Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River

5.0 (40 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

40 reviews

5.0

Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

When it comes to Colorado whitewater, hardly anyone knows about the San Miguel River. Which is kind of a surprise! Given how much fun it is, on top of being in proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.

The rafting section is gorgeously scenic, exciting for all experience levels, and pretty much a must if you want to spend the afternoon like a local. Its red sandstone canyon juxtaposed by flourishing pine forests make for a picturesque setting to recreate on this Rocky Mountain river.

Anyone who loves the outdoors will have an absolute hoot on this tour, whether it’s your first or hundredth time rafting. Just ask our guides, most— if not all!— will agree that the San Miguel is their favorite river to run.

Rafting On the Water Excellent Quality Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Curated Catalog Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–25
Guide: English
Operated by: Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

Ages: Youth (8–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Helmets and Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Device
Included: State-of-the-art self-bailing raft
Included: Low guest-to-guide ratio: 4 to 6 customers to a guide
Included: Highly trained guides/trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles of experience

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

The San Miguel is a free flowing river that starts in the mountains above Telluride. Once it’s tumbled out of the cliffs, through town, and into a red rock canyon along CO 145, the river becomes a prime arena for paddling, splashing, and by golly both at the same time. The afternoon trip offers constant Class II rapids, where the river corridor widens into Norwood Canyon. Class II rapids are fun and friendly, rolling over the bow of the boat versus rocking it like a hurricane. Be ready to hit a lot of drops and bound through the wave trains! In between the frothy sections, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a well-deserved rest and hopefully spot some wildlife. Keep an eye out for sociable river otters feasting on rainbow trout, they just love the stuff. Your guide will share insights about the area and probably a few stories or jokes, maybe even a pun or two... Fingers crossed. All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from our experienced and fun-loving river guides. You'll get acquainted quickly! As you'll be steering the boat with them the whole way.

Stop 1
Stop 2

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Departure point: Caddis Flats Campground

Address: State Highway 145

Placerville, Colorado

GPS: 38.027816, -108.091237

From Placerville (Jct. CO 145 & CO 62), go west on CO 145 1.8 miles. Entrance is on the left (south).

End point

Departure point: Caddis Flats Campground

Address: State Highway 145

Placerville, Colorado

GPS: 38.027816, -108.091237

From Placerville (Jct. CO 145 & CO 62), go west on CO 145 1.8 miles. Entrance is on the left (south).

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests must be willing to paddle
Minimum age is 8 years old
Wetsuits are often required until July, and recommended all season (rentals available for $15)