San Miguel River Telluride Rafting
Experience the rush of Class III+ whitewater through red rock canyons and alpine forests. Since 1983, we’ve been Telluride’s most trusted guides for high-alpine river expeditions!
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Whitewater Rafting & Beyond
From river splashes to mountain serenity, our guided tours offer the perfect mix of adrenaline and breathtaking scenery.
Rafting
1 tour available
Telluride San Miguel Whitewater Rafting
Our Story
Mountain River Pioneers
Telluride Rivertrippers delivers one of Colorado’s most thrilling seasonal whitewater experiences on the San Miguel River. When snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains swells the river each May and June, our expert guides navigate Class III+ rapids through a spectacular mountain canyon carved between towering peaks.
This is not a gentle float — the San Miguel runs fast and cold with technical drops, wave trains, and rock gardens that challenge and delight intermediate to advanced rafters. The canyon is home to bald eagles, river otters, and elk, making every trip a wilderness adventure as much as a whitewater thrill.
Mountain Experts
Guides with deep knowledge of San Juan Mountain rivers
Top Rated
Telluride's #1 rated rafting company on Google
Ages 14+
Class III+ rapids for intermediate to advanced rafters
40+ Years
Four decades of trusted mountain river adventure
EST 1983
Mountain Dispatches
Real stories from real adventurers on the San Miguel River
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your Telluride adventure
The San Miguel River near Telluride runs from May through June only, when snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains creates optimal water levels. This is a limited seasonal window — book early to secure your spot.
The San Miguel is rated Class III+ with technical rapids, wave trains, and rock gardens. This trip is best suited for ages 14+ with at least moderate fitness. No prior rafting experience is required, but this is not a gentle float — expect to get wet and have your heart pumping!
We provide wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, and PFDs. You should bring water shoes or sturdy sandals (no flip-flops), sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and a change of dry clothes for after the trip. The water is cold — the wetsuit makes all the difference.
Cancel at least 72 hours before your departure time for a full refund. No refunds within the 72-hour window. Trip insurance is available for 8% of your booking total — cancel up to 12 hours before launch for an 80% refund.
The exact meeting location is provided in your confirmation email. We handle transportation from the meeting point to the river put-in and back. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and get fitted for gear.
The Mountains Are Calling Your Name
Class III+ whitewater rafting on the San Miguel River through the stunning San Juan Mountains. Telluride Rivertrippers: guiding mountain river explorers since 1983.