Durango Rafting: Quarter-Day Family-Friendly Animas River Trip
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for families and beginners; basic mobility to enter and exit the raft is required
Overview
Float the Animas with guides who know the river and the town. This two-hour, family-friendly raft trip mixes Class I–III rapids with calm stretches, local history, and hands-on safety for kids as young as four.
Durango Rafting: Quarter-Day Family-Friendly Animas River Trip
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A morning on the Animas River begins with the city’s low hum — coffee shops opening, the narrow-gauge steam whistle in the distance — and then the river takes over. The Quarter-Day Family Friendly Trip launches from the Albertsons lot beside Durango’s DoubleTree; within minutes you trade sidewalks for the river’s edge. Sun hits the water in strips, and guides from Mountain Waters Rafting hand out helmets and life jackets with the matter-of-fact cheer of people who do this every day. The raft rocks, the current nudges, and a gentle sequence of Class I, II and a handful of III waves wake up smiles rather than nerves.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to get fitted with a life jacket and helmet and hear the safety briefing.
Dress for Wet and Sun
Wear quick-drying layers and closed-toe water shoes; sunscreen and a hat are musts for midday trips.
Mind the Minimums
Children must be at least 4 years old and under-11 children must weigh 30+ pounds — bring ID for verification.
Secure Small Items
Use a zip-lock or dry bag for phones and snacks; loose items can be lost during small rapids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great blue heron
- Beaver
History
The Animas River corridor supported Indigenous peoples and later drew miners and rail crews in the 19th century; Durango expanded where water and rail met.
Conservation
River health depends on careful water use and keeping banks clean; choose outfitters that follow leave-no-trace and river stewardship practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Durango
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Quick-drying clothing
Dries fast after splashes and keeps you comfortable on warm days.
summer specific
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet during river entry and on rocky shorelines.
Sunscreen and brimmed hat
Essential for UV protection during exposed stretches of the float.
summer specific
Light waterproof bag
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry on the shuttle and raft.