Bounce through fun-filled rapids on Durango’s Lower Animas, such as; “Train Bridge,” “Baby Smelter,” “Smelter Rapid,” and “Santa Rita”! Whitewater Park begins where the river curves around Smelter Mountain, dropping down into Smelter Rapid. We offer raft trips down the Lower Animas and San Miguel Rivers which are suitable for the entire family. Overall, a great place to be! To ensure a pleasurable experience and protect the Animas River Greenway, please read and follow these river user guidelines: Be Safe - It is recommended that river users wear a Coast Guard Approved life vest.

Name Bear Creek Rapid Class III to III+ Description It starts with a short boulder garden. Animas River - 32nd Street to Smelter Bear Creek Rapid Rapid Details. For you adrenaline seekers out there, join us for an adventure of a life time on our action packed Upper Animas river trip. 233 Reviews.

The rapid continues and ends with another boulder area. Animas river rafting. Overall, a great place to be! Note: This trail is not open to bikes and is closed for seasonal wildlife closures from December 1 to April 15. Break for a riverside lunch Back out on the river for a mellow afternoon Shuttle back to the Outpost

Animas River Days started in 1983 when local paddling legend Nancy Wiley put on the first whitewater rodeo in Durango, CO. As time went on, Animas River Days has drawn paddlers from all around the world to its events. The first and largest rapid, Smelter, ranges from a Class II to IV rapid, depending on flow. “The ‘96 Olympic course was designed after what we were doing in the Animas,” says Brennan. Get info on rapids, camps, access, and anything else you want to know about this section of the river. When water levels rise, we take extra safety precautions which may include walking around one of the rapids where the river narrows or using other river sections.

Photo: Smelter Rapid on the Lower Animas in Durango, CO. 4 Corners Whitewater See all 233 reviews. With water diverted to the right side of the Animas River, boulders are moved into place Friday as construction continues on the city’s Whitewater Park at Smelter Rapid. Shuttle to the Animas River for your full day trip Tackle Train Bridge Rapid, Baby Smelter & Smelter Rapid Thunder through Santa Rita, Sawmill & Pinball; AFTERNOON. 360 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301-6806. Upper Animas - June 1-2,2013 - Short version The Lower Animas is a popular river for visitors and locals, alike! Description: Join 4 Corners Whitewater for river rafting trips in Durango and... read more Join 4 Corners Whitewater for river rafting trips in Durango and Telluride, Colorado. A quick sampler trip for those with a tight itinerary, Durango’s Animas River is a popular day trip for locals and visitors! by tdjaxon. According to Herald archives, however, a 56-year-old man died on a commercial trip in 2015 after a raft flipped at Smelter Rapid when the Animas was running around 4,000 cfs. As the river enters Durango, it moves to a Class II, culminating in a Class III at Smelter Rapid (at Santa Rita Park). Helmets and secure foot gear are also recommended for individual crafts. 2:57. There are small class II rapids throughout the trip with the biggest class III+ rapid being located at Santa Rita Park known as Smelter. As the river winds out of the mountains, it drops to Classes I – III. Certificate of Excellence. Paddle along with the guide, or sit back and relax as the guide does all the work…your choice! Enjoy a Durango rafting half day river trip through town! Learn the history of the region and stories of local traditions as you experience Durango, Colorado river rafting! Break midday for a hearty riverside lunch, then enjoy a relaxing float in the afternoon while soaking in the scenery. Durango & Silverton train rolls by. John Brennan of the Animas River Task Force and Durango Whitewater watches as a boulder is moved at Smelter Rapid. River and Whitewater information for Animas River - 32nd Street to Smelter - United States Colorado . First-time rafters and veterans will enjoy this river rafting trip through Durango on the Animas River. Animas River: City really screwed up the Smelter rapids - See 319 traveler reviews, 74 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. ... On Wednesday morning, 1Million gallons of contaminated mine drainage was accidentaly released into the Animas River watershed. 2.5 hours round trip, 1 hour on the water. 0:48. Smile for the camera.-Stop for a snack on 1/2 trips (crackers, meat, cheese and fruit-float for 1 more hour-Take-out and return to your vehicle at 4 Corners Riversports. The base of Smelter Mountain is Durango’s off-leash dog area and open year-round. Here you’ll find an incredible stretch of whitewater for challenging drops and exciting rapids: a kayaker’s utopia. The Animas River can rise from snowmelt. For safety, 4 & 5-year-olds will be escorted around the Smelter Rapid if your trip goes through the whitewater park.