A trip to Durango might not feel entirely complete until you’ve taken time to get out on the water and enjoy your scenic surroundings. The Animas River in Durango is one of the city’s most defining natural features, and a top place to enjoy year-round recreation.
What Makes the Animas River a Local Favorite
The Animas River in Durango flows right through the heart of the city, making it accessible to visitors year-round. The river offers inviting stretches of calm water as well as lively rapids, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the adventures they love most. The Animas River is defined by scenic banks and lined by bridges and parks. Whether you come to raft, tube, kayak, or fish, the cherry on top is always the gorgeous surrounding mountain views.
Rafting, Tubing, and Water Activities on the Animas
The combination of exciting rapids and areas of calm makes the Animas River a popular destination for on-the-water thrills of all kinds. While some visitors come exclusively for rafting and tubing, it’s definitely hard to beat kayaking on the Animas River in Durango when you’re in town. Guided rafting trips here are typically best enjoyed during late spring and early summer when local snowmelt increases the water flow. Those who book a rafting trip can often expect to encounter Class II and III rapids alongside their guides.
A popular outfitter to consider is Colorado Outback Adventures, which offers family-friendly excursions along the Lower Animas River. They also provide inflatable kayaking upon request.
- Address: 1212 CO-3, Durango, Colorado, 81301
- Phone: (970) 903-1923
- Rafting Tour Duration: Approximately 2.5-5.5 hours
- Tour Options
Tubing and stand-up paddleboarding are great family-friendly activities to enjoy on the Animas River when you’re looking to slow things down. All you have to do is hop in and float or paddle through the calmer sections of the river, many of which are located conveniently near Santa Rita Park. The Santa Rita Whitewater Park also has opportunities for water recreation enthusiasts to try river surfing as well!
- Address: 111 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, Colorado, 81303
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
- Amenities
Fishing Along the Animas River
Anglers are often drawn to the Animas River with good reason. Here, you can count on a healthy trout population paired with many easy access points for casting a line. Fishing the Animas River is an opportunity to reel in:
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Cutthroat trout
- Brook trout
- Cutbow
These species thrive in the river’s mix of riffles, shaded banks, and deep pools. This makes fly fishing an especially popular activity in these waters. Anglers typically agree that spring and fall are prime times for fly fishing in the area due to robust hatches and cooler temperatures.
Getting into these gold medal waters is easy to enjoy on your own or with a local guide. There are many great fly fishing outfitters in the area that provide customized excursions fit to an angler’s preferences, style, and desire to learn more. No matter how you approach the water, it’s good to keep a few things in mind when fishing the Animas. We recommend:
- Making sure you invest in quality waders that are really helpful in deeper sections of the river
- Heading out to fish in the early morning or evenings when conditions are prime, and things are quieter
- Bringing a variety of flies to match seasonal hatch trends
- Checking local regulations for catch-and-release zones before you head out
The Animas River Trail and Scenic Walks
When you’re in the mood for a scenic stroll near the water, you’ll want to be sure to add the Animas River Trail to your itinerary in Durango. This is one of the area’s most popular recreation paths, and it stretches for miles along the river. Visitors enjoy this multi-use trail for its viewpoints, easy access to the water, and surfacing that’s great for jogging, biking, walking, and wildlife watching.
- Length: 6.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 104 feet
- Trail Map
Exploring the Animas River Trail gives you access to Santa Rita Park and Rotary Park, both of which are great stops for a picnic with family and friends.
River Access Points, Parking, and Getting Around
The Animas River in Durango is easy to explore thanks to its numerous access points. Some of the most well-used areas include:
- 32nd Street Access when you’re heading this way to fish or launch a raft
- Santa Rita Park for rafting and tubing
- Rotary Park for picnics and trail access
- Oxbow Park for quieter waters and surroundings
It’s good to keep in mind that while parking is typically available near most trailheads and river access points, it’s often limited and fills up quickly. This is especially true in summer when tourist numbers are on the rise. That’s why many visitors choose to walk or bike the trail to avoid parking hassles altogether. Depending on the guided excursions you select, local outfitters may also offer complimentary pick-up and shuttle service for participants.
When to Visit and Seasonal Considerations
Every season on the Animas River is unique. Those who head this way in the spring can enjoy great rafting thanks to increased snowmelt. Summer travelers will find the Animas River is vibrant with paddleboarders, tubers, kayakers, and families picnicking on the shoreline. A fall trip to the Animas River comes with cooler weather to enjoy and great surrounding foliage to admire. Winter here sees things slowing down, but provides a scenic backdrop for bundled-up walks and wildlife viewing.
Safety Tips and Planning Ahead
The Animas River is certainly accessible, but safety should always be a priority for beginners and expert water enthusiasts alike. Some key safety tips to keep in mind when you’re here include:
- Wearing a life jacket for all water activities, no matter how confident you are in your swimming skills
- Using property footwear to navigate rocky riverbanks
- Checking water flow levels before you head out for a day of kayaking or rafting
- Following all posted signs and local regulations about water activities
It’s also a good idea to book a vacation home near the water when you want to maximize your time out exploring. This can be especially helpful when you’re traveling with little ones who might need to take breaks throughout the day, and you don’t want to go far for naps, relaxation, or snacks.
Book Your Durango Vacation Rental Near The Animas
No matter when you arrive in Durango to spend time on the Animas River, having the right accommodations in place makes all the difference. At Durango Colorado Vacations, we have Animas River Days cabins for travelers to enjoy when they’re here to celebrate seasonal events in style! We also have cabin rentals ready to book that are within easy reach of scenic views, afternoon floats, or morning walks by the water year-round.
Take time today to browse our wide variety of property options in Durango and find a home-away-from-home that takes your river trip to the next level of fun. When you find the property you love, contact us with any questions or for assistance with booking. We look forward to helping you plan an unforgettable adventure to Durango.
