From the mining ruins of Silverton through a roadless wilderness canyon to Durango, four distinct sections served by a century-old narrow gauge railway.
About the River
The Animas River rises in the San Juan Mountains above Silverton at nearly 11,000 feet and flows south for 126 miles to its confluence with the San Juan River in Farmington, New Mexico. Its name derives from the Spanish "Rio de las Animas Perdidas" (River of Lost Souls), coined by early Spanish explorers. The upper canyon is one of the most dramatic river corridors in Colorado, a roadless wilderness reach accessible primarily by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The river offers four distinct paddling experiences ranging from wilderness expert to urban family float. The Upper Animas and Rockwood Box are legendary expert sections reached only by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Exit is mandatory at Rockwood: the canyon below is unrunnable. From Baker's Bridge, the open Animas Valley corridor and the beloved Durango town reach offer excellent intermediate paddling and fishing for all skill levels.
The primary gauge at Durango is the most-watched flow reference. Silverton's gauge captures early snowmelt dynamics but sits upstream of Cascade Creek, a major tributary that nearly doubles the river's volume by the time it reaches the lower canyon.
Flow Guide
The table below shows recommended CFS ranges for each activity at each section. Status badges reflect the current reading from the closest gauge.
| Pursuit | Upper Animas | Rockwood to Tacoma | Tacoma to Durango | Durango Town |
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* Flow ranges are general guidelines. Upper Animas is expert kayak only; no commercial trips operate above Rockwood. D&SNG Railroad can drop off and pick up paddlers at Elk Park and Needleton stops.
Interactive Map
River Sections
Related Rivers
Check real-time flows at every station on the Animas before you drive to Silverton.