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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 |
Mesa
Canyon |
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Location |
Archuleta
County, south of Pagosa Springs, southwest Colorado |
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Driving Time |
Albuquerque—4
hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
I-III |
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Trip Length |
Mesa
8 miles (13 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft; half-day |
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Season |
April-June |
The upper San Juan
River's Mesa Canyon offers late spring and early summer vacationers
to southwest Colorado an opportunity to experience small to moderate
(Class I-III) whitewater rapids in a scenic wilderness environment.
Most of the river trip is within the San Juan National Forest and
the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Much of the emphasis of the Mesa Canyon river trip is on the
scenic beauty of wilderness area. As rafters float through mixed
cottonwood and pine forests, they often see golden eagles, deer,
elk, beavers, and bear. Birdwatchers are encouraged to bring
binoculars, as many side canyons are available for short hikes.
Morning and afternoon trips are available.
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| Section |
Montezuma
Canyon |
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Location |
Archuleta
County, south of Pagosa Springs, southwest Colorado |
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Driving Time |
Albuquerque—4
hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
I-II |
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Trip Length |
14
miles (22 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft; one day |
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Season |
July-August |
After the early summer
waters through the upper San Juan River's Mesa Canyon become too low
for rafting, raft trips are offered on through Montezuma Canyon.
Here, even easier, Class I-II rapids, enable virtually everyone a
safe and enjoyable river float trip.
In addition to the scenic wilderness beauty of Montezuma
Canyon, rafters will enjoy the historic abandoned railroad, ghost
towns, and old homesteads of this area. There is ample time for
swimming, relaxation, and hiking into one or more side canyons.
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