Broken Bridge Rapid, Needleton Stretch, Upper Animas, Mountain Waters Rafting, Durango, CO
1 Day Upper Animas Needleton Stretch,
Class III-IV, 12 miles. Photos
The Durango-Silverton Train will take us to the halfway point in the canyon where this trip begins at Needleton. Here lies the start of 12 miles of the friendlier side of the Upper Animas. The river quickly gets your attention with Class IV Broken Bridge Rapid followed by miles of continuous Class II & III whitewater. Stunning scenery and fun whitewater action make this the foremost trip in the state for all experience levels!
Trip Advisor Review of the Needleton SectionWe took our family of 6 for their first river rafting trip down the Needleton. Views were spectacular and the Guides (Andy and oops forgot the other name) were so much fun, knowledgeable and safety conscious. We could not have asked for a better experience. It was AMAZING !!! I would highly recommend Mountain Waters Rafting and we WILL be back next year to do the Silverton stretch. Thank you so much for a memorable trip !!
Upper Animas Needleton Trip Details
- $450/person: Price includes train tickets, lunch, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, and the best guides on planet Earth!
- Guideline age minimum is 12-14 depending on flows
- 3pm the day before: depending on weather, river conditions and or river flows a “meet & greet” or on river orientation will be required at our office at 303 W College Dr
- 07:45 – 08:00: Meet at our office and walk to the train station
- 08:45 – 11:30 ish: Ride the train to Needleton
- 11:30 – 12:30 ish: Ready rafts, safety orientation, dress for the river, launch trip
- 12:30 – 15:30 ish: 12 miles of awesome rafting and lunch
- 15:30 – 16:30 ish: Take out, change clothes, load & ride train to Rockwood Station
- 16:30 – 17:30 ish: Continue on train to Durango or drive back with us
Recommended 1 day Equipment
- Swimsuit for under the wetsuit
- Layers: synthetic shirt, fleece, underwear to complement the wetsuit
- Socks: wool or synthetic to wear with the booties
- Hat for under the helmet, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle
Upper Animas Trips Require:
- A sense of adventure and an honest assessment of your physical condition
- Reservations are required for all Upper Animas Trips so we can reserve the train
- Experience & age requirements fluctuate with water levels
- This trip has a mandatory orientation the day before at 3pm
Other Upper Animas and Class III-V Trips
Upper Animas Silverton Stretch Class IV-V
Upper Animas Rockwood Stretch Class IV
Piedra River Class III or IV Trips
2 Day Upper Animas Trip
3 Day Upper Animas Trip
Broken Bridge Rapid at High Water Class IV+
Atlas will run any river, any time. Upper Animas, Mountain Waters Rafting, Durango, CO