Adventure Tours & Rafting in Durango with Colorado Outback - Durango

Adventure Tours & Rafting in Durango with Colorado Outback

Durangomoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–4 hours for most activities; rafting up to 3/4 day

Fitness Level

Participants should be in average physical condition; rafting includes paddling and mild swimming, off-road requires able handling of vehicles.

Overview

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.

Details

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.

Adventure Tips

Wear quick-dry clothing

Water-based trips often involve getting wet; moisture-wicking or quick-dry gear enhances comfort.

Secure loose items in a dry bag

With dusty UTV tours and watery rafting excursions, a dry bag protects your belongings from dirt and water.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses

Exposure on open trails and water can be intense; UV protection is necessary year-round.

Check UTV rental safety briefings carefully

Operators provide vital tips and maps—pay close attention to vehicle operation and trail guidelines to maximize enjoyment and safety.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The old mining ruins along Bolam Pass road
  • Secluded swimming holes on the quieter river bends

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Red-tailed hawks soaring above the canyons

History

Durango’s corridors follow historic trails linked to 19th-century mining and railroad expansion which shaped this region’s development.

Conservation

Colorado Outback Adventures emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to preserve fragile river habitats and backcountry roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour before sunset
Mid-morning for river clarity
Late afternoon for shadow contrasts on ridges

Best Viewpoints

  • Bolam Pass overlook
  • La Plata Canyon rim
  • Animas River from the raft

What to Photograph

Sweeping canyon landscapes
Whitewater rapids
Off-road vehicles in action

Recommended Gear

Quick-dry clothing

Essential

Dries fast and keeps you comfortable during water activities.

summer specific

Helmet and goggles

Essential

Provided by the outfitter; vital for safety on UTV and Jeep tours.

Water shoes or sandals

Essential

Protect feet during river swims and rafting.

summer specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects exposed skin from strong mountain sun.

summer specific

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