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River Rafting & Tubing in Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Adventure Starts Here
At Pagosa Outside, we believe the best days start on the river—with a splash, a smile, and a little San Juan magic. Based in the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we offer unforgettable rafting and tubing adventures for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone who loves a good time outside.
Whether you're chasing whitewater or floating easy, our trips are built around you. We’ve got expert guides, top-tier gear, and a deep love for the wild places that make this part of the San Juan Mountains so special. Expect splashy fun, stunning views, and stories you’ll be telling long after the water dries.
We're not just another outfitter—we're the only local company with private access to exclusive sections of the San Juan River, meaning you’ll get to explore hidden gems that most people never see. From our commercial-grade whitewater tubes (designed just for Pagosa’s unique rapids) to our smooth, guest-focused logistics, we make it easy to dive into a one-of-a-kind Colorado river experience.
So come paddle with us. Explore the pristine waters, vibrant ecosystems, and majestic wildlife that make Pagosa Springs a top destination for outdoor fun
Our Most Popular Experiences
Pagosa Springs River Tube Rentals
Looking for the ultimate way to beat the heat and soak up the stunning scenery of Pagosa Springs? River tubing in Pagosa is the perfect summer adventure, and Pagosa Outside is your go-to destination for the best Pagosa river tube rentals. Our downtown location, right across from the famous Hot Springs, makes it easy to gear up and get right on the water. We’ve got you covered with high-quality tubes, life jackets, river shoes and expert local advice to ensure a fun and memorable experience. Tubing in Pagosa Springs offers thrills, chills and sometimes even spills along with plenty of laughs, making it the perfect activity for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
Deluxe Whitewater Tubing Trip
Dive into the refreshing waters of Pagosa Springs on a Deluxe Tubing Float Trip—your all-inclusive ticket to a thrilling self-guided river adventure. Float through the scenic downtown Pagosa Springs whitewater park and beyond, complete with a hassle-free drop-off and pick-up shuttle service. We take care of all the details, providing complimentary life jackets, river shoes, lockers, and even digital photos of your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tuber or a first-timer, our trip offers easy to intermediate rapids, ensuring a fun and engaging Pagosa river adventure for everyone. With limited spots available, secure your reservation today to experience the best of Pagosa Springs tubing. Just show up with your sense of adventure and let us handle the rest!
Pagosa Springs SUP Rental
Elevate your outdoor adventure with stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals from Pagosa Outside. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, our SUPs are stable, lightweight, and easy to transport—making them the ideal choice for exploring the calm waters around Pagosa Springs. Whether you’re looking for a fun workout, a relaxing day outdoors, or a new way to connect with nature, our rentals provide everything you need for a memorable paddleboarding experience.
Each SUP rental comes complete with a premium paddleboard, adjustable paddle, pump, and life jacket, along with a quick orientation to help you get started with ease. With flexible pick-up and drop-off times, you can plan your paddleboarding adventure on your terms. Book your SUP rental today with Pagosa Outside and enjoy the freedom of exploring Pagosa Springs at your own pace.
Pagosa Springs Kayak Rentals
Explore the stunning lakes and waterways of Pagosa Springs with our inflatable kayak rentals. Perfect for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, our kayaks are stable, lightweight, and easy to transport—making them ideal for experiencing stunning Pagosa destinations from the water. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day on the water or a self-guided adventure, our rentals provide everything you need to paddle with confidence and ease.
Each rental includes a premium inflatable kayak, paddle, life jacket, and pump, plus a quick orientation to ensure you’re ready for the water. With flexible pick-up and drop-off times, you can plan your adventure at your own pace. Paddle through the alpine beauty of Pagosa’s lakes or take a splashing float through the rapids of the San Juan River. Book your Pagosa Springs kayak rental today and discover why Pagosa Outside is the go-to outfitter for unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Why choose us?
The Best River Adventures in Pagosa Springs—For Every Skill Level
At Pagosa Outside, we don’t just run trips—we create river days you’ll never forget. As the #1 choice for rafting and tubing on the San Juan River, our adventures blend splashy fun, scenic beauty, and small-town charm into one unforgettable experience.
You’ll float through hidden canyons, cruise past towering cottonwoods, and soak in some of the best views in Pagosa Springs, Colorado—all while being guided by a crew that knows this river like the back of their paddle.
From first-timers to seasoned river rats, our trips are designed to fit a wide range of ages and experience levels. With smaller group sizes, smooth logistics, top-of-the-line gear, and carefully chosen routes, we keep things safe, simple, and seriously fun.
We believe there’s something life-changing about floating a free-flowing mountain river—and judging by what our guests tell us, we’re not alone.
Adventurous
Where Scenic Beauty Meets Splashy Fun
At Pagosa Outside, we’re river people to the core—and we love sharing the thrill of the San Juan River with fellow adventurers. Whe...
Where Scenic Beauty Meets Splashy Fun
At Pagosa Outside, we’re river people to the core—and we love sharing the thrill of the San Juan River with fellow adventurers. Whether you're paddling through crashing whitewater on the West Fork or floating mellow currents beneath cottonwoods downtown, we bring the perfect mix of excitement and laid-back mountain vibes to every trip.
