West Fork

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Trip Highlights

  • Adventurous 1/2 Day Intermediate Whitewater

  • Exclusive Access to the Best Rapids on the River

  • Technical Whitewater, Scenic Floating and Crashing Waves

  • Experienced Guides and Premium Gear

Why take this Tour?

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!

Itinerary

Arrive at the Pagosa Outside office for check-in a few minutes before your scheduled trip time. Your guide will get you fitted with all necessary gear, including life jackets, wetsuits, splash gear, helmets and river shoes.

Hop in the van for a 10 mile ride upstream to the put-in where your guides will get the rafts ready to float, give a thorough Safety Briefing and cover important rafting essentials before launching.

Jump right into the action with tight and technical rapids one after another through the upper gorge. The pace relaxes as you catch your breath and glide through the winding meanders of the middle valley. Finish strong by crashing through the waves of the whitewater park in downtown Pagosa where your driver and van will be waiting.

A 1 mile shuttle gets you back to our shop, out of your wetsuit and into your dry clothes. The complimentary photos will be in your inbox shortly. Don't forget to say goodbye to your rafting crew and grab a Pagosa Outside souvenir from our retail store.

 

Tour info

Duration
3 to 4 hours
Group Size
Up to 24
Price starts at
$119$129
Meeting Point

Pagosa Outside

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Dropoff location

Pagosa Outside

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Description

  • Duration: Half day
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Length: 14 miles
  • Requirements: 90 lbs. min, ages 12 and up

Our favorite rafting trip in Pagosa Springs, the West Fork, is a truly exclusive adventure. With limited capacity and private access to this stretch of the San Juan River, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else. The journey kicks off with an exhilarating series of technical, boulder-filled rapids, where teamwork and adrenaline combine as you navigate the wild waters surrounded by the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

After the thrills of the rapids, the river transforms into a peaceful float through the serene upper West Fork San Juan River Valley. This meandering section offers stunning views of lush forests, rocky cliffs, and the chance to spot wildlife, all while you relax and recharge. The trip concludes with an unforgettable splash through the Pagosa Springs Whitewater Park, a wave-crashing finale just minutes from our downtown shop and your dry, warm clothes. Don’t miss out—capacity is limited, and this trip fills quickly. Book your West Fork rafting adventure today!

Included

  • Safety briefing and river orientation

  • All necessary Rafting equipment (life jacket, wetsuit, splash gear, river shoes and helmet)

  • Transportation to and from the river

  • Complimentary digital photo album

  • The Best River Guides in Pagosa

Excluded

  • Gratuities

  • Personal items such as sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses

  • Food and drinks

Frequently asked questions

Experienced rafters, adventurous first-timers and thrill-seekers looking for an exclusive and unique intermediate Pagosa whitewater rafting experience.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a non-cotton base layer top if you get cold. We supply you with a wetsuit, splash gear and river shoes along with a life jacket and helmet.
No prior rafting experience is required but being aggressive and adventurous is a good idea. You will be provided with a thorough safety orientation and basic rafting/paddling instruction prior to launching.
Kids should be 12 and older and over 90 lbs to participate. Following instructions, paddling aggressively and being able to stay in the boat are necessary skills.
May and June are normally the best months for rafting in Pagosa. Peaks flows usually happen in mid to late May, which means bigger waves, splashes and thrills. In June the water and weather warm for ideal rafting conditions for everyone. By July, river flows normally drop too low to raft and that's when our tubing season begins.

Things to know

Participant Requirement

Minimum age 12+ and 90 lbs.
Strong and aggressive paddling is required.
Need to be a competent swimmer in cold moving water with the ability to self-rescue.

Minimum age 12+ and 90 lbs.
Strong and aggressive paddling is required.
Need to be a competent swimmer in cold moving water with the ability to self-rescue.

Weather Considerations

The trip operates rain or shine during the summer months. We supply all the appropriate rafting gear you need to stay comfortable, but be prepared for occasional weather changes. Dress in synthetic, non-cotton layers if you want to be warmer.

The trip operates rain or shine during the summer months. We supply all the appropriate rafting gear you need to stay comfortable, but be prepared for occasional weather changes. Dress in synthetic, non-cotton layers if you want to be warmer.

River Flows on the West Fork

under 600 = too low to raft
600-800 = low
800-1500 = medium
1500-2400 = medium/high
2400-3600 = high
3600+ = too high!

Current River Flows

under 600 = too low to raft
600-800 = low
800-1500 = medium
1500-2400 = medium/high
2400-3600 = high
3600+ = too high!

Current River Flows

Health Requirements

This activity is physically demanding, so participants should be in good health and free from heart conditions or other serious medical issues.

This activity is physically demanding, so participants should be in good health and free from heart conditions or other serious medical issues.

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From $119

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