| It’s rafting and kayaking season again, and the Durango area offers a variety of trips and rafting companies. Trips from two hours to 10 days are available.
For first-time rafters, children, or tourists wanting a few of hours of relaxation in a busy schedule, the lower Animas River Trip through Durango is perfect. It contains peaceful stretches with just enough class II and III rapids for excitement. Two hour and half-day trips are offered.
The upper Animas is for the adventurous. With continuous class III and intermittent class IV and V rapids it is considered, by some, to be one of the most difficult commercial runs in the country during high water. Paddling experience and physical fitness are recommended.
 The Piedra River, located between Durango and Pagosa Springs, is an adrenaline rush through 1000 foot deep canyons, alpine rain forest and heart pounding whitewater. Class II, III, IV and V rapids are for the experienced and physically fit.
The Dolores River, with class III and IV rapids, is a perfect trip for the entire family. One trip begins in the ponderosa pines, continues through red sandstone walls, drops down through piñon, juniper, yucca and cactus. Beautiful sites for lunch and overnight stops line the banks. Evidence of the ancient Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs can be seen.
A second trip on the Dolores continues on a 51-mile journey that descends into Little Glen Canyon, flows through Big Gypsum Valley and into the deepest canyon on the river, Slickrock Canyon. The class II and III rapids with long stretches of peaceful water make this trip perfect for quiet floating and side hikes.
One-to six-day trips are available.
These two Dolores trips can be combined with Gateway Canyon to make a 10-day trip. The river flows through the desert with exciting whitewater, fascinating geology, Indian ruins and interesting side creeks.
The San Miguel, near Telluride, offers one-to three-day trips from Placerville city park. An awesome outdoor adventure awaits between forested redrock walls and fast paced splashes.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, between Blue Mesa and Hotchkiss, offers two and three day trips through towering cliffs. Peaceful waters and rapids combine in a trip the whole family can enjoy. Sandy beaches create perfect campsites. Side canyons offer interesting hiking. Bighorn sheep, deer and even wildcats can be seen along the shore. Below the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River Pleasure Park, a gentle run to Delta can be enjoyed even early or late in the season.
If you are planning a river trip, here are a few tips that can make your trip easier and more pleasant:
The rafting company will give you a detailed list of what to bring. Follow it. Nylon shorts, a shirt that dries quickly and river sandals are best for the warm runs.
Make sure you include a long-sleeve cotton shirt and plenty of sunscreen.
The river rats wear the same clothes two and three days in a row, so can you.
The rafting company will provide a dry bag for your sleeping gear and extra clothes. A good way to pack is to lay out a tarp, open your sleeping bag on it, lay your spare clothes (including sweats, sweat shirt and socks for those cool nights) in your sleeping bag for the thinnest layer, close and zip your bag, fold the tarp around it and roll it as tight as you can. If you take the Black Canyon trip you will be carrying this bag for a mile down to the river so remember to think “light.” If you put your toiletries into a small bag, they can go on top of your sleeping roll in the dry bag.
Arriving fully packed and ready to go will allow more time for the trip. This is especially appreciated if you are going in a mixed group.
Ready to go? Relax, have fun, unwind.
For a list of rafting companies in the Durango area search
the net for "rafting Durango Colorado" |
