H Lorusso
Jun 15, 2026
The staff are some of the nicest and most accommodating people. Very nice time!
Shannon Johnson
Aug 10, 2026
We had to shift from tubing to kayaking due to the very low river, but had a fantastic time. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would recommend 10/10 and will be back (hopefully when the river is running).
Jeff Shipp
Jul 27, 2026
We had reserved the tubing package, but unfortunately the river level was too low. Tobi was able to direct us to a nearby lake to use the equipment. It was a great time with the family. Thanks to Pagosa Outside for making a wonderful family outing happen. Will definitely use them again.
Aria M.Ward
Jul 16, 2026
Rental staff was awesome to work with… Easy to pick up and drop and great equipment and teaching on how to use …
Gerry K
Jul 11, 2026
Great outfitter to do business with. Very flexible in the event Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. After trying to raft or tube (water too low) they helped us with inflatable kayaks. Awesome! Teenage boys had a blast on Lake Hatcher. Relatively simple transport, inflate, and deflate. They were super friendly and helpful.
S. McNamara
Jul 4, 2026
DO THIS! Affordable family fun!! Pagosa Outdoors has high quality durable tubes (not like a walmart floaty but like river raft material) and rental includes river shoes & life-vest too. They have great gift-shop stuff too, and they dont price gouge on lil things you mighta forgot like sunscreen chapstick, sunhat, drysack for phone. Everyone is super friendly and the float is a TON of fun (even with the river low). Pro-tip: grab a sturdy river stick to help navigate low spots)
Anna Dillane
Jun 24, 2026
We rented a tandem kayak and had it for 24 hours. We were allowed to pick it up the day before so that we could have it overnight. It was surprisingly easy to inflate and deflate and they even gave us two inflators so we could work on it together. They supplied paddles and life jackets. We went and explored lake Hatcher and had just the best day! The staff was informative and helpful and the experience couldn't have been better!
Shay Waters
Jun 22, 2026
Fantastic adventure. Friendly staff, very knowledgeable. Highly recommend checking them out for your water adventures!
Saa Aath
Jun 16, 2026
Great time! Highly recommend the deluxe. They take you up and you get out rightacross the street from them to return your tube or go for another run! Photos are fun!
H Lorusso
Jun 15, 2026
The staff are some of the nicest and most accommodating people. Very nice time!
Shannon Johnson
Aug 10, 2026
We had to shift from tubing to kayaking due to the very low river, but had a fantastic time. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would recommend 10/10 and will be back (hopefully when the river is running).
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.
Create Lasting Memories on the Scenic and 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!
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 experienced guides bring the local river knowledge, professional instruction, and quality gear to this one-of-a-kind Pagosa river 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!
Dive into adventure on a Splash and Dash Rafting Trip, the perfect introduction to whitewater fun in Pagosa Springs. This streamlined 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!
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 help you get familiar with the gear before heading out. 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.
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.
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 cr...
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.
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 shar...
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.
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 unscripte...
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.
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.
Most frequent questions and answers
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.
September 4, 2026
I have been in the river business long enough to learn two things. First, the San Juan River will do whatever it wants. Second, everyone assumes I kno...
Read More: How We Read and Predict the San Juan River: The Story Behind Pagosa’s River Desk and Black Hat Hydrology Lab
August 22, 2026
Pagosa Springs may be a small mountain town, but the country surrounding it is enormous. Drive east and the highway climbs toward waterfalls, headwate...
Read More: Explore Pagosa Springs in Every Direction: A Local Guide to the Country Beyond Town
August 16, 2026
West of downtown Pagosa Springs, Highway 160 leaves the San Juan River as the river turns south and the highway climbs Putt Hill. At the top, the land...
Read More: Explore West of Pagosa Springs: Lakes, Trails, Local History and the Changing Forest
