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Mountain Waters Rafting |
800-585-8243 |
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Peregrine River Outfitters |
800-598-7600 |
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Mild to Wild Rafting |
800-567-6745 |
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| Section |
Upper |
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Location |
San
Juan County, between Silverton and Durango, southwest Colorado |
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Driving Time |
Albuquerque—4
hours; Grand Junction—4 hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
IV-V; paddle rafting experience highly recommended |
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Trip Length |
26
miles (42 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft; one, two and three days |
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Season |
May-July |
The Animas River, located
high in the snowcapped San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado
between Silverton and Durango, provides a challenging alpine
whitewater trip for advanced paddlers and a relatively easy stretch
for families and first-time rafters.
The upper Animas River is an exceptional
alpine raft experience that includes outstanding whitewater and
mountain scenery. Its southward course, which begins at Mineral
Creek just outside of the historic mining town of Silverton
(elevation 9,230 feet), parallels the Durango and Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad south for 26 miles (42 km).
During
this exciting canyon course the Animas drops an average of 85 feet
per mile through dozens of Class III-IV and several Class V rapids.
The intensity of the whitewater does not give the paddler much time
to fully appreciate all of the many remnant foot bridges, abandoned
cabins, and spectacular views of the 13,000-foot plus mountain
peaks.
The
river trip ends in a unique manner near the small town of Rockwood.
Outfitters have made special arrangements with the Durango and
Silverton Railroad to shuttle rafters and equipment to Durango on
the afternoon train. Some outfitters also promote a three-day trip
that includes a horseback trip through Cascade Canyon in the
Weminuche Wilderness Area.
Because
of the high altitude, rafting on the Upper Animas does not begin
until late May or early June. All outfitters require rafters to have
paddled Class IV technical whitewater. Wet suits and helmets are
always mandatory, and rafters must be at least sixteen years old.
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