About
Experience Nature's Magic Together
At Pagosa Outside, we’re dedicated to delivering an exceptional river adventure experience that stands out for its personalized touch and genuine local charm. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of our service, from our friendly and knowledgeable guides to our meticulously maintained equipment. We pride ourselves on offering exclusive access to some of the most beautiful and exciting river sections in the area, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for each guest. By focusing on small group sizes and a tailored approach, we create a more intimate and enjoyable atmosphere, making your time on the river truly special. With our local expertise and passion for the outdoors, we strive to make every trip with us an unforgettable adventure.
Our People Make the Difference
From Humble Beginnings to Beloved Outfitter
When we started at Pagosa Outside almost two decades ago, our vision was clear but humble. As a small-town Pagosa Springs river outfitter, we wanted to provide professional rafting and river tubing experiences that we’d be proud to share with our own friends and family. Growing up in Pagosa Springs, we dreamed of creating a vibrant river community in a town where that culture didn’t yet exist. We set out to build more than just a business; we wanted to create a family and culture of skilled, knowledgeable and passionate Pagosa river guides. Most importantly, we wanted them to share the magic of floating on the River in Pagosa, knowing that once someone experiences a quality Pagosa rafting trip or a day of Pagosa River tubing, they would be forever connected to the beauty of this free-flowing mountain river.
We started with little more than passion and grit—a raft guide with a decade of nomadic wave chasing and a recent college grad navigating student loans. Along the way, life blessed us with two amazing daughters who have become our biggest inspiration. Today, it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Pagosa Springs river scene, we’re proud of the journey and excited for all the adventures still to come.
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. 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Discover Pagosa Springs, Colorado — A Hidden Gem in the San Juan Mountains
Located in southwest Colorado, Pagosa Springs is a scenic mountain town known for its natural hot springs, trout-filled rivers, and endless outdoor recreation. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, this small town is surrounded by over 2.5 million acres of national forest, offering year-round adventure for visitors of all ages.
Popular things to do in Pagosa Springs include rafting the San Juan River, hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, and soaking in the famous Mother Spring, the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. With a walkable downtown, friendly locals, and easy access to Colorado’s wild side, Pagosa Springs is the perfect destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
