Piedra River Rafting

A Great One Day Class IV Trip

This sparkling waterway, between Durango and Pagosa Springs, is currently under consideration for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.The surrounding forests are filled with trophy mule deer, elk, black bear, the endangered peregrine falcon, eagles, and the playful river otter.

We run an 11-mile section. The Piedra is small but quite lively. It is not as difficult as the Upper Animas, but this is still a trip for experienced boaters because of the steep drops, cold water and isolation of the box canyons.

Our one day trips include shuttles to and from Durango (or meet us where Highway 160 crosses the Piedra River), self bailing rafts, a hearty lunch, and seasoned professional river guides. The season on this free-flowing river runs May & June. $150/person.

Wetsuits are required – rentals available.

Make your reservation today!

Typical Piedra River Itinerary

  • 7:00 AM Guests who are catching a ride from Durango meet at Mountain Waters Rafting booth.
  • 7:15 AM depart Durango
  • 8:00 a.m. Meet at the pull-out on Highway 160 where the Piedra River crosses the highway. Shuttle to put-in.
  • 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Safety Lecture and Rig Boats
  • 9:30 a.m. : Launch
  • 9:30 a.m. – noon : Upper canyons of the Piedra
  • 12:00 Noon : Lunch (and it is great!)
  • 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. : Mudslide, Eye of the Needle and other class IV rapids
  • 3:30 p.m. : Take Out
  • 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. : Load Boats
  • 4:00 p.m. : Return Home

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.