Rockwood Box

View of Rockwood Gorge from the train

Paddling through Rockwood Gorge is one of the most incredible places you will ever be. During peak run off this section of river is  unnavigable for commerical rafts. As the river level drops in late July and August this gorge becomes a play ground of class III-IV rapids. Due to low water levels, when this trip is available,  we’ll begin at the confluence of Cascade Creek or Crazy Woman Creek. You have the option of hiking in from Purgatory Flats which is four miles or catching the train up the canyon from Rockwood. The only hitch with this trip is that it does require a mile hike up hill from the take-out to the van. All you are responsible for carrying is your personal gear. (It really isn’t that bad)

• 11:00 AM: Meet at rockwood.

• Noon: Lunch at Cascade, warm up on some easy class III rapids.

• 2 PM: We float under the train bridge and enter Rockwood Gorge and hit the first rapid “Mandatory”

• 3 PM: Just after floating though the most narrow part of the gorge, we enter class IV Red Wall rapid.

• 3:30 PM: Class IV Wall Slammer.

• 4 PM: Take out and deflate rafts

• 4:30 PM: Begin 1.5 mile hike and 400 vertical feet out of the canyon.

• 5:30 PM: We made it out of the gorge. Hop in the van and return to Durango.

DURANGO & SILVERTON RAILROAD INFO

Standard coach or gondola train tickets are included in the price. Upgraded cars are available. Visit durangotrain.com for more info about this part of your day.

OTHER INFORMATION

The maximum number allowed per trip by the U.S. Forest Service is 24 including guides. We require a minimum of 4 persons total to conduct a trip. Discounts are available for a group of 10 or more.

ANIMAS RIVER FLOW @DURANGO (1930 – 2002)

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