Our guides aren’t just safety pros—they’re storytellers, nature nerds, and local legends. As you cruise through protected canyons and surreal high-country scenery, they’ll point out hidden waterfalls, mountain wildlife, and share the kinds of stories you won’t find in a guidebook.
This isn’t just a ride—it’s your front-row seat to the wild side of Pagosa Springs, with just the right amount of splash.
Family-Friendly
Looking for something the whole crew can enjoy? Our rafting and tubing trips are a splash hit for families with kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you're floating together in a double tube or s...
Looking for something the whole crew can enjoy? Our rafting and tubing trips are a splash hit for families with kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you're floating together in a double tube or sharing laughs on a guided raft, we make it easy to have a fun, active day on the river.
We’ll get you set up with the right gear—including youth life jackets, river shoes, and commercial-grade tubes—and point you toward the best trip for your group. Plus, every guided adventure comes with a free digital photo album, so the memories come home even if your phone stays dry.
Authentic Colorado Adventure
No headsets, no matching vests, no over-scripted tours—just real moments, river laughs, and a genuine Pagosa Springs experience from start to finish. Our trips are designed to be natural and unsc...
No headsets, no matching vests, no over-scripted tours—just real moments, river laughs, and a genuine Pagosa Springs experience from start to finish. Our trips are designed to be natural and unscripted, with just enough structure to keep things flowing and just enough freedom to make them your own.
You’ll paddle, float, and splash through a day that doesn’t feel manufactured—it just feels good. The kind of fun that comes from doing something real in a beautiful place, with people who know how to make it all click.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado — Small Town. Big Adventure
Tucked in the San Juan Mountains, a rugged stretch of the Colorado Rockies, Pagosa Springs is a town where the river runs through the middle of everything—literally and figuratively. With 2.5 million acres of surrounding national forest, trout-filled waters, abundant wildlife, and the world’s deepest geothermal spring, Pagosa is an outdoor lover’s dream with a laid-back mountain vibe.
Despite its small size—just over 1,000 full-time residents—Pagosa boasts a vibrant downtown with great shops, local restaurants, and a true sense of community. The San Juan River flows right through it all, offering incredible views, easy access, and one of the most unique town-center floats in Colorado.
In May and June, whitewater rafting trips bring thrill-seekers to the San Juan’s splashy spring flows. As summer rolls in, July and August bring prime conditions for tubing through downtown Pagosa Springs—a warm, sunny, and wildly fun way to enjoy the season.
Located right in the heart of downtown, Pagosa Outside is your go-to launchpad for rafting, tubing, and river gear rentals. We’re steps from the water, close to everything, and ready to help you make the most of your river day.
Frequently asked questions
We offer rafting, tubing, kayak and SUP rentals.
You can book your adventure online or contact us directly for assistance.
We provide all the necessary equipment on all of our guided trips.
Expect to get wet!
Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing
Quick-drying shirt to wear under splash top when it’s cold
Water bottle
Shoes or sandals that can get wet (no flip flops)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with strap
Hat for sun protection
We supply life jackets, splash gear, helmets, booties and wet suits when it’s appropriate
YES. You don’t need to be an Olympic caliber swimmer but everyone in your group needs to have a swimming ability that is appropriate to the difficulty level of the trip you choose.
In the unlikely event that you fall out of the raft, you are expected to be able to take an active role in your own rescue by swimming aggressively back to the boat or to shore.
Selecting the appropriate trip for your swimming ability allows you to enjoy the trip and have fun rather than being fearful of having an “out of boat experience.”
The Splash and Dash has scenic floating as well as fun waves through the downtown whitewater park. It is around an hour on the water and has short shuttles to and from the river. 50 lb minimum
Mesa Canyon trips are great for first-timers, families, and anyone looking for a less intense rafting experience. The canyon below Pagosa is scenic, isolated and a great 1/2 day escape. 50 lb minimum
Our West Fork trips are a perfect 1/2 day intermediate experience for anyone looking for whitewater thrills – first-timers included. 90lb minimum.
Please email or give us a call if you need help deciding what trip is right for you or your group.
May and June are best for whitewater rafting thrills. Peaks flows usually happen in late May or early June. By July, river flows in Pagosa are normally too low to raft.
July and August are warmer, but the river flows are usually much lower. We open our river tubing trips once the river drops below 400cfs on the Pagosa River Gauge. Normally this happens in late June or early July but can vary by a few weeks depending on how much snow the mountains received over the winter.
Yes, we highly recommend making an online reservation in advance to secure your preferred trip and time. Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.
If you have questions, you can call the shop – (970)264-4202 – during our May-August operating season or drop us an email at info@pagosaoutside.com year-round.
Our business is a part of the service industry. If you feel that your guide, driver or shop staff has done a great job to enhance your experience, a gratuity is greatly appreciated. We have a tip jar that is shared by all staff at the end of each day. Cash or Venmo is greatly appreciated but we are happy to add tips onto your booking as well.
Yes. Every participant must complete a state-required liability waiver form. A link to the e-waiver will be included in your trip confirmation email so they can be completed before checking-in for your trip.
At Pagosa Outside, we offer a variety of rental options to enhance your adventure in the Pagosa Springs area. Our rental services include tube rentals Pagosa Springs, SUP rental, Pagosa Springs kayak rental, and disc golf rentals.
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1221 Verified reviews