Animas River, Colorado
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
Upper: IV-V; Lower: I-III |
| Trip Miles |
Upper: 26 miles; Lower: 5 to 12 miles |
| Trip Duration |
Upper: 1 to 3 days; Lower: 1 day |
| Season |
Upper: May-July; Lower: May-August |
| Raft Type |
Oar Raft, Paddle Raft |
| River Sections |
Upper and Lower |
| Nearby Towns |
Durango (CO), Silverton (CO) |
| Driving Times |
Grand Junction (CO): 4 hours; Albuquerque (NM): 4 hours |
| Recommended For |
Beginner, Expert, Summer |
The Animas is a long river, flowing from high in the San Juan mountains to its confluence with the San Juan River in New Mexico. In its upper reaches, the Animas rampages at walloping Class V for miles through the Animas Gorge. This is a river that tests both technique and endurance. Another gorge further on stops action: its unrunnability requires the boater to either walk away or take the train that runs along the river. The Animas eventually calms down to a bouncy Class I above Durango.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
