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Telluride San Miguel River Rafting

Quick Details

Lower San Miguel Half-Day
Per Person Age 10+
$139
Upper San Miguel Half-Day
Per Person Age 12+
ON SALE $119 WAS $159 (new bookings only)

Experience the Unmatched Beauty of the San Miguel River in Telluride (May – June)

Join us on a rafting trip down the San Miguel River in Telluride, CO. In the spring and early summer, this snow-melt-fed river plunges from the high peaks of the San Juan Mountains and pulsates through San Miguel and Norwood canyons. The contrast between the lush riparian ecosystem and the brilliant red sandstone canyon is undeniably unique.

Our four-hour trips are a great way to hit solid Class I-III or I-IV whitewater river rafting in Telluride. This is what we call “boogie water”. It’s a constantly flowing, action-packed section that provides great views. This is a 9.5-mile section with about three hours on the water depending on river levels. We will travel downstream, paddle assist the guide, and then pull over for a riverside snack. Experience the best of Telluride rafting. 

Most Popular ~ Lower San Miguel ~ Caddis Flats Class I-III

  • Select from our tour times listed for they do fill up fast.
  • Meet at M&M Mercantile 15-20 minutes BEFORE the start time to meet up with the guides, keep in mind we have little to NO cell phone coverage and we leave promptly at the start time.
  • Drive about 10-15 minutes to the river access point.
  • Use restrooms and change into the gear you rented at the put-in (wetsuits and splash gear are highly recommended).
  • Raft the San Miguel for about three hours with a riverside snack (on water times vary due to river flows).
  • End the tour and get shuttled back (about four hours after you started) to your car at the M&M Mercantile.
  • Tip the guide if you enjoyed the ride! Cash is king because cell phone coverage for Venmo is spotty.

Upper San Miguel ~ Sawpit Class III-IV

  • With a reservation, the trip meets at M&M Mercantile 240 Front Street, Placerville, Co 81430 be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in and meet your guides.
  • Use restrooms before we depart, there are no bathrooms at the put-in (wetsuits and splash gear are highly recommended).
  • Drive about 15-20 minutes upriver to our access point.
  • Raft the San Miguel for about 3 hours on water with a riverside snack. (on-water times can vary due to river flows, higher water means faster trip times).
  • Raft through the thrilling Class III-IV
  • End the trip and get shuttled back to your vehicle at the M&M Mercantile (about 4 hours after you started)
  • If you enjoyed the ride don’t forget to tip your guide! Cash is king, and the cellphone coverage for Venmo is spotty.

What We Provide 

  • Safety orientation
  • PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), a.k.a. life jackets — Sorry, no personal PFDs allowed.
  • Transportation to and from the river
  • Raft guide
  • Water and granola bars for snacks

What to Bring (Wetsuits are required, either bring your own or rent for $15)

  • Sturdy footwear like old tennis shoes — We also rent river shoes.
  • Please, no flip-flops or sandals
  • Day trips do not have storage. Please leave all personal items in a hotel room or vehicle.

HERE’S A TASTE OF THE MIGUEL