Raft Wild & Scenic Piedra
Piedra River Wild & Scenic Gem of the San Juan Mountains
New 2012 Photos of the Lower Box Piedra River on Facebook
A Great One Day Class III or IV Trip May & June
This sparkling waterway, between Durango and Pagosa Springs, is currently under consideration for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The surrounding forest is filled with trophy mule deer, elk, black bear, peregrine falcon, eagles, and the playful river otter.
The Piedra has two distinct sections known as the Upper Piedra Box and the Lower Piedra Box. 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.
Both trips meet at the Piedra Store on the north side of Highway 160, 30 miles east of Durango. Personal vehicles are left here and we provide shuttle transportation from that point on. The season on this free-flowing river runs May & June.
Lower Box Piedra River Class III & IV
A real Colorado gem, the Lower Box of the Piedra (12 miles) starts with a bang! With less than a mile to warm up the rapids begin as soon as you enter the Box Canyon. Big Drop, Wall Slammer, Son of Mud, Mud Slide and Meat Grinder are separated by short pools. After lunch the action relaxes and we can enjoy the intimacy of this smaller stream surrounded by towering ponderosa trees filled with deer, bear, lynx and mountain lions. This small volume free flowing river has a short season and sees few visitors, definitely one for the books! $179/person* Age 14 and up. Wetsuits are required. $25/day Rental includes wetsuit, booties and splash jacket.
- 9:00 am: Meet at Piedra Store, 22391 US Highway 160, mile marker 121, 36 miles east of Durango. Shuttle to put-in.
- 9:30 am: Safety Lecture and Rig Boats
- 10:00 am: Launch
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Lower Box Canyon of the Piedra and her mighty rapids
- 12:00 pm: Lunch (and it is great!)
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Class II-III scenic float out of the canyon
- 3:00 pm: Take Out
- 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Load Boats
- 3:30 pm: Return to your vehicle
Upper Box Piedra River Class III & IV-
Outstanding scenery and lively action. The prettiest stretch (10 miles) of the Piedra is up here near the mountains with its meandering continuous class II flow through natural park lands and aspen/fir forest. After lunch is when we enter the Upper Box Canyon and it’s two defining rapids, Lone Pine and Limestone. A great full day adventure for families who want more than the Lower Animas can provide. $139/person* Age 12 and up. Wetsuits are required. $25/day Rental includes wetsuit, booties and splash jacket.
- 9:00 am: Meet at Piedra Store, 22391 US Highway 160, mile marker 121, 36 miles east of Durango. Shuttle to put-in.
- 10:00 am: Safety Lecture and Rig Boats
- 10:30 am: Launch
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: super scenic meandering class II float
- 12:00 pm: Lunch (and it is great!)
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Upper Box Canyon with Lone Pine and Limestone Rapids
- 3:00 pm: Take Out
- 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Load Boats
- 4:00 pm: Return to your vehicle
Piedra River Marathon Class IV
When the water is high and the crew is strong (we are very selective for this trip) the appropriate crew can run both Boxes (22 miles) in one long challenging, full on day. Prior experience is required so that we know that you know what you are getting into. $249/person* Age 14 and up. Wetsuits are required. $25/day Rental includes wetsuit, booties and splash jacket.
- 8:00 am: Meet at Piedra Store, 22391 US Highway 160, mile marker 121, 36 miles east of Durango. Shuttle to put-in.
- 9:00 am: Safety Lecture and Rig Boats
- 9:30 am: Launch
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm: float and into the Upper Box (10 miles)
- 12:00 pm: Lunch (and it is great!)
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: The Lower Box and float out (12 miles)
- 3:30 pm: Take Out
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Load Boats
- 4:00 pm: Return to your vehicle
Cancellation Policies
Guest Cancellation
- Full payment is required at time of reservation.
- 100% refund less a 10% fee for cancellations made 48hrs before the trip.
- Trips can be rescheduled at no cost if made 48hrs in advance.
- No refunds for cancellations made less than 48hrs prior to trip date.
- If you have qualified for a group discount, cancellations must be received 7 days prior to the trip’s scheduled departure.
Trip Cancellation by Mountain Waters Rafting
- A trip may be cancelled at any time for river safety reasons.
- Mountain Waters will not reimburse any travel costs.
* Price does not include 5% river access fees
