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EXHILARATING RIVER THRILLS with White Water Rafting in Telluride

Each year with the arrival of the spring melt, visitors and locals take to the rivers in search of white water rafting excitement. The Telluride area is home to an abundance of scenic waterways offering wet and wild adventures that range from leisurely floating trips to dramatic rides through raging rapids. Experienced guides offer fun rafting trips for riders of all skill levels. But, if you want to skip the tour, rent a tube from a local outfitter and enjoy a leisurely float down the San Miguel River with class II+ to III rapids. Starting just above Telluride in the San Juan Mountains, this free-flowing 72-mile river offers abundant whitewater and beautiful scenery. Age restrictions may apply for rafting tours, so check with your guide before booking a tour.

Telluride Outside is our preferred choice for a White-Water Rafting Adventure. The San Miguel River is expected to open for adventures on June 1, 2020. Telluride Outside welcomes the 2020 rafting season with special considerations for guests and guide safety in regards to COVID-19 pandemic.  For information on the new rules put into place please click here.
2020 San Miguel rafting prices include private transportation to and from Telluride & Mountain Village, wet suits, helmets and river booties.
San Miguel Rafting Prices 2020           Per Raft
½ Day Lower River (class II-III)            $500/boat for up to 6 passengers
½ Day Upper River (class III )              N/A
Splashy, fast and fun, the San Miguel offers terrific rafting for guests of any experience level. Running the San Miguel requires constant maneuvering and excellent teamwork. Grab a paddle and jump in the raft!

Two half day routes are available. The most popular trip launches just thirty minutes downstream from Telluride at Specie Creek and runs 9 miles to the Beaver Creek river access. This section features class II-III whitewater, ideal for beginning and intermediate rafters, families and groups of mixed ability.  The age limit for this trip is 6 years/50 lbs. Capacity per boat is 6 paddlers.
Due to COVID-19, the ½ Day Upper River (class III ) and the multiple day/night trips are not available this summer.

For more information on guided White-Water Adventures with Telluride Outside please click here. 

Want to skip the tour and create your own adventure? Click here to rent a Stand Up Paddle Board, Inflatable River Tube or Inflatable Kayak.
 
 

Activities

  • Half Day River Trips
  • Historical River Tours
  • Full Day River Trips
  • Self-Guided Rafting 
  • Overnight Rafting Trips
  • Rafting Gear Rentals
 

FAQs

  • What time of the year can we go river rafting?

    Because Telluride is a high altitude location, the area gets plenty of snow and many rivers can freeze during the winter. You should expect to get wet during your river rafting adventure, so rafting is definitely a spring and summer sport. The Telluride river rafting season generally opens in late May and runs through October. But, keep an eye on the weather and call our vendor for the most current information.

  • What class of Rapids are offered for river rafting?

     Our trusted vendor, Further Adventures, offers a choice of rafting tours perfect for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy a fun ride through class II and III rapids in the Norwood Canyon. More experienced rafters can take on the technical challenge of action-packed class IV chutes at Deep Creek. And kids of all ages will love the mild historical river float through easy, class I and II rapids on the scenic San Miguel River.
  • Our Concierge team would be more than happy to book any adventure for you, or if you have any additional questions, please call our Concierge team at 970-369-6116. Or email them at concierge@mountainlodgetelluride.com
 
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