Durango 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip – Lower Animas River

Durango’s 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip on the Lower Animas River offers an exciting outdoor experience that combines adventure, scenery, and comfort. Priced at $206.01 per person, this 6-hour tour is perfect for those seeking a balance of adrenaline and relaxation. The trip features 4 hours and 15 minutes on the water, navigating through Class II rapids and a single Class III rapid, making it a lively ride for those who enjoy a splash of challenge. What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of expert guides, high-quality gear, and a deli-style lunch, making it an all-in-one outdoor outing.

Since no experience is needed, this trip appeals to beginners and experienced kayakers alike. The tour departs from Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours at 8:30 am, with bookings typically made 5 days in advance. The small group size, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensures a personal and safe adventure. The only additional expense is for wetsuit rentals if desired, at $15. This trip balances excitement with ease, providing a memorable way to enjoy Durango’s scenic beauty and water thrills.

Key Points

• Exciting inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River with 4 hours and 15 minutes on the water
• Navigates Class II rapids and one Class III rapid, with lower water flows in late summer adding to the thrill
• All gear included, such as helmets, PFDs, and splash jackets, with instruction and safety orientation
• Highly experienced guides ensure safety, entertainment, and local insights throughout the trip
• Includes a delicious deli-style lunch and beverages — ideal for a full outdoor day
• Suitable for moderate physical fitness levels and no prior kayaking experience needed

Easy Booking and Convenient Meeting Point in Durango

This tour starts at Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours located at 50 Animas View Dr in Durango, Colorado. The 8:30 am departure time offers a full day of adventure, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. The process is streamlined, and the tour is often booked 5 days in advance, reflecting strong interest in this outdoor activity.

The tour’s mobile ticket makes it simple to confirm your spot and handle logistics smoothly. Attendees should plan for moderate physical activity, and optional wetsuit rentals are available for those who prefer additional warmth, especially during late summer when water levels tend to be lower.

Navigating Durango’s Lower Animas River: The Route and Stops

The tour takes place on the Lower Animas River, flowing through the town of Durango. As paddlers go through the scenic stretches, they will encounter exciting Class II rapids such as Smelter, Santa Rita, and Sawmill, each offering fun and manageable challenges. A single Class III rapid injects a dose of excitement, especially when water flows are lower in late summer, making the rapids even more lively.

The trip balances thrilling whitewater with calmer sections that showcase Durango’s natural beauty. The route provides opportunities for scenic views and relaxation, with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings while paddling along the river.

The activity concludes back at Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours, completing a full and satisfying adventure that emphasizes safety, fun, and scenic enjoyment.

The Guides: Experts Providing Safety and Local Insights

Guides play a critical role in the success of this trip. The highly experienced, in-house trained guides lead paddlers through the rapids, ensuring safety and enjoyment. They also handle all gear, including helmets, Coast Guard-approved PFDs, and splash jackets.

Guests consistently praise guides like Bodie and Embry for their knowledgeable, entertaining, and friendly approach. Embry, in particular, is noted for making first-time whitewater rafters, including children as young as nine, feel confident and cared for. This personalized guidance makes the entire experience more relaxing and enjoyable, even for those new to kayaking or whitewater adventures.

What’s Included in the Price: Making the Experience Value-rich

The $206.01 per person fee covers all equipment, including inflatable kayaks, paddles, helmets, PFDs, and splash jackets. The tour also includes a deli-style lunch and beverages, perfect for refueling after paddling.

Optional wetsuit rentals for $15 provide extra warmth during lower water levels or cooler days. The small group size and knowledgeable guides contribute to a personalized experience, making this tour well worth the price for adventure seekers and scenic lovers alike.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level to enjoy the paddle comfortably. The tour is not suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions but is accessible to most people in good health. Since no prior kayaking experience is necessary, first-timers can feel confident with the professional instruction provided.

The equipment and guides focus on safety and ease, but paddlers should be prepared for a full body workout during the approximately four hours on the water.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour operates rain or shine, but bad weather may lead to cancellation. In such cases, travelers are offered a full refund or rescheduling. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, ensuring flexibility for planning.

Since the water flows tend to be lower in late summer, the tour’s excitement level can vary, but guides adapt to conditions to maximize fun and safety.

Comparing This Kayaking Trip to Other Durango Activities

This Durango kayaking trip stands out for its combination of adventure, scenery, and inclusiveness. Unlike longer or more extreme whitewater tours, its Class II and III rapids are manageable for most and emphasize fun over risk. Its all-inclusive price with lunch and gear makes it a convenient choice for a full outdoor day.

Other nearby tours, such as self-guided audio drives or driving tours of Mesa Verde, focus on scenic drives, but this trip offers the hands-on experience of navigating the river. For those looking for active outdoor fun with expert guidance, this tour hits the right notes.

Best Suitability for Different Travelers

This trip suits adventure beginners eager to try kayaking, as well as families with children aged nine and up who want a safe, guided experience. It’s also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy scenic views and a bit of adrenaline.

Travelers seeking a full-day outing with included lunch and small group attention will find this tour offers excellent value. Those with moderate fitness levels and a love of nature will appreciate the balance of thrills and tranquility on the Lower Animas River.

Durango 3/4 Day Kayaking: An Adventure for All

The Durango Lower Animas River kayaking tour offers a well-rounded outdoor adventure with expert guidance, scenic beauty, and exciting rapids. Its all-inclusive setup, flexible cancellation policy, and manageable difficulty level make it an appealing choice for a variety of travelers. While water levels vary seasonally, the thrill of navigating Class II and III rapids remains a core attraction.

This trip provides an accessible, fun, and scenic experience that highlights Durango’s natural waterways. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced kayaker, the combination of adventure, comfort, and expert support makes this tour a compelling option for your outdoor plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the kayaking trip?
The tour costs $206.01 per person, including gear and lunch.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes on the water.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and ends at Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours, located at 50 Animas View Dr in Durango.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear moderate fitness levels; wetsuit and boot rentals are available for $15 if desired. The tour provides all paddling gear, but comfortable clothing suitable for water activities is recommended.

Are there age restrictions?
Although not explicitly detailed, reviews mention a 9-year-old participant, indicating family-friendly options for children of that age and older.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No experience is needed. The guides provide full safety orientation and paddle instruction.

What kind of rapids will I encounter?
You’ll experience Class II rapids and a single Class III rapid, with lower water flows in late summer making the rapids more lively.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners and those with moderate fitness, with guides ensuring safety and fun.

What is included in the price?
All safety gear, inflatable kayaks, paddles, helmets, PFDs, splash jackets, and a deli-style lunch with beverages are included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.