moderate
2–4 hours for most activities; rafting up to 3/4 day
Participants should be in average physical condition; rafting includes paddling and mild swimming, off-road requires able handling of vehicles.
Colorado Outback Adventures ties together rugged jeep tours, high-speed UTV rentals, and scenic rafting trips on the Animas River for a full-spectrum Durango outdoor experience. Discover thrilling off-road routes and river runs tailored for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike.
Durango, Colorado, is a rugged mountain gateway where the San Juan Mountains rise sharply from the high desert landscape. At the heart of this outdoor playground, Colorado Outback Adventures offers a dynamic lineup of guided and self-driven excursions that put you deep into the wild terrain of La Plata Canyon, Bolam Pass, and the swift-flowing Animas River.
For off-road enthusiasts, the company’s RZR and KRX UTV rentals deliver an adrenaline-charged way to cover vast dirt trails and rocky ridges. Whether it’s a 2-hour speed session or a 4-hour journey through diverse topography, these powerful vehicles handle dusty climbs and sharp descents with equal confidence. Jeep rentals and guided Jeep tours add a rugged, vintage twist—providing access to narrow canyon roads and sweeping panoramic viewpoints often missed on foot.
On the water, Colorado Outback shines with half-day to three-quarter-day rafting trips down the Animas River. Guides with in-depth knowledge of the river’s history and geography lead safe, exciting runs through manageable rapids framed by sandstone cliffs and native pines. The rafting experiences range from beginner-friendly glides to more extended adventures that include swimming breaks in the chilling mountain water. Inflatable kayak trips offer an alternative route for paddlers seeking a more intimate encounter with the river’s flow.
What truly sets this operation apart is its seamless blend of safety, entertainment, and local storytelling. Staff like guides Hailey and Billy bring the history of Durango’s river and mountain trails to life, while the driving tours allow travelers to uncover lesser-known dirt roads and ridgelines.
Colorado Outback Adventures stands out as a cornerstone of Durango’s outdoor scene, offering accessible thrills across land and water. Whether it’s your first time behind the wheel of a UTV or your first paddle stroke on the Animas, this outfitter ensures every experience is memorable and authentic to Southwest Colorado’s rugged spirit.
Water-based trips often involve getting wet; moisture-wicking or quick-dry gear enhances comfort.
With dusty UTV tours and watery rafting excursions, a dry bag protects your belongings from dirt and water.
Exposure on open trails and water can be intense; UV protection is necessary year-round.
Operators provide vital tips and maps—pay close attention to vehicle operation and trail guidelines to maximize enjoyment and safety.
Durango’s corridors follow historic trails linked to 19th-century mining and railroad expansion which shaped this region’s development.
Colorado Outback Adventures emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to preserve fragile river habitats and backcountry roads.
Dries fast and keeps you comfortable during water activities.
summer specific
Provided by the outfitter; vital for safety on UTV and Jeep tours.
Protect feet during river swims and rafting.
summer specific
Protects exposed skin from strong mountain sun.
summer specific