Amazing rafting in southern Colorado

San Juan River

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san juan river overview

Beginning high in the majestic San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, the San Juan River flows through some of the best canyon country in the West on it’s over 400 mile journey to join the Colorado River. The San Juan offers excellent choices for short and full day trips as well as extended outings.

• Difficulty: Class II-V (What does this mean?)
• Season: May – August

White Water Rafting Trips on the San Juan River:

Trip Lengths: 1/4, 1/3 & Half Day
Outfitter: Pagosa Outside
Learn More: www.pagosaoutside.com ~ 970.264.4202

Wilderness Aware Rafting does not operate trips on the San Juan River. Information regarding the San Juan 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!

san juan river sections

East Fork of the San Juan
Class III-IV
Tight, busy, and technical including rapids with steep drops and turns.

Pagosa Springs Town Run
Class II-III
Short and sweet run through the fun and splashy rapids created by the Pagosa Springs Whitewater Park. This jaunty stretch is flanked by the sulfuric and soothing hot springs.

Mesa Canyon
Class II-III
Easygoing and gentle stretch of river just outside of Pagosa Springs. This section offers a handful of small rapids in a picturesque forested canyon.

reviews

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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 San Juan River Self-Guided Boaters:

The San Juan 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:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.

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