Upper Box Piedra River Rafting

Guided

Duration: 1 day

Durango • Pagosa Springs

Features

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Shuttle Included

Free Cancellation

On the Water

Instant Book

$195 Per Person

(Ages 14+)

Description

Upper Box Piedra River Whitewater Rafting - Pagosa Springs, Colorado; Durango, Colorado

Embark on this unforgettable journey through the untamed beauty of the Piedra River’s Upper Box with this guided whitewater rafting tour. This hidden mountain gem, only accessible during a brief season from May to June, promises a remote adventure away from other crowded rivers.

Under the expert guidance of professionally trained and experienced rafting guides, you’ll conquer the highly sought-after Lone Pine (Class IV) and Limestone (Class IV) rapids! Adventurers aged 14 and older are invited to join in (all minors must be accompanied by an adult) though prior whitewater experience is highly recommended but not required.

Rain or shine, the fun never stops on this river! After a morning getting warmed up on Class I to III rapids, you’ll pause for a riverside lunch break to re-energize, just before tackling the infamous Class IV rapids! Take that opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the Box Canyon while munching, possibly seeing wildlife from ducks, deer, foxes to, if you’re lucky, the occasional bear in the surrounding aspen and fir forest.

Please keep in mind the intensity of the rapids will vary during the season, depending on the river's flow. Classes I - IV range from moving ripples and small waves to long rapids with constricted passages that require maneuvering. The river is generally at a Class III, which is regarded to be suitable for beginners, until you reach the Class IV rapids towards the end.

Duration

4.5 Hours on the water, full 1-Day trip in total.

After meeting at our headquarters, we'll load up and head to the river. This trip takes a full day due to the length of the shuttle and stopping for lunch.

8:00 am: Meet at 360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200, Durango, CO 81301
8:30 am: Load vehicle and drive to the put-in near Pagosa Springs, CO
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Rig Rafts, Safety Orientation, Put in the Water
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Riverside Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Enter Class III+ Rapids of Lone Pine and Limestone
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Take Out, Load Bus, and Head Back to Durango

Want a shorter trip? Check out our Half-Day Animas River Rafting Trip.

Ages & Requirements

Must be 14+. If a minor, must be accompanied by an adult.

Health: Ultimately the responsibility falls on the participant but if you have a health condition consider what your doctor would say and that you need to be able to swim in whitewater and self-rescue, meaning to get yourself into a safe position should you fall out of the boat.

Location / Where to Meet

Durango Rivertripppers & Adventure Tours

360 South Camino Del Rio, Suite #200, Durango, CO 81301

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time to check in.

From meeting location, you will be transported to and from the rafting location.

Distance from Water: The shuttle will be about 60 miles and normally around 1 hour and 20 mins but that is dependent on traffic or construction

What’s Included

Shuttle to and from Piedra River
Riverside lunch halfway through
Class III-IV Rapids
Professionally Trained and Experienced Guides
Type V Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Heavy Duty Whitewater Rafts
Safety Orientation for all Guests
Helmets

Not Included

River shoes, wetsuits, & splash jackets (available to rent)
Dry bags (available for purchase)
Trip Insurance
Gratuity

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.
Sunscreen & Sun Protection - Sun Shirts, cheap hats or sunglasses (these could be lost so only bring something you’re okay with losing, and ensure that sunglasses and hats have a retaining strap)
Rain Jackets - If the weather is looking dreary, you can bring along a rain jacket to help stay dry and warm
Water Bottle (No carabiners allowed for your safety)
Change of clothes and towel for after your trip
Dry Bag - Recommended if you're bringing any items that cannot get wet.
You may bring Go-Pros or other waterproof devices, but need to leave your hands completely free, so please use helmet mounts or chest mounts.
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

Can I bring cameras?

Rivertrippers are not responsible if your camera is lost or broken and cannot return to find the camera in the case that it is lost. You are welcome to bring one that keeps your hands free and does not impede your ability to paddle or swim/maneuver. You must bring your own chest or helmet mount.

Do I need previous experience?

Class IV rapids are highly recommended to have previous whitewater experience though not required.

Will my group be kept together on one raft?

They will do their best to keep your group together but the number of people on a raft is dependent on total weight and is case by case.

How many people are on a raft?

There will be anywhere from 3 to 8 people plus the guide and it will depend on the combined weight of the raft so it will be a case by case situation.

Will they weigh me at the office?

They will not weigh individuals, you will have to fill in your weight on the pre-arrival form so they can determine the amount of people per raft.

Are there any weight or height restrictions?

There are no weight or height restrictions.

What is the weather policy?

Rafting happens in both rain and sun. If you are worried about the cold or rain you can bring or purchase rental splash gear, river shoes, and wetsuits.

Will we see any wildlife?

It is never guaranteed however you could possibly see ducks, foxes, deer, birds, and the occasional bear.

Health restrictions or how physically fit do I need to be?

Any health concerns can be discussed but ultimately rest on what your doctor would recommend. You need to be able to self-rescue and swim in fast moving whitewater. If you have restrictions to mobility or concerns about being able to withstand falls, swimming, or being able to react quickly, please consult with a doctor. You are ultimately responsible for yourself and your ability to handle this adventure.

Do they have people who take photos/videos you can purchase, is there any way someone can drive and take photos along the river of you passing by?

Due to the nature of the river and the needed focus by the guides, there are no photo or video packages for purchase, though you are welcome to strap a waterproof camera to yourself with official helmet or chest mounts. This is a very remote river so non-participants are not allowed and there are no viewing areas to see people pass down the river.

When is the season for Upper Box?

Season is very short from May to June.

When does the Piedra River run?

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

Cancellation Policy

Full refund if you cancel 72 hours proper to start-date for a full refund.

Trip Protection Insurance is available for 8% of the total trip which will give a full refund through a non-expireable gift card up to 12 hours before the trip start date.