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Lower San Miguel River - Half-Day Telluride Rafting

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Features

Free Cancellation
On the Water
Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Shuttle Included
Instant Book
$129 Person
$129 San Miguel Guest
(Ages 8+)

Description

Telluride Rafting on the San Miguel River

Experience the unmatched beauty on a half-day rafting trip down the San Miguel River in Telluride, CO. In the spring and early summer (May-June), this snow-melt-fed river plunges from the high peaks of the San Juan Mountains and pulsates through San Miguel and Norwood canyons. The contrast between the lush riparian ecosystem and the brilliant red sandstone canyon is undeniably unique.
Starting just 5 miles northwest of Telluride, the full length of the San Miguel River contains 40 miles of uninterrupted class I-III (IV) whitewater. The tour will be approximately 10 river miles. Our small maneuverable raft offers the most dynamic ride on the San Miguel River. We provide your group with the best equipment and the most experienced guides on a trip down one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in Colorado. You’re sure to be inspired by the narrow twisting waterway and towering red-rock walls of this Colorado jewel!

Duration

About 3 hours on the water, 4 hours from start to finish.

Itinerary:
  1. Meet at M&M Mercantile, drive about 15 minutes to the river access point
  2. Use restrooms and change into the gear you rented 
  3. Raft the San Miguel for about 3 hours with a riverside snack. Time on the water varies due to river flows.
  4. End the tour and get shuttled back to your car (about 4 hours after you started)

Location / Where to Meet

Meet at M&M Mercantile 20 minutes BEFORE the start time to meet up with the guides, keep in mind we have NO cell phone coverage and we leave promptly at the start time.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 8+
No experienced required!

What's Included

  1. Safety orientation
  2. PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), a.k.a. life jackets — Sorry, no personal PFDs allowed.
  3. Transportation to and from the river
  4. Raft guide
  5. Water
  6. Snacks

Not Included

  1. Wetsuits and splash gear are highly recommended and available to rent
  2. Gratuity - Please note that cell service is spotty, so cash for gratuity is recommended.

What to Bring / Wear

  • Sturdy shoes - All guests must wear shoes that strap to their feet such as old tennis shoes, Chacos, or Tevas. Flip-flops and slip-on shoes are not permitted.  If you don’t have the right shoes, river booties can be rented from our location for your convenience.
  • Quick-dry clothing - You will be getting wet so wear clothing that dries fast such as swimsuits or workout clothing. Avoid cotton and denim.  Cheap sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are encouraged.
  • Change of clothes and towel for after your trip
  • Sunscreen and water are highly encouraged
  • You may bring Go-Pros or other waterproof devices. 
  • Avoid bringing your phone, electronic key fobs, wallets, or anything else that cannot get wet, lost, or broken on the raft.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Durango Rivertrippers

FAQs

When does San Miguel River run?

Great question! The San Miguel river flows typically during the end of May and stops at the end of June. The dates we have loaded are the dates we are running this river. If you are looking for rafting in July and August check out our Durango River Rafting Trips.

Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations, and more.

Is there storage available for our belongings while we're on the trip?

Day trips do not have storage. Please leave all personal items in a hotel room or vehicle.

Are parking and restrooms available at the meeting point?

Parking is available on-site, as well as restrooms & changing areas.

What does trip insurance include?

By adding the trip insurance option, your whole group can get trip protection that allows you to cancel any time 12 hours BEFORE your trip launch date and get a full refund in the form of a non-expiring gift card. If canceled within 12 hours of your launch date no refund or gift card will be given.

I have my own life jacket. Can I wear it on the trip?

Sorry, no personal PFDs are allowed due to permitting and insurance regulations.

Do you raft when it's raining?

We go rafting in all weather, rain or shine. If the weather looks rainy, bring a rain jacket. We will have fun no matter what the weather does. We also rent out splash gear in case you forgot your rain jacket at home.

Cancellation Policy

If the need arises to cancel after your reservation, we require a 72-hour notice on all other adventures to get a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for a refund.
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Availability

May 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

Placerville M&M Mercantile - 240 Front St

Placerville, CO, 81430

US

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