Durango Kayaking
Make A Splash & Kayak The Lower Animas River
Looking to make a splash in Durango? Consider kayaking in Durango, Colorado on your next trip to the San Juan Mountains. The Lower Animas River is a spirited stretch of water essential to the Four Corners Region’s culture and heritage – and kayaking in Durango offers a great adventure for those seeking to paddle, spin and surf their way down these Gold Medal Waters.
Where To Kayak in Durango
Though the Lower Animas River is much tamer than the wild Upper Animas, you’ll find that kayaking here is an exciting river adventure full of heart-pumping thrills. You’ll definitely get wet when kayaking in Durango, and it’s essential to have strong swimming skills before you pick up a paddle. Paddle schools can help you make sure you have the skills you need to play it safe.
Animas River Access
Book Kayak Tours
Inflatable Kayak Tour: 2.5 Hours
This trip is perfect for those who have limited time but still want to experience the adventure of the Animas River in Durango. With our trained guide...
Choosing Your Kayak
Kayaking on the Animas River can give you an adrenaline rush like you’ve never experienced before. You’ll likely find several kinds of kayaks at Durango’s river outfitter shops. Popular options among Durango kayakers include: inflatable kayaks, whitewater kayaks, fishing kayaks and hobby kayaks. The boat you choose determines the ride you experience as you paddle down the Animas River.
Many guides and paddlers say that inflatable kayaks, sometimes called “duckies,” offer the best of both worlds by combining the experience of both a whitewater raft and a kayak. Single and tandem options are available. These crafts are appropriate for beginners and offer a safe ride down the Animas River and her class II and III rapids.
More experienced paddlers seeking a bigger thrill might opt to conquer the Animas in a hard shell whitewater kayak. These crafts aren’t for newbies: Most Durango kayak rental shops require that you prove your kayaking skills before they’ll allow you to book your trip. To rent a whitewater kayak in Durango, you’ll likely be asked to demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to roll your kayak – or to right a capsized kayak without losing control of the boat or your paddles. Rolling a kayak doesn’t require any special strength; just skills and experience.
Conquering The River
Kayaking the Lower Animas River starts with putting in at one of the region’s many river access points. The Animas River starts its stretch near Silverton and flows until its confluence with the San Juan River in New Mexico. Even with its long run, the most popular stretches for kayakers are right here in Durango. Ready to make a splash? Consider booking a quick kayak trip with Durango Rivertrippers.
Book Kayak TripsMany kayakers choose to put in at the 32nd Street put-in on the north side of Durango. From here, folks paddle down about 5 miles, exit the river and take the River Trail to a Trolley Stop back to their cars parked at the put-in site. This trip lets you be back in time for dinner and maxes out with the Class III Smelter Rapids. Other popular places to put-in include parks and river access sites around town.
History Of The Animas
The Spanish explorers who first charted the region’s landscape named the rushing river El Rio de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatório or The River of Lost Souls in Purgatory. Legend has it that the Animas River was originally called El Rio de las Animas Perdidas in commemoration of a regiment of Spanish soldiers that mysteriously disappeared along with a box of gold coins.
History Of The AnimasToday, those who travel the Animas are anything but lost. You’ll find lots of information and resources available to help you plan your next Durango kayak trip.