Upper Animas

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Run Length

24 miles

Average Gradient

80 fpm

Difficulty

Class V

Recommended Flow

350-3000 cfs

River

Animas River

Location

Durango, Colorado, United States

Author

Current Flow & Weather

N/A

Drainage

San Juan

Elevation

9240ft to 7095ft

Twenty four miles of continuous class IV whitewater in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This run has a definite wilderness character but the railroad runs up the valley providing convenient access for those who get in over their heads or for bringing in overnight gear and beverages.

The run starts in the old mining town of Silverton and then gradually builds as you head downstream. You'll find long rollercoaster rides of wave trains with many holes to avoid. Most of the rapids are straightforward class IV and free of obvious hazards. Due to the continuous nature of the run and challenge of rescue along with the very cold water temperature, swims can be serious.

Keep your eyes open for three major rapids. Garfield Slide, No Name Falls, and Broken Bridge, all can be scouted from river right and the railroad tracks provides a convenient portage. After Broken Bridge you have several more miles of excellent and continuous whitewater. Once you reach the Tacoma Power plant and the railroad trestle overhead you have three basic options: Paddle the Rockwood Box, a stout, two mile stretch of challenging whitewater, take the train out, or hike out along the tracks.

No Name Falls rapid

about 2300 cfs on lower gauge

Photographer:Bryan Houle

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Put-In
The put-in is on Mineral Creek, directly southwest of Silverton off Highway 550 after crossing a bridge over the creek. Beware the low bridge at the start of the run. Alternatively you can put in directly on the Animas along the train tracks to the southeast of town.

Take-Out
The take-out parking is in the burg of Rockwood Box, 16+ miles north of Durango off Highway 550. You have three options once you reach Tacoma Power plant all of which take you to a parking spot near the Rockwood rail yard. You can continue boating downstream into the more challenging Rockwood Box (if you decide on this option you must scout the take-out or go with someone who knows the run to make sure you do not enter the unrunnable lower box), catch the train from Tacoma to the Rockwood Rail Yard (check to make sure you can put your gear on the train), or you can hike out along the tracks. This final option is considered trespassing and is only normally done after the last train passes through for the day. This is a long shuttle especially if you are planning to do the run in one day. Consider a two-day trip, run your shuttle the night before, or plan for a very long day.

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Trip Report

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	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.