Colorado whitewater, Animas River San Juan La Plata county, Tacoma to Rockwood Rail Yard section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V     2.6 miles   The Tacoma to Rockwood Rail Yard stretch of Animas River is 2.6 miles long and has been rated as a class IV-V section by American Whitewater. The average Colorado whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit harder to master than those in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that many of the sections here are not safe for beginners. Getting some good exercise and just being out on the river for a while will have     you coming back for more. The nature scenery of San Juan/ La Plata County and the cool fresh water have people coming here. If you're coming from Durango it's not a long drive at all to the put-in location, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The beauty of the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is a great plus for this river. No shortage of good hotels, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. This is a somewhat short section so you'd better be prepared to walk your kayak back to put-in a few times. This river system is full of great paddling stretches, the Tacoma to Rockwood Rail Yard stretch is just one   of them. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking there are lots of good spots for that around here. Briefly about the general area: Nearby Sawmill Canyon is a delightful site to go if you're at Animas River, and a day on the slopes of Purgatory is just what you need. Having a wonderful time in the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is painless. Going for a hike on the Highline Trail is always a tremendous adventure, and there are magnificent places to explore along the Circle Trail. A river like this is too good to miss. Animas River, Tacoma to Rockwood Rail Yard road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Animas River.   Whitewater Near Animas River: Animas River, San Juan/ La Plata County, 1 miles away       Class IV-V - 2.6 miles long (Tacoma to Rockwood Rail Yard) Canyon Creek, La Plata County, 3 miles away       Class V+ - 3 miles long (to Animas River) Hermosa Creek, La Plata County, 12 miles away       Class IV-V - 24 miles long (Hermosa Park to US 550) Lime Creek, -blank- County, 12 miles away       Class V+ - 3 miles long (1st Gorge) Animas River, La Plata County, 13 miles away       Class III - 6.5 miles long (32nd St. Park to Purple Cliffs) Whitewater Outfitter - Flexible Flyers Rafting, La Plata County, 14 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Durango Rafting, La Plata County, 15 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Outlaw Rivers & Jeep Tours, La Plata County, 15 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - 4 Corners Whitewater, La Plata County, 16 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Animas River, La Plata County, 16 miles away       Class II-III - 12 miles long (Purple Cliffs to State line)   Ski Areas Near Animas River: Purgatory, Colorado , 7 miles away, 2029 foot drop, 11 lifts, 85 runs Silverton, Colorado , 17 miles away, 3200 foot drop, 1 lifts, 1 runs Kendall Mountain, Colorado , 19 miles away, 400 foot drop, 1 lifts, 3 runs Hesperus Ski Center, Colorado , 22 miles away, 700 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Telluride, Colorado , 23 miles away, 3845 foot drop, 18 lifts, 115 runs Wolf Creek, Colorado , 69 miles away, 1604 foot drop, 7 lifts, 77 runs Powderhorn, Colorado , 89 miles away, 1650 foot drop, 4 lifts, 44 runs Irwin Lodge, Colorado , 93 miles away, 2100 foot drop, 3 lifts, 15 runs Crested Butte, Colorado , 95 miles away, 2775 foot drop, 16 lifts, 121 runs   Marinas Near Animas River: Vallecito Doc's Marina, Bayfield , 16 miles away   Hotels Near Animas River: Iron Horse Inn, Durango , 13 miles away Best Western Mountain Shadows, Durango , 13 miles away Days Inn Durango, Durango , 13 miles away Durango Travelodge, Durango , 13 miles away Quality Inn Durango, Durango , 13 miles away   Campgrounds Near Animas River: Chris Park Group, Durango, 2 miles away Haviland Lake Campground, La Plata County, 2 miles away Durango KOA Kampground, Durango, 3 miles away   Trails Near Animas River: Highline Trail, San Juan , 13 miles away Circle Trail, Dolores , 14 miles away Goodhope Stock Driveway, La Plata , 14 miles away Highline Trail, La Plata , 17 miles away Whitehead Trail, San Juan , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Animas River: Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec - NM , 40 miles away Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde National Park - CO , 45 miles away San Juan National Forest, Colorado , 22 miles away Mancos State Park, Colorado , 34 miles away Navajo Lake State Park, New Mexico , 34 miles away   Golf Courses Near Animas River: Glacier Club At Tamarron, Durango , 2 miles away Dalton Ranch Golf Club, Durango , 8 miles away Hillcrest Golf Club, Durango , 13 miles away   Lakes Near Animas River Pastorius Reservoir, La Plata , 17 miles away Vallecito Lake, San Juan , 20 miles away