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Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River

Telluride, United States 2h 30m 5.0 · 40 reviews EN 22803P28
Instant confirmation Free cancellation (24h) Mobile ticket Adults 12–99
Photos 10
Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River - photo 1 22803P28
Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River - photo 2 22803P28
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Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River - photo 6 22803P28
Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River - photo 7 22803P28
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Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River - photo 10 22803P28

Overview

When it comes to Colorado whitewater, hardly anyone knows about the San Miguel River. Which is kind of a surprise! Given how much fun it is, on top of being in proximity to bougie and beloved Telluride.

The rafting section is gorgeously scenic, exciting for all experience levels, and pretty much a must if you want to spend the afternoon like a local. Its red sandstone canyon juxtaposed by flourishing pine forests make for a picturesque setting to recreate on this Rocky Mountain river.

Anyone who loves the outdoors will have an absolute hoot on this tour, whether it’s your first or hundredth time rafting. Just ask our guides, most— if not all!— will agree that the San Miguel is their favorite river to run.

Tour at a glance

Duration
2h 30m
01
Tour type
Group tour
up to 25 travellers per booking
02
Languages
EN
live guide
03
Pickup
Meet at start point
04
Operates
Every day
Starts 14:00
05
Confirmation
Instant
e-ticket by e-mail
06
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
07
Traveller ages
Adults 12–99
08
Rating
5.0 / 5
40 verified reviews
09
Ticket
Mobile ticket
show it on your phone
10

What's included

  • Helmets and Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Device
  • State-of-the-art self-bailing raft
  • Low guest-to-guide ratio: 4 to 6 customers to a guide
  • Highly trained guides/trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles of experience

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

What you'll do

The San Miguel is a free flowing river that starts in the mountains above Telluride. Once it’s tumbled out of the cliffs, through town, and into a red rock canyon along CO 145, the river becomes a prime arena for paddling, splashing, and by golly both at the same time. The afternoon trip offers constant Class II rapids, where the river corridor widens into Norwood Canyon. Class II rapids are fun and friendly, rolling over the bow of the boat versus rocking it like a hurricane. Be ready to hit a lot of drops and bound through the wave trains! In between the frothy sections, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a well-deserved rest and hopefully spot some wildlife. Keep an eye out for sociable river otters feasting on rainbow trout, they just love the stuff. Your guide will share insights about the area and probably a few stories or jokes, maybe even a pun or two... Fingers crossed. All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from our experienced and fun-loving river guides. You'll get acquainted quickly! As you'll be steering the boat with them the whole way.

Meeting & pickup

Everyone meets at the start point.

Departure point: Caddis Flats Campground Address: State Highway 145 Placerville, Colorado GPS: 38.027816, -108.091237 From Placerville (Jct. CO 145 & CO 62), go west on CO 145 1.8 miles. Entrance is on the left (south).

Schedule

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 14:00 Available until 8 Aug 2027

Good to know

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Guests must be willing to paddle
  • Minimum age is 8 years old
  • Wetsuits are often required until July, and recommended all season (rentals available for $15)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews

5.040 reviews
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40
4
0
3
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Sarah C Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Fun had by all!

Our family of 5, 2 adults and teens, had a great time riding the San Miguel river with our guides. The guides were well versed in the river and even with the crazy wind that fell a tree in the river, they made sure we were able to safely make it back to our vehicles. We would highly recommend this fun adventure!

Getaway169733 Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Excellent guide

Our guide Justin was excellent! He knew the river so well and took us down smoothly while having a fun time.

Footprints404860 Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Fabulous fun and best way to see beautiful scenery

Dylan was the most lovely, reassuring and professional guide for us novices. Both in our 60s and quite apprehensive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this super fun and beautiful scenic trip.

MartinFG19 Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Memorable experience

It was my first attempt at white Water Rafting and I am hard of hearing. Dylan went the extra mile to make sure I understood the safety precautions. It was a memorable trip much enjoyed by me and my fellow guests

josephlH5552TB Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!

Fantastic time! Justin was an amazing guide and I would recommend him and the company. Also great to work re scheduling etc. And the San Miguel River was absolutely beautiful!

Kathryn C Jun 2026 · Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!

Dylan was an excellent guide- incredibly skilled at navigating and great with our kids!

karenwT1064HI Jul 2025 · Tripadvisor
The view was beautiful, the rafting was fun.

My family had a lot of fun on our white water rafting trip. Our guide, Haden, was awesome and knowledgeable. He was able to give us some history about the river and surrounding area.

gweneverem2025 Jul 2025 · Tripadvisor
Family rafting experience

Lauren was amazing! So fun and safe for all. We loved every minute of it and will come back again for certain. 5 stars all the way!

Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this experience last?

It lasts 2h 30m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Everyone meets at the start point.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Which languages is the guide available in?

Guide languages: EN

On which days does it run?

It runs Every day. Starts 14:00

How fast is the booking confirmed?

Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.

Is this a private tour?

No, this is a shared group experience.

Where do I complete the booking?

On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.

Product code 22803P28

Book on viator.com · Global Partner of Viator $157per person
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