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Echo Canyon River Expeditions |
800-748-2953 |
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Mountain Waters Rafting |
800-585-8243 |
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Pagosa Rafting Outfitters |
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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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| Sections |
Upper
and lower box canyons |
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Location |
Hinsdale and Archuleta
counties between Pagosa Springs and Durango, southwest
Colorado |
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Driving Time |
Albuquerque—4
hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
IV-V; Class IV rafting experience highly recommended |
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Trip Length |
22
miles (35 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft; one and two days |
|
Season |
May-July |
The Piedra River, in
southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, is one of the state's
finest alpine rivers. Historically referred to as the "River of
the Rock Wall," the Piedra is a very demanding river adventure.
Only experienced, physically fit rafters should consider the trip.
The
Piedra's very narrow and steep upper and lower box canyons create
several very technical Class IV-V drops. Outfitters normally run the
22-mile (35-km) Piedra raft trip in two days or a 14-mile (22-km)
trip in one day. Its alpine mountain waters are always cold, and
helmets and wet suits are required. Most trips include shuttles
between the river and Durango or Pagosa Springs.
Animals
including elk, mule deer, black bears, river otters, and the
endangered peregrine falcon are frequently seen along the river's
forested banks.
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