1 Day Upper Animas Silverton Stretch,
Class IV-V, 12 miles. Photos

At moderate to high flows this is one of the most demanding whitewater stretches in the US launching from Silverton, CO at 9,300 feet. Ten miles of challenging river culminates with Class V No Name Rapid. From here it is 2 miles of continuous whitewater dropping an amazing 120ft/mi ending at Needleton where we will board the train for the ride back to Durango. Outstanding, challenging, breathtaking: the definition of world class.

Upper Animas – Silverton Trip Details

  • $450/person: Price includes train tickets, lunch, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, and the best guides on planet Earth!
  • Guideline age minimums are 14 to 16 depending on flows.
  • 3pm the day before your trip for Orientation at our office at 303 W. College Dr.
  • 07:30 – 08:00 ish: Meet and depart for Silverton from our office
  • 09:30 – 11:00 ish: Ready rafts, safety orientation, get dressed, launch trip
  • 11:00 – 12:00 ish: 6 miles of amazing scenery with several class IV Rapids
  • 12:00 – 15:00 ish: 6 miles of the real deal and some lunch
  • 15:00 – 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 on river orientation the day before at 3pm

Upper Animas on Yelp
I went on an Upper Animas Trip in June and it was absolutely spectacular! I did the one day trip on the Silverton section which was a class IV-V. It was a wild and crazy ride and hands down one of the funnest things I have ever done. The guide was great and I felt completely safe the whole time. The best part was the scenery; it was some of the most beautiful country I have ever been through. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who wants some more excitement and this is the company to do it with!

Other Upper Animas and Class III-V Trips

Upper Animas Needleton Stretch Class III-IV
Upper Animas Rockwood Stretch Class IV
Piedra River Class III or IV Trips
2 Day Upper Animas Trip
3 Day Upper Animas Trip

Upper Animas Video of Ten Mile Rapid at High Water

What the experts say
Super Soaker, a jaunt through the meanest whitewater in Colorado
The Upper Animas is Like Beethoven’s Fifth
Upper Animas River: A whitewater hidden gem

Our Silverton Stretch Gallery * Photos on facebook * MWR in Outside Magazine * Upper Animas in the Durango Herald * The Durango Silverton Train & Mountain Waters Video
See More Photos!