [Top]
Is alcohol allowed on the river?
Alcohol and rivers do not mix. We do not provide alcohol, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. For multi-day trips, we provide limited amounts of alcohol. You may bring additional alcohol for consumption in camp. DO NOT DRINK BEFORE RIVER TRIPS. Guests who have been drinking will not go on the river and will not receive a refund. [Top]
Do I need to bring my own drinking water?
Water is not safe to drink from any stream. We will carry our drinking water with us. If you frequently desire water during the day, we suggest that you carry a canteen or other plastic or metal drinking container on the raft with you. [Top]
Are professional photographs taken of the trip?
Yes. On the Lower Animas a professional photographer takes pictures and sells them on a cd after the trip at our office when you return. Piedra and Upper Animas trips do not have a photographer. [Top]
Are there souvenirs available for purchase?
You bet! We have hats, T-shirts, and photographs of your rafting adventure available before or after your trip in our office. [Top]
