Magpie
4.9(4,731 reviews)

Telluride Afternoon Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River

From$119
2h 30m
Telluride, USA

About this activity

Paddles in the water people, there's no better way to spend the afternoon than bounding down the San Miguel River! Take on fun rapids in this beautiful red canyon that most visitors don't know about.

Highlights

  • Our Class III certified guides are highly trained and exceed state requirements.
  • A hands-on paddling trip that offers a good mix of excitement and time to chill.
  • The perfect way to escape the crowds and experience a lesser known river trip.
  • Custom self bailing rafts with foot cups to help you stay in the boat!
  • Quality NRS wetsuits available to rent to keep you warm on this snowmelt river.

Full description

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.

Included / Excluded

  • Highly experienced and in-house trained river guides
  • Helmets, Coastguard approved Personal Flotation Devices, and Splash Jackets
  • Custom self-bailing rafts and paddles
  • Safety orientation and paddle instruction
  • Low guest-to-guide ratio, with 4 to 6 customers to a guide
  • Wetsuit + Booties rentals ($15, can be added on after your reservation)
  • Lunch/Snacks
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Telluride Rafting Meet Location, Caddis Flats Campground, Placerville, CO 81430, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • Children must be at least 8 years old.
  • Rafting is not recommended for people who are pregnant or have underlying heart or pulmonary conditions.
  • We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions.
  • This is an active trip, paddling is required!

Know before you go

  • This trips meets at Caddis Flats Campground near Placerville, around a 20 minute drive from Telluride.
  • There are bathrooms but no changing rooms, so please come in the clothing you're going to wear while rafting! No slip-on shoes like Crocs or flip flops are allowed.
  • Depending on the weather and water temperatures, wetsuits may be required. We have rentals available for $15. If you're renting a wetsuit, we recommend wearing a swimsuit or quick dry clothing underneath— no birthday suits allowed!

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

4.9(4,731 reviews)
Google
Stephanie Hartzler
Sep 2026
5.0

Can’t say enough good things about M2W!! Our guide was awesome, he was friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable. Scenery on Browns canyon was beautiful. We were here late in the year so water was low by the time we went, but he navigated us well. We are definitely coming back next year! Thanks Micah and good luck with all you do!

Google
Lauren Claytor
Sep 2026
5.0

Coolest guides!! Our guide’s nickname was Bugs- she had such cool info about history, wildlife, and the present, and managed everyone amazingly, even during conversations between strangers from very different walks of life. We were all friends by the end of the 4 hours! Such a fun, relaxing, beautiful rafting trip!

Google
Krystal Folsom
Sep 2026
5.0

Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!

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