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Animas River, Colorado <br />Page 1 of 4 <br />�.. _ 1 <br />Report by Marc W. McCord <br />Baker's Bridge to State Line <br />- 34.5 Miles <br />N ER AL DESCRIPTIO <br />Forming in the San Juan Mountains of San Juan <br />County, the Animas River is a free - flowing, cold -water <br />stream running north to south through Durango and <br />down into New Mexico. It is larger than most rivers in <br />the area, and a lot more beautiful, offering great Class <br />II -V whitewater and excellent fishing opportunities. The <br />season on the Animas River is longer than that of most <br />Colorado streams. Heavy run -off from snowmelt and <br />summer rains usually continues until mid -June, <br />though the water may not be clear until well into July. <br />The Animas may remain navigable into late August or <br />early September, depending upon snowpack and <br />summer rains. <br />The Lower Animas, starting below Lower Rockwood <br />Box, flows about 34.5 miles from Baker's Bridge in La <br />Plata County down through Durango and across the <br />New Mexico state line with an average gradient of <br />about 27 fpm. Numerous rapids in the Class I to III <br />range form long wave trains that are exciting and wet. <br />This section is very well suited to canoeing, kayaking <br />and rafting. While enjoyable for experienced paddlers, <br />this section offers excellent opportunities for beginner <br />or novice paddlers to develop their chops for <br />whitewater adventures. The Animas River is fed by <br />snowmelt and summer rains, so expect cold water. <br />Even in mid - summer the air temperature can be cool to <br />cold, especially at night. And, because of the altitude <br />paddlers not from the area may need to acclimate to be <br />comfortable in the thinner, cooler air. <br />The Animas is a gorgeous river flowing from high in <br />the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. <br />This section flows through downtown Durango, and <br />includes an excellent 10 mile run with Class 1 -II rapids <br />between Trimble Lane and 32nd Street Park, as well as <br />a fantastic Class III run of about 5 miles between 32nd <br />Street Park and High Bridge below Four Corners, <br />featuring super runs at Smelter Rapid, Santa Rita Hole <br />and one super set of haystacks. Because of huge <br />boulders in the channel helmets are strongly <br />recommended to prevent or reduce head injuries. <br />Technical Data <br />Class Rating <br />II to V <br />Length <br />Minimum <br />Flow <br />Optimum <br />Flow <br />Maximum <br />11 Flow <br />34.5 miles <br />cfs <br />1,000 -2,500 cis <br />cfs <br />First Put -in <br />Baker's Bridge <br />Lat. / Long. <br />Last Take -out <br />State Line access <br />Lat. / Long. <br />Elevation <br />msl <br />Gradi <br />I FUSGS Gauge <br />1 27 fpm <br />Web: 09359020 (below Silverton <br />Web: 09361500 (Durango) <br />Boats <br />11canoes w/ flotation, Kayaks, Rai <br />Season <br />Year - round, weather permitting <br />Permits IFN <br />o <br />Rocky Mountai <br />Ganda Club <br />Click HERE to visit <br />1 our web site <br />r M risanACA. <br />{r �S - rick ; €Yne <br />Below Durango, and continuing to the state line, the <br />http: // southwestpaddler .com /docs /sanjuan7.html 3/28/2007 <br />