1142 Verified reviews
Mollie Krug
May 4, 2025
Thomas Schaefer
April 30, 2025
Bowen deValois
April 22, 2025
mike ramey
December 31, 2024
Christianna Ambo
September 12, 2024
DELLENBAUGH
September 12, 2024
Brian Dieken
September 12, 2024
Your Gateway to Adventure
At Pagosa Outside, we are passionate about sharing the beauty and thrill of Pagosa Springs with adventurers from all walks of life. Nestled in the heart of Colorado, our company offers a wide array of outdoor activities that cater to both the thrill-seeker and the nature lover. We provide experiences that are not only memorable but also deeply enriching. Our team of local experts is dedicated to ensuring that each adventure is safe, fun, and tailored to your preferences. Join us and explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that make Pagosa Springs a true hidden gem.
Our Most Popular Experiences
Mesa Canyon
Create Lasting Memories on the Family-Friendly Mesa Canyon Rafting Trip! Embark on this delightful 1/2-day adventure designed specifically for families, first-time rafters or those looking for a mellower rafting trip. This easy and enjoyable trip covers 13 miles of scenic beauty and fun rapids, making it a perfect choice for those looking to experience the thrill of rafting in a relaxed and family-friendly setting. After a brief stop halfway through the canyon, you’ll continue through awe-inspiring landscapes and splashy whitewater with Llama Falls providing a dramatic highlight on your river adventure. With your professional guide ensuring a memorable and fun-filled experience, it’s the best way to unplug, unwind and explore the beauty of Pagosa Springs. Don’t miss out—book your family friendly Pagosa rafting adventure today!
West Fork
Unlock an Exclusive Pagosa Rafting Adventure on the West Fork. Discover the hidden gem of Pagosa Springs and tackle the most technical whitewater on the entire river. As the only outfitter with private access to this pristine section of the San Juan River, you get a unique rafting experience that’s both thrilling and intimate. Enjoy a perfect blend of tight boulder-filled rapids, boat soaking splashes and serene floating through breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're an experienced rafter or an adventurous first-timer, our expert guides will ensure you have an inspired and unforgettable adventure. With fewer crowds and a focus on teamwork, this trip is tailored for those who seek a premium rafting experience. Book now to secure your spot on this one-of-a-kind Pagosa river adventure that only a lucky few guests get to experience each year!
Splash & Dash
Dive into adventure on a Splash and Dash Rafting Trip, the perfect introduction to whitewater fun in Pagosa Springs. This 1/4-day excursion is designed for all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for those eager to experience the excitement of rafting without committing to a full day. Your journey begins with a relaxing and picturesque float that sets the stage for the exhilarating splashy rapids through the downtown whitewater park. Expect thrilling waves that will leave you soaked and smiling, especially at medium and high flows. With our complimentary digital photos, splash gear, and river shoes included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Book now and get ready for a splashy good time on the river!
Why choose us?
We never set out to be the biggest river outfitter in Pagosa—we set out to be the best. From day one, our goal has been to create high-quality, personalized adventures we’d be thrilled to share with our own friends and family. Here’s what makes us different:
Small Groups, Big Experiences
We keep group sizes small so every guest feels like part of the adventure, not just another face in the crowd. More launch times mean personalized attention and unforgettable memories.
Premium Rafts for Every Trip
Our 14′ rafts, standard for all trips, are what other outfitters charge extra for. With a six-guest-to-one-guide ratio, our rafts offer an intimate, agile way to explore the San Juan whitewater.
Custom-Built River Tubes
We didn’t just find the best river tubes—we invented them. Partnering with a leading raft manufacturer, we created durable, commercial-grade whitewater tubes tailored for Pagosa’s river conditions. Choose single or double tubes for a fun and comfortable float.
Short Shuttles
Our downtown location means less time in a van and more time on the river. With three access points just minutes away, you’ll maximize your adventure time on the water.
No Hidden Rental Fees on Trips
We provide all the gear you need—wetsuits, splash gear, and river shoes—at no extra cost. Just show up ready to have fun, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Convenient Downtown Location
Our shop, steps from the river, is a one-stop hub with parking, changing rooms, lockers, bathrooms, and all the essentials for your trip. Forgot something? We’ve got you covered.
Free Adventure Photos
Relive and share your adventure with free digital photos from every rafting and deluxe tubing trip.
At Pagosa Outside, your experience is our priority. Join us for a day on the river, and discover why we’re Pagosa’s favorite river outfitter.
Locally Owned & Operated
As a family-run business, we take pride in our deep roots in the Pagosa Springs community. Our knowledge of the area, combined with our personal commitment to every guest, ensures that you’ll hav...
As a family-run business, we take pride in our deep roots in the Pagosa Springs community. Our knowledge of the area, combined with our personal commitment to every guest, ensures that you’ll have a truly authentic and memorable experience.
Family-Friendly & Inclusive
We offer a wide range of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels, from families with young children to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone can find an adventure that’s just the right fit!
We offer a wide range of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels, from families with young children to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Everyone can find an adventure that’s just the right fit!
Expert Guides & Safety First
Our guides are not only experts in their fields but are also dedicated to providing fun, professional and memorable experiences for their guests. Whether you’re rafting, tubing, or exploring the ...
Our guides are not only experts in their fields but are also dedicated to providing fun, professional and memorable experiences for their guests. Whether you’re rafting, tubing, or exploring the great outdoors, we are here to guide you while sharing the best of Pagosa Springs.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs, nestled in the heart of Colorado, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its natural hot springs and stunning landscapes, this charming town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're exploring the San Juan National Forest or soaking in the therapeutic waters, Pagosa Springs promises an unforgettable experience. With its rich history and vibrant community, it's a destination that captivates the heart and soul of every visitor.
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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1142 Verified reviews