Meaning “River of Souls,” the Animas has long been central to the identity of Southwest Colorado. Its banks hold remnants of ancient Puebloan irrigation systems, the tracks of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the stories of miners, ranchers, and modern explorers.

When tourism replaced Durango’s historic smelting industry in the 1980s, the Animas River quickly became a symbol of recreation, adventure, and outdoor connection. The Lower Animas remains Durango’s most cherished stretch, where families gather, locals cool off on summer afternoons, and visitors discover the magic of Colorado’s river culture.

The Lower Animas mixes splashy Class II and III whitewater with calm scenic floating along riverbanks shaped by Entrada and Dakota sandstones, Mancos shale, and cottonwood grooves. Along the way, rafters pass historic sites including the former coal power plant, Colorado’s first fish hatchery, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Smelter Mountain.

This 3/4 day trip gives you the most complete Animas River experience lasting 4 hours on the river and 5 hours 45 minutes round trip. Enjoy a longer stretch of the animas river with more time to play and a delicious riverside lunch prepared by our favorite local bakery.