What It's Like to Raft the Lower Animas River Durango, CO
Lower Animas Rafting in Durango, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
River Related FAQ
WHAT DO I WEAR on a Durango Rafting Trip?
For Spring Trips when water temps are below 55°F :
- Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
- Wetsuit (available for rent)
- Synthetic fleece (available for free)
- Splash jacket (available for free)
- Wetsuit booties (available for rent)
- Helmet (free! and always required)
For Summer Trips when water temps are over 55°F :
- Quick dry clothing/Swimsuit
- Hat (that fits under your helmet)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sandals with straps (no crocs or flip flops allowed!) or anything any shoes that will stay securely on your feet.
Keep this in mind when choosing your river look— Cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans will stay cold (the temperature of the snow melt water) when wet, so they are not suggested unless it’s a hot day!
DO WE HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
If you are kayaking, yes.
If you are rafting, no.
PFD’s (personal floatation devices, better known as life jackets) are worn at all times on the river and are designed to float you face up. You should however be comfortable in moving water with a PFD.
The guides instruct you before the trip on what to do in the small chance (more likely in inflatable kayaks) you take a swim in the river.
HOW BIG ARE THE RAPIDS on the Lower Animas River?
The Lower Animas is a mild trip, with mostly Class I: “moving water” and Class II: “splashes. There is one Class III: “wet and fun” rapid through Smelter Whitewater Park.
Water levels change daily on the Lower Animas, so at high water levels in early spring you can expect more rapids and bigger splashes. During low water season in the summer and fall, the river is very calm and becomes a technical paddling trip.
HOW DEEP IS THE ANIMAS RIVER?
This first depends on the volume of water flowing through the river on any given day. The river depth also changes at different points depending on its gradient and width.
Some stretches are low enough to see the riverbed, while others are deep enough for swimming. All in all however, the Lower Animas isn’t considered a very “deep” river.
HOW COLD IS THE ANIMAS RIVER WATER?
The Animas River is 100% dependent on the snowmelt of the San Juan Mountains north of Durango. This means that in the early season, the water is very cold (40-45 degrees). Later in the season, the water warms up to about 50-60 degrees.
To help keep you warm, splash jackets are provided on all of our trips. Wetsuit boots are recommended all season, and wetsuits are recommended early to mid-season. We watch temperature gauges closely, and if they reach a certain level, we will require wetsuits when needed.
DO WE HAVE TO PADDLE on a Durango Rafting Trip?
There are different types of raft set ups used for different situations:
Oar framed boats allow the guide to use a pair of oars to control and move the raft. Oftentimes, customers paddle along with the guide according to their commands. However, since the guide essentially has most of the control, guests can sit back and enjoy the scenery if they so choose.
Paddle boats do not have the frame so all participants have a paddle with the guide. No experience is necessary for either type of raft configuration. The guide will teach you how to paddle in your pre-trip instruction and safety orientation.
CAN WE BRING CAMERAS?
You are welcome to bring any cameras you like. Just be aware that anything you bring is subject to being snatched or splashed by the river! We recommend having a waterproof case as well as a strap to keep it attached to you.
WILL I GET WET?
In short, yes! However the water level will determine how wet you get. If you raft when the snow is rapidly melting and the flows are high, you will get bigger splashes than you will later in the season. If it rains, you get more water for you money! Luckily, rainwater is warmer than the river’s water.
CAN I TAKE MY 3 1/2 YEAR OLD?
If your child is at least 35 pounds and the water levels are low, we may be able to accommodate you. All requests must be approved by a manager, so please give us a call!
AT WHAT WATER LEVELS CAN I KAYAK the Lower Animas?
We allow kayaking at 2,200 CFS and under.
CAN I BRING ALCOHOL?
Nope! But feel free to check out the Best Post-Adventure Patios in Durango to enjoy after your trip.
CAN MY DOG COME?
We love dogs! But we can only allow certified service animals with a their own PFD. Also, you are not allowed to leave your dog in the car in the parking lot, so please make accommodations for them in advance!
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