Is any paddling experience required?

No prior SUP experience is necessary; the calm river section is perfect for beginners with guidance from the team.

What should I bring with me?

Wear quick-dry clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle; all SUP gear and picnic items are provided.

Can children participate?

Yes, children age 6 and up are welcome and can enjoy both the walk and paddling portions safely.

Are there vegetarian picnic options?

Yes, the catered picnic includes both vegetarian and meat sandwich choices to accommodate dietary preferences.

Is this trip suitable for groups?

Groups up to 7 people can be accommodated, making it great for families or friends.

Where does the trip start and end?

The adventure starts with a walk from 32nd Street Bridge to Oxbow Park and finishes with a relaxing float back to the same point.

Stand Up Paddle and Picnic Adventure on the Animas River in Durango, Colorado

Flowing through southwestern Colorado, the Animas River offers a serene outdoor escape that combines gentle paddling, refreshing nature walks, and a delicious picnic, all within a 3-hour package designed for adventurers of all levels. Centered around Durango, this trip starts with a scenic 20-minute stroll along the Animas River Trail from the 32nd Street Bridge to Oxbow Park—a peaceful green space where the river bends wide and calm, making it ideal for launching a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP). At Oxbow Park, the team from ROLL awaits with fully inflated SUPs and a gourmet picnic lunch featuring fresh sandwiches (vegetarian and meat options), chips, cookies, and sparkling water. Guests have the freedom to customize their experience: lounge and sunbathe on the sandy beach, explore the nearby nature trails, or paddle upstream for an invigorating workout against the current. The gentle river flow here makes it accessible for beginners, families, and seasoned paddlers alike, blending physical activity with moments of rest. The culminating highlight is the 1.3-mile leisurely downstream float back to the starting point at 32nd Street. This peaceful drift, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, offers scenic river views framed by cottonwoods and willows, the occasional splash of local wildlife including waterfowl, and the soothing rhythm of the water below your board. Upon arrival, ROLL provides refreshing snacks and drinks, rounding out a perfect half-day outdoor adventure. This trip is a standout for Durango visitors because it unites multiple outdoor priorities into one seamless experience: easy hiking, paddling on calm river waters, and a locally sourced picnic. Durango’s location on the edge of the San Juan Mountains produces a landscape of forested riverbanks and open sky that’s especially striking under the summer sun. ROLL’s service is a unique asset to this stretch of the Animas River, focusing on low-impact, sustainable recreation that respects this beloved local waterway. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activity, a romantic outdoor date, or a gentle way to cool off during a mountain adventure, this SUP and picnic package balances ease and excitement. Located in Durango, Colorado—the gateway town known for its outdoor culture and historic charm—this adventure offers a refreshing taste of southwest Colorado’s best natural features, right at the water’s edge.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels including beginners and families; moderate paddling options available

Wildlife

Great blue heron
River otter

History

The Animas River played a vital role in Durango’s mining history and remains a cherished natural corridor for residents and visitors.

Conservation

ROLL prioritizes sustainable river use by limiting group sizes and providing eco-friendly gear to protect the river ecosystem.

Roll is a Durango, Colorado rental company specializing in electric bike and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals and guided experiences. Located in Durango, Roll offers a variety of eBike options, including KHS eBikes, Rad Wagon tandem eBikes for adult-and-child, and multiple group packages that supply up to five bikes for family outings or up to 16 bikes including tandems for larger groups. Rentals range from three-hour sessions to multi-day options (two-day, three-day, four-day), and hourly choices such as 3-, 5-, and 8-hour group packages. Roll pairs eBike rentals with curated experiences such as an eBike + picnic + SUP package: a 2.5-hour eBike ride on the Animas River Trail, a gourmet picnic at Oxbow Park, and a 1.3-mile paddle board float. SUP day rentals are available for Lake Nighthorse, Haviland Lake, and Lake Vallecito for 6–8 hours. Bikes include throttle and pedal-assist features and come in multiple sizes to accommodate different heights. The Rad Wagon tandem design supports adults up to 325 pounds. Safety equipment is provided; helmets are required for all riders. Group and family packages are tailored for shared outdoor exploration on paved roads and paths. Pricing, availability, and exact equipment options vary by date and package. Roll focuses on straightforward rentals and packaged adventures to help visitors explore Durango’s waterways and trails with eBikes and SUPs. Reservations and custom group arrangements are available seasonally; customers are encouraged to check Roll’s current availability and reservation policies online or by phone to confirm equipment sizes, package inclusions, and pickup times directly.

Base locationDurango, Colorado

Tours offered11+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace