Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Rafting through Durango is just as popular with the locals as it is the visitors. It’s the perfect mix of excitement for all ages, with the added charm of floating through an impossibly picturesque town. You’ll catch plenty of splashes while getting to sit back and relax on this free-flowing Rocky Mountain river.
Half Day rafting trips on the Lower Animas are incredibly popular for busy schedules. You'll get a couple hours on the water with the best rapid sections.
Plus, our guides are well-trained and absolutely love what they do. You’ll get a hoot out of them as much as they get a hoot out of running this river.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 4 years
Wet-suit and wet-suit boot rentals are highly recommended through June
What To Expect
This must-do Durango adventure gives you around 2 hours on the river, taking you through the heart of this historic town and the funnest rapid sections. Families, friends, solo travelers, and locals of all experience levels absolutely love this trip! You'll bound through plenty of Class II rapids and one exciting Class III at Smelter Whitewater Park. Class II rapids are "fun and friendly," rolling over the bow and dousing those at the front of the boat. Class III rapids are "wet and wild," usually soaking everyone in the raft head to toe. Keep in mind the size of rapids will vary throughout the season with water levels, with spring typically having higher flows and summer lower flows. Don't worry if you're here later in the season, there's plenty of excitement to be had as we navigate between the rocks! Our experienced and entertaining river guides will get you downstream, sharing tons of fun stories, and fascinating history and insights about the area. You're welcome to paddle with your guide, or sit back and relax. All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from our experienced and fun-loving river guides. We take ages 4 and up on these trips!
Options
1/2 Day Morning Rafting Trip
Duration: 4 hours 8:30am - 12:30pm
1/2 Day Afternoon Rafting Trip
Duration: 4 hours 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Early Season 1/2 Day Rafting
Duration: 4 hours 12:30PM - 4:30PM
What‘s Included
Helmets, PFD's (life jakcets), and splash tops
Pre-trip safety orientation
Highly maintained and quality equipment
River and land access fees included
Free Parking
Trip Leaders average 2,000 river miles
Gratuities
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
959 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 River experience!!!!
samanthasV1776ZY,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was the best thing we have done while visiting the area. Shout out to Creel for being a whole vibe and for making our trip an amazing experience!!
Great trip!
Y1118DRsteveo,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip... Guide was excellent, safety was heavily emphasized (a good thing), and fun was had by all. Will do it again with more family later in the summer.
Fun on the Lower Animas
debg168,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend Mild to Wild. This was a wonderful experience from the time I booked until we returned to the store after the trip. The chat function on the website was efficient and useful. An AI assistant asked a few identifying questions and then immediately connected me to a representative. All representatives were helpful and courteous. On one of the chats we got cut off and the representative (Will) texted and called me to make sure my questions were answered. I initially booked for 6 but two had to cancel and I had no problem getting my money refunded. The trip done the Animas was exhilarating Jake was a great guide and made the trip special. I loved the class three rapid! Looking forward to returning next year.
Mesa Verde half day tour with Cat
384vanceg,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time - Cat was our tour guide and did an awesome job - super knowledgable and engaging.
GREAT TIME!
kbuch78,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a perfect activity for a family that has kids of mixed ages. My 7 year old ended up loving and my 15 year old had a blast. The guide, Sammy was awesome and when we return to Durango we will definitely do something else with this company! Location was easy to get to an all the staff were super friendly.
Fantastic trip for Kids
susiebZ2283DV,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous trip! We took my two grandkids. It was the first time they'd been river rafting and at first, they were a little nervous. After a few minutes, they were laughing and yelling--having the time of their lives. They kept asking each other if they were having fun and they each said they were having a super fun time. They loved going through the rapids too. Our guide, Jake, was fun and personable.
Amazing experience
nichalosb2026,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on this trip and had an absolutely amazing time. My wife and I enjoyed it and Sam made sure that both my 7 year old wasn’t to scared and my 15 year old wasn't bored. Will absolutely do this again if we come back.
Perfect rafting day
zachreborn,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kip was an excellent guide on a perfect day! We enjoyed the half day rafting experience. There was lots of laughter, great sights, and we could have stayed on the water all day. Highly recommend Mild to Wild and Kip!
Animas River Rafting Trip
Janet S,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00guide did an excellent job with the raft. all the equipment and safety items made for a safe trip. Just enough rough rapids for us older rafters. beautiful day for the trip All the staff were super friendly and helpful
rafting the Lower Animas River
janetsF4003YY,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great guide and excellent equipment just enough rough rapids and lots of mild rafting for us older folks. weather was great for the trip
Related Experiences
Operated by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours