Where to Go: the 11 Best Durango Rafting Tours

1.Durango Half Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $107Our pick

Join Mild to Wild for a half-day Lower Animas River trip from Durango. Guides such as Sam, Nina, Anna, and Rob are known for clear paddling instruction and local stories. Expect mild to Class III rapids, a riverside snack stop, scenic views, and a group capped at 15 people.

“Sam Cook was a fun, knowledgeable and experienced guide. Our fellow rafters made the experience extra special and such a good time. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 583 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Raft the Lower Animas River from Durango with experienced guides such as Kaleb, Dylan, Stephen, and Riley. Choose a mild or more active ride, paddle or relax, and expect about an hour on the water, Class II rapids, one Class III, mountain views, and plenty of splashing.

“Because the water was lower, it was a pretty mild experience. But it was still so fun! The views were stunning. Our raft guide was knowledgeable and funny. We loved our experience and would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Durango Rafting – Quarter Day Family Friendly Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 268 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Spend about two hours rafting the Animas River through Durango with a certified guide such as Shiloh, Shay, Hannah, or Steve. You’ll receive safety gear, transportation, and a family-friendly run suited to first-timers, younger children, and adults seeking a short taste of whitewater.

“We had a fantastic time for our first experience. Our guide Kina was entertaining and adventurous. Our whole family had a great time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Durango Rafting – Half Day Family Friendly Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 260 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Raft the Animas River from Mountain Waters Rafting in Durango on a gentle, family-friendly half-day outing. Certified guides such as Courtney, Bobby, Dory, and Shiloh lead beginners through basic strokes, small rapids, optional swims, and Santa Rita Park. Expect transport, equipment, free parking, and groups of up to nine.

“Loved it! And our tour guide was si nice! Thanks Axel!!! Btw hate the number pf minimum characters in this review!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Durango ~ 2.5 “Splash “N” Dash” Family Rafting Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Spend about an hour rafting the Lower Animas River with a guide such as Lauren, Claire, or Jonathan. You’ll learn basic paddling, tackle small rapids, and may cool off in calm water. The full outing lasts about 2.5 hours and includes gear, shared transport, and return to downtown Durango.

“Interesting guide. Felt safe. Fun for the family. Rained a bit, but didn’t lessen the fun. Company is organized, helpful, and friendly. Would love to go again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Durango Colorado – Rafting 1/2 Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet at 1212 CO-3 in Durango for a roughly 4.5-hour Animas River rafting trip. Guides such as Cal, Sean, Alex, and Justin lead the way, with safety instruction, gear, snacks, and transport included. Expect some rapids, plenty of easy floating, and a good chance of getting splashed.

“It was our first time, and we love it! We had a very nice guide Sean, who is funny and informative..Overall we would love to do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Durango ~ 4.5 hr “Half-Day” Family Rafting Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94

Raft the Lower Animas River from Santa Rita Park with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours. You’ll handle Class I, II, and III rapids with a guide such as Derrick, Veronica, or Berry, plus gear, water, snacks, and shared transport. Minimum age is four.

“It was a great raft trip. The guide was experienced and the water level was perfect for us. It was somewhat cloudy and threatening weather. But we had sun that afternoon and everything went great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Durango Rafting – Animas River Adventure Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $185

Spend about six hours on Durango’s Animas River with Mountain Waters guides such as Hannah, Ashton, Kina, Shea, and Shiloh. You’ll raft Class I to III rapids, run Whitewater Park in inflatable kayaks when flows allow, stop for river swims, and enjoy lunch, snacks, equipment, and transport.

“Traveled from Texas! Had a great experience with guide, Ashton! He was very knowledgeable,fun & kept us safe! 10/10!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Durango 3/4 Day Rafting Trip with Lunch – Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $162

Paddle about four hours on Durango’s Lower Animas River, running Class II rapids and one Class III section before a riverside lunch from a local bakery. Guides such as Nina, Corbin, Noah, and Jaden bring clear instruction and good humor. Spring has bigger flows, while summer is gentler.

“Had a great time on the 3/4 day raft trip down the lower Animas with Mild to Wild. Very professional and entertaining. Our guide Corbin was great!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Zip Line – Rafting Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $228

Start at Mountain Waters Rafting in Durango for a full day of zip lines and Animas River rafting. Expect clear instruction, scenic forest views, whitewater park action, a riverside snack, and a small group capped at seven people.

“Had a lot of fun! Great 1st time experience. Tristan our raft guide and his team were great. My family had so much fun! Would love to do rafting again! Emily and cooper at the Zipline did a great job! The lines were nice and a few very fast! views were great. Definitely both companies kept you safe and also had great conversation.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Guided Fly Fishing Float Trip | San Juan River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours fishing the calm San Juan River with a private guide, complete equipment, lunch, snacks, drinks, and transport from Durango if requested. The trip suits beginners and experienced anglers, with no rapids and time for steady casting. Tom is one named guide.

“Tom was a fantastic guide On time and everything very organized. He put me on the fish and gave me tips to bring them in”

Check availability →Read our full review