Zip Line – Rafting Package

The best part of this Durango package is the change of pace: you move from fast forest zip lines to a raft on the Animas River, then pass through Durango’s whitewater park with the river trail close by. Guides handle the instruction and safety work, so you can focus on the views and the fun.

I like the family-friendly format and the practical river transport. The package also gives you two very different outdoor activities in one day, with a riverside snack included. The main catch is the logistics: you must transport yourself between the rafting and zip-line offices, and the zip-line course begins after a 15-minute uphill hike.

Key points to know before booking

• Six to twelve zip lines: The course can include six lines, while the longer option has 12 spans with faster, longer runs later in the course.
• Animas River whitewater: You raft through Durango’s whitewater park and along sections near the Animas River Trail.
• A real uphill approach: Reach the zip line by hiking 15 minutes and gaining about 400 feet at Durango’s 6,500-foot elevation.
• Small group size: The activity allows a maximum of seven people, which means less waiting and more direct guide attention.
• Useful family limits: Children must be at least five to zip line, and anyone using the course must weigh 230 pounds or less and wear closed-toe shoes.
• Plan your own lunch: A riverside snack is provided, but lunch between the two activities is not.

Two Durango adventures in one long day

This is a full outdoor day rather than a quick add-on. The advertised duration is about seven hours, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Mountain Waters Rafting and Adventure Company at 303 W College Drive in Durango.

The package brings together a zip-line course and a rafting trip. That matters because the activities use different muscles and offer different kinds of excitement. The zip lines give you height, speed, and views through the trees. The raft puts you at water level, where paddling commands, rapids, and the river corridor take over.

I like this combination for families and mixed-age groups. Some people prefer the more controlled rhythm of a zip line, while others want the splash and teamwork of a raft. The group limit of seven also helps keep the day personal instead of turning it into a large, slow-moving outing.

You should allow room in your plans for the transfer between activities. Transportation is provided to and from the river, but not between the rafting office and the zip-line office. That detail is easy to miss and can affect your day if you arrive without a car or another transport plan.

Starting at Mountain Waters Rafting

Your listed meeting point is Mountain Waters Rafting at 303 W College Drive. This is where the day begins, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

The guides provide the equipment instructions, safety briefing, and commentary. That takes pressure off you, especially if this is your first time rafting or zip lining. The staff also work with beginners, so you do not need previous experience for either activity.

Names that have come up from the guide team include Tristan, Emily, Cooper, Jacob, Chad, Shea, Eric, Beau, and Spicy Mike. The names are useful when you are arranging a group or calling ahead, but guide assignments can vary. The company also says you may request a guide when booking.

A particularly unusual possible companion is Atlas, the company’s rafting Akita. If you have your heart set on meeting Atlas, ask about him when you book. His availability should not be treated as guaranteed, but the company does allow guide requests.

The zip-line course through the Ponderosa forest

The zip-line portion takes place in a forested setting about a mile from downtown Durango. The course offers either six lines or a longer 12-span experience, according to the package options described by the operator.

The shorter version works well if you want a taste of zip lining without making the activity the whole day. The 12-span option gives you more time on the course, and the later runs are described as longer and faster. If the price difference is reasonable for your booking, I would favor the longer option for anyone who already knows they enjoy this kind of activity.

Expect clear instructions before each line. The guides explain how to use the system and what to do before you leave the platform. That step-by-step approach can make a big difference for first-timers, especially when a line looks faster or higher than expected.

One final element lets you choose between a jump and a zip on the last run. That gives the course a playful finish, though you should listen closely to the guide’s instructions before making your choice.

The biggest physical demand comes before the first line. You hike for about 15 minutes up a nature trail, gaining roughly 400 feet. Because Durango sits at about 6,500 feet, that climb may feel harder than the distance suggests. The pace is taken slowly, but you should still wear suitable shoes and be honest about your fitness.

Closed-toe shoes are required. The zip line also has a 230-pound weight limit, and children must be at least five years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rafting the Animas River

The rafting section follows the Animas River through Durango. You can expect the river trail to remain in sight in places, which gives the trip a pleasant connection to town rather than making you feel far removed from civilization.

One of the main highlights is boating through the whitewater park. This adds a more active stretch to the trip and gives the guide a chance to keep the boat moving through the rapids. Water levels affect the character of the ride. In late July, low water can make the trip gentler, but a skilled guide can still keep it lively.

Guides also add local commentary along the route. Beau, for example, is described as sharing information about area landmarks, including a bridge. That kind of detail helps turn a simple raft ride into a better sense of place.

The trip can include repeated runs through larger rapids when conditions and the route allow. It may also include a chance to swim in the river, but you should not assume that every departure will offer the same water level or exact activity. River conditions shape the experience.

Safety instruction is a central part of the trip. Shea, Eric, Beau, Tristan, and Spicy Mike are among the guides associated with past departures, and the guide team explains what to do before the raft reaches a rapid. You should expect direct commands and active participation rather than a passive sightseeing float.

