Doing it in Durango: Running the Animas River

Sure, it was the most fun I've ever had with 20 strangers. But since I wasn't familiar with the Animas River, I figured a commercial afternoon rafting up and running down the rapids wasn't a bad plan.

Durango is easily accessible from the Four Corners states - those states with 90-degree angles that meet in the center of the Southwest - Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. The town is charming, with a great downtown.

The river runs through it, and if you can snag a spot by the water at Hermosa Meadows campground, it'll make for a wonderfully romantic weekend. Even if you're just with a group of friends or spending time alone.

Mild To Wild River Company runs day trips, every day, with splash levels of all persuasions. Like the name implies.

I chose the most popular trip, one leaving straight from downtown through Class III rapids.

Standing on the shoreline, our guide laid down the law. Wear the life vest buckled tightly. Paddle forward only when commanded and cease instantly when told to stop. If the boat flips, try to keep hold of the paddle, and swim face foward down the rapids.

The Lower Animas is not a bad beast, with the only Class III rapid occurring almost as soon as you sit down to dip your paddle in the water. Big excitement early on, with enough Class II rapids here and there to keep things alive. As the river progressed downstream, the event became a float trip and water war...with each raft in the flotilla vying to be full of the most aggressive splash artists!

Choosing the right trip is critical to your enjoyment. Some questions to ask yourself: 1. What level of adventure do I seek? 2. Do I want to have a day trip, a half day, or an overnight experience? 3. How many rapids am I hoping to run? 4. Do I prefer to paddle or go along for the ride? 5. How do I feel about continous rapids and waves dousing the whole boat?

Plan for everyone in your party to have the same level of expectations, then tell your chosen raft company what kind of trip you have interest in. Although I am using Mild to Wild as a sample company, many outfitters offer multiple trip options.

Mild to Wild offers eight trips on various rivers throughout the Four Corners states - on the Dolores, San Miguel, Piedra, Animas, Verde and Salt. Some are easy float trips and others offer high levels of excitement via big drops and violent rapids.

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