Upper Piedra River

Technical rapids tucked in a forested canyon

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upper piedra river overview

The Upper Piedra, also referred to as the Upper Box, Second Gorge and Second Box is a fun and fast-paced section complete with spectacular forested scenery and some technical and pushy rapids.

Recommended White Water Rafting Trips on Upper Piedra River:

Trip Name:
Piedra River Double Box
Sections Included:
Upper & Lower Piedra
Outfitter:
Mild to Wild Rafting
Learn More:
mild2wildrafting.com
800.567.6745

Trip Name:
Piedra River 2-Day
Sections Included:
Upper & Lower Piedra
Outfitter:
Mild to Wild Rafting
Learn More:
mild2wildrafting.com
800.567.6745

Trip Name:
Upper Piedra Full Day
Sections Included:
Upper Piedra
Outfitter:
Mild to Wild Rafting
Learn More:
mild2wildrafting.com
800.567.6745

Wilderness Aware Rafting does not operate trips on the Piedra River. Information regarding the Piedra River on this website is strictly informational. Please click here for a complete list of trips that we offer, or use the search filter to the left. Thanks!

upper piedra sections

Upper Piedra River Whitewater Rafting Details:

Difficulty: Class III-IV (What does this mean?)
Elevation: 7636′ to 7082′
Average Gradient: 55.4′ per mile

Access to Access

Upper Piedra Campground to 1st Fork Campground: 10 miles
Total Mileage: 10 miles

reviews

What people are saying

Lydia filled us with confidence. She was skilled and knowledgeable and explained each set of rapids so we knew what to expect. She was great company and we had the best experience. She was brilliant.

Dwight W. Rafter
I cannot wait to come back! Also loved how funny all the guides were. It was the most I’ve seen my sister laugh in a long time! Thank you so much for this amazing experience.

Lexi R. Rafter
I spent several days researching various rafting options and after speaking w/your team was sold. We were not disappointed-the trip is spectacular and our guide Sean was informative, lively professional and entertaining.

Lauren C. Rafter

resources

Information for Piedra River Self-Guided Boaters:

The Piedra River is in the San Juan National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Boating Permit Required: NO
Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river within the National Forest on public lands.
River Manager: US Forest Service – Columbine Ranger District
367 Pearl Street, Po Box 439, Bayfield, CO 81122
970.884.1404 ~ www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan

Shuttles:
Please contact the river manager (above) for information on shuttles.