Spring rafting can be cold. Thermal gear rentals are available and recommended during that season. Pack with the water temperature in mind, not just the air temperature. A wet passenger can get cold quickly, even on a pleasant day. A riverside snack is included, but lunch is not, so plan food for the gap between activities.

What the Animas River Trail and Santa Rita Park add

The Animas River Trail is part of the visual setting rather than a separate stop where you spend a long period on foot. Seeing the trail near the river gives you a sense of how closely outdoor recreation is tied to Durango’s town center.

Santa Rita Park is another named point in the route. It helps place the rafting trip within Durango instead of treating it as an anonymous stretch of water. The park and whitewater area give the outing a more urban, accessible feel, which can be useful if you want adventure without driving far into the backcountry.

The tradeoff is that this is not presented as a remote wilderness expedition. You are rafting through a river corridor connected to town, with public recreation areas nearby. I see that as a benefit for families and first-time rafters, but people seeking isolation may prefer a different type of trip.

How the timing and transport work

The day starts at 8:30 a.m. and lasts about seven hours. The supplied schedule identifies Mountain Waters Rafting as the start and end point, while the activity itself includes both rafting and zip lining. The exact order may depend on the day’s operations, so confirm the sequence when you book.

The company provides transportation to and from the river. You are responsible for reaching the zip-line and rafting offices yourself, which means the package does not remove every transport concern.

This is worth sorting out before the morning begins. If your party includes children, older relatives, or anyone carrying gear, allow extra time for moving between offices. The activity is capped at seven people, so a small group can often handle the transfer more easily than a large family party.

A 15-minute hike also forms part of the zip-line schedule. Do not treat the advertised seven hours as seven hours of continuous riding or rafting. It includes instruction, movement between sections, gearing up, the uphill approach, and breaks.

Is the $228 price fair?

At $228 per person, this is not a casual one-hour activity. You are paying for a long day that combines two guided experiences, professional instruction, transportation to and from the river, and a riverside snack.

The value is strongest if you planned to book rafting and zip lining separately. You get variety without having to research two unrelated operators, and the small maximum group can mean more direct help from the guides.

The value is less clear if you only want a short rafting trip. A half-day raft excursion would take less time and cost less in many destinations, though this package adds the zip-line course. You should also budget for lunch and your own transport between offices, since neither is included.

The company has offered discounts on a second activity and has arranged custom packages for groups. Ask about current options when booking, especially if your party wants rafting and zip lining on separate days. That flexibility can help a group with a wide age range, from children to older adults.

Who will enjoy this package most?

This suits families with children aged five and up, provided the children meet the zip-line requirements and are accompanied by an adult. It also works well for first-timers because guides explain each line and each river section before you proceed.

A group with mixed interests should find the format useful. One person may prefer the quiet pause before a zip line, while another wants the raft to hit every available rapid. The combination gives both types of person a strong part of the day.

It can also work for a broad age range. The company has arranged activity combinations for groups ranging from age nine to age 88, with the right mix of rafting and zip lining. That does not mean every person should do both activities, but it shows why a flexible group plan can help.

You should think twice if you dislike heights, cannot manage a 400-foot uphill gain, or are uncomfortable with water-based activity. Most people can participate, but the day still requires walking, climbing, following commands, and handling changing conditions.

Practical packing advice for a smoother day

Wear closed-toe shoes that you can use for the zip line and the trail approach. Bring clothing that can get wet during rafting, especially if you are going in spring or during a cool-weather departure.

Thermal gear rentals are available and recommended in spring. You should also plan for the missing meal. The included riverside snack is useful, but it is not a substitute for lunch between activities.

Bring a contact phone number when booking and keep your confirmation available on your phone. Mobile tickets are supported, and confirmation is issued at booking.

Service animals are allowed. If that applies to you, mention it during the booking process so the company can give you the clearest instructions for both activities.

Should you book the Zip Line and Rafting Package?

I would book this if you want a full outdoor day, prefer a small group, and like the idea of pairing forest zip lines with Animas River whitewater. It is especially practical for families and first-timers who want guides to handle the instruction.

Choose the longer 12-span zip-line option if available and if your group wants more time on the course. Ask about the activity order, transport between offices, guide requests, and current package discounts before paying.

Skip it if you want a quiet river float, cannot manage the uphill zip-line approach, or need a package that includes lunch and all transfers. For everyone else, the combination offers a lively and varied way to experience Durango without having to commit to a full wilderness expedition.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Mountain Waters Rafting and Adventure Company, 303 W College Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301. The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Mountain Waters Rafting.

How long does the package last?

The package lasts about seven hours.

Is transportation included?

Transportation to and from the river is included. You must arrange your own transport to and from the zip-line and rafting offices.

What is the minimum age for zip lining?

Children must be at least five years old to zip line, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I know about the zip-line requirements?

The zip line has a 230-pound weight limit, and you must wear closed-toe shoes. The course also requires a 15-minute hike that gains about 400 feet.