The Upper Animas River, originating high in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, tumbles through a remote, dramatic gorge paralleled by the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This wild, committing section features continuous Class IV-V whitewater with steep drops, technical rapids like No Name (Class V), and relentless action through stunning alpine scenery, making it one of the most demanding commercially run rivers in the U.S. The Lower Animas River flows through Durango, Colorado, offering a more accessible and family-friendly stretch of splashy Class II-III whitewater mixed with calm, scenic floating along urban riverbanks lined with cottonwoods, historic sites, and mountain views. At the heart of town lies the renowned Durango Whitewater Park (also known as Santa Rita Whitewater Park), featuring engineered play features.
River Class / Skill Level
• Class: II–IV whitewater with exciting rapids and play features.
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced depending on section.
Season / Permits / Weather
• Boating Season: May through August during snowmelt runoff.
• Permit Required: No permit required.
• Best Time to Run: June during peak snowmelt flows.
• Weather: Warm summer days with cool mountain evenings.
Water Levels / River Character
• Typical Flow Range: ~500–5,000 cfs depending on snowmelt runoff.
• Low Water: Technical maneuvering through shallow rapids.
• Optimal Flows: 1,500–3,000 cfs provides exciting wave trains.
• High Water: Fast current with powerful rapids in canyon sections.
• Special Considerations: Popular playboating and festival river.
Put-In / Take-Out
• Standard Put-In: Rockwood Boat Ramp.
• Standard Take-Out: Santa Rita Park.
• Trip Length: Approximately 15 miles.
USFS
San Juan National Forest
BLM
Animas, Grandview Skyline
Camping
Local Camping
Directions
Google Maps
Weather
Local Foecast
River Access
Map of River Access Points
Shuttle
Local Shuttle Company
Gear
Local Gear Shop
Hot Springs
Nearby Hot Springs