Zip Line – Rafting Package

Experience the Best of Durango with a Zip Line and Rafting Package

If you’re visiting Durango and craving a day filled with adventure and scenic beauty, this Zip Line – Rafting Package offers an excellent way to get your adrenaline fix while soaking in Colorado’s stunning mountain views. Priced at $228 per person, this approximately 7-hour tour combines a relaxing float down the Animas River with an exhilarating zipline experience—perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a guided, safe, and fun outdoor outing.

What we love about this tour are the professional guides who take care of instructions and safety, making it accessible even for those new to rafting or ziplining. We also appreciate the scenic journey through Ponderosa pines on the zips, which provides some of the most beautiful views of Colorado’s mountain terrain. On the downside, you’ll need to organize your own transportation to the starting points, and lunch isn’t included—so planning ahead is a good idea.

This experience suits travelers who want an active day that’s safe and family-friendly. From lively rapids to peaceful river floats, it’s designed to appeal to a broad range of skill levels and ages, especially those with children aged five and older, who are eligible to zipline. If you’re looking for an adventure that offers both excitement and scenic tranquility, this tour ticks those boxes.

Key Points

• Family-Friendly Adventure: Suitable for children 5 years and older, with guides providing all instruction.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance safety and enjoyment, especially for first-timers.
• Scenic Views: Expect panoramic vistas of Colorado mountains from the ziplines and tranquil river scenery.
• Flexible Options: You can request specific guides, and additional activities or trips can be arranged.
• Full-Day Itinerary: Approximately 7 hours, including transportation, rafting, and ziplining.
• Separate Transportation Needed: You must arrange your own transport to the rafting and zipline sites.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins at the Mountain Waters Rafting office on West College Drive in Durango, where you’ll meet your guide and prepare for the adventure ahead. The tour kicks off with a river rafting experience on the Animas River, which is well-suited for families and those new to water sports. The guides are actively involved in providing commentary and thorough instructions, ensuring everyone feels confident and safe, regardless of age or skill level.

Expect to float through Durango’s scenic river trail, with a side trip through the whitewater park—a highlight that adds a splash of excitement. This part of the journey is gentle enough for children and beginners, but still engaging enough for thrill-seekers. The riverside snack provides a perfect break, offering a quick chance to relax and take in the surroundings.

After the rafting, there’s a lunch break (on your own), giving you time to refuel before heading to the zipline section. The zipline experience takes place in a wooded area featuring Ponderosa pines and offers six ziplines spanning 12 sections—a step up from the typical six spans, providing more variety and thrill. Guides will lead you through all safety procedures, making sure even the most cautious will feel comfortable zipping through the trees.

The zipline course involves a 15-minute hike up a nature trail with a 400-foot elevation gain starting at 6,500 feet. While most will find this manageable, some may find it a bit challenging, especially at altitude. Once at the top, you’ll get to zoom through the forest canopy with breathtaking views of the Colorado mountains.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, having combined two very different, but equally scenic, adventures—river floats and treetop zips—in a single day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

First, the guides earn high praise for their professionalism, knowledge, and the fun they bring to the experience. One reviewer even mentioned, “Spicy Mike made this adventure so much more enjoyable,” highlighting how personable and engaging the guides are. Whether you’re navigating rapids or zipping through treetops, knowing your guides are experienced and attentive makes all the difference.

Second, the combination of activities offers great value. For just over $200, you get a full day of outdoor fun, transportation, a scenic river float, and multiple ziplines. The additional spans and guided instructions mean you’re getting more than just a basic tour; you’re getting a well-rounded, memorable adventure.

From the reviews, it’s clear that many travelers appreciated the safety and flexibility. Guides take time to explain every zipline, and most find the entire experience “super fun,” with one reviewer stating, “most travelers can participate.” The family-friendly nature of the tour means you can bring children (5+), making it ideal for families looking for an active day out.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Meeting Point: The tour starts at 8:30 am at Mountain Waters Rafting, with transportation provided to the river and zipline sites. It’s approximately a 7-hour experience, so be prepared for a full day outdoors.

Transportation: Included to and from the river, but you are responsible for your own transport to the rafting and zipline offices. This is common in outdoor adventure tours, but worth planning ahead.

Pricing and Value: At $228 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience. Considering the guide-led instruction, multiple zip spans, river float, scenic views, and included snacks, it offers great value for an active outdoor day.

Age and Weight Restrictions: Children must be 5 or older and are accompanied by an adult. The zipline has a weight limit of 230 lbs, and closed-toe shoes are required for zip lining.

Additional gear: Thermal gear rentals are available, especially recommended in spring, to stay comfortable while rafting.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Many reviewers highlight the expertise of the guides. One remarked, “Our guides were very aware of our safety,” and appreciated the thorough explanations before each zipline. Another praised their ability to go down big rapids twice—a rare thrill for river adventurers. The friendly, knowledgeable staff clearly add to the overall enjoyment, making even nervous first-timers feel comfortable.

The scenic aspect of the zipline cannot be overstated. Several reviews mention the breathtaking views of Colorado’s mountains, with one traveler saying, “How cool, right? Zipping through the Ponderosa forest just a mile from downtown Durango.”

The family-friendly vibe is also evident; parents appreciated the shaded patio and the ease of the guided experience, making it suitable for children and adults alike.

The Sum Up: Is This Adventure Right for You?

This Zip Line – Rafting Package is ideal if you’re seeking a fun, guided outdoor adventure that offers scenic beauty, safety, and family-friendly activities. It’s perfect for those new to rafting or ziplining who want a stress-free experience led by experienced guides. The mix of relaxing river floats and exciting ziplines provides variety and ensures there’s something for all.

If you’re traveling with children five and older, or if you want a full day of outdoor activity that balances adrenaline with stunning natural scenery, this tour offers excellent value. Its small group size (up to seven travelers) enhances the personalized feel, making it easier to ask questions and stay engaged.

However, if you prefer organizing your own transportation, or if your group has mobility issues, you should plan accordingly. The hike up to the zipline start might be challenging for some at altitude, so be prepared for a bit of physical activity.

This tour earns high marks for fun, safety, and scenic views, making it a great choice for families, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to experience Durango’s natural beauty with a little thrill.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own transportation?
Yes, you need to organize your own transport to the rafting and zipline sites, as only the trip to and from the river is included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be 5 years or older and are accompanied by an adult. The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with guides providing all safety instructions.

What should I wear?
Wear closed-toe shoes for ziplining, and consider thermal gear rentals in spring for rafting to stay comfortable in the water.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 7 hours, starting at 8:30 am and concluding back at the meeting point.

Can I request a specific guide?
Yes, some reviews mention the possibility of requesting guides, and guides like “Spicy Mike” are known for making the trip especially enjoyable.

Is the zipline course safe?
Absolutely. Guides go through all safety procedures and instructions, and the equipment is maintained to high standards.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers guides, transportation to and from the river, and a riverside snack. Lunch and transport to the zipline are not included.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

This trip strikes a delightful balance of relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty—an excellent way to make your Durango visit memorable. Whether you’re a family eager for fun or a solo traveler looking for last-minute thrills, this tour offers a safe, guided, and scenic way to experience Colorado’s great outdoors.