San Miguel River

Isolated rafting in gorgeous western Colorado

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san miguel river overview

Beginning in a high alpine setting near Telluride, this pristine river descends 80 miles all the way to the desert environment of the Dolores River. From high country mountain scenery to the sandstone and granite canyons on the lower stretch the San Miguel is a true classic Colorado river.

• Difficulty: Class II-III (What does this mean?)
• Season: June – July

White Water Rafting Trips on the San Miguel River:

Trip Lengths: 1/2 & Full Day
Outfitter: Telluride Outside
Learn More: www.tellurideoutside.com ~ 800.831.6230

Wilderness Aware Rafting does not operate trips on the San Miguel River. Information regarding the San Miguel 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 miguel river sections

Sawpit, Upper and Lower San Miguel
Class III
Continuous section of small rapids and mild white water set in a beautiful canyon near Telluride.

Norwood Canyon and The Ledges
Class III
Mild section of white water with a few fun and playful waves all while floating through alpine forest and high desert ecosystems.

Naturita to Uravan
Class I-II
Mild and meandering section through the high elevation desert of western Colorado.

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 San Miguel River Self-Guided Boaters:

The San Miguel is managed by the Bureau of Land Management out of Montrose, CO.

Boating Permit Required: NO
Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river, but you do need to buy a pass to use the BLM managed and private access sites.
River Manager: U.S Bureau of Land Management – Uncompahgre Field Office
2465 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401
970.240.5300 ~ www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo.html

Shuttles:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.