Zip Line – Rafting Package

The best part of this Durango package is the contrast: you start high among the ponderosa trees, then trade your harness for a paddle and run the Animas River through town. The zip lines include faster spans later in the course, while the rafting route passes the river trail and the whitewater park.

I like the two-activity value and the careful, clear instruction from guides such as Tristan, Shea, Jacob, Chad, and Beau. I also like the practical touches: river transport, a riverside snack, and a small maximum group of seven.

The main catch is the uphill approach to the zip line. It is only about 15 minutes, but you gain roughly 400 feet from Durango’s 6,500-foot elevation. Add the $228 price, lunch between activities, and transport to the activity offices, and this is best for an active full day rather than a casual outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Six or 12 zip lines: The shorter course suits first-timers, while the longer option adds faster, longer spans later in the route.
• Animas River rafting: You float and paddle through Durango, including the whitewater park and sections near the Animas River Trail.
• Seven-hour schedule: The package combines two substantial activities, so plan on giving it most of your day.
• 15-minute uphill walk: The zip-line start requires a steady climb of about 400 feet at high elevation.
• Small groups: The maximum is seven people, which allows guides to give direct instruction and safety help.
• Bring the right gear: Closed-toe shoes are required for zip lining, and spring rafting may call for rented thermal gear.

Two Durango adventures in one day

This package gives you two very different views of Durango. From the zip-line course, you look through the trees and across the surrounding hills. On the river, the scenery moves at water level, with the Animas River Trail close by and town activity never far away.

The day lasts about seven hours, so I would treat it as a main event, not something to squeeze between breakfast and an evening reservation. The package price is $228 per person. That is a substantial spend, but it covers two guided activities, professional instruction, transportation to and from the river, and a riverside snack.

The value depends on your plans. If you already intended to book rafting and zip lining separately, combining them is convenient and may be easier than coordinating two companies. If you only want a short rafting trip, the package will feel expensive and demanding. The small group limit helps justify the cost because you are not joining a large operation with little personal attention.

The schedule can place the zip line and rafting in different parts of the day. A commonly described format has zip lining in the morning and rafting later, though you should confirm the exact order when you book. Lunch between activities is not included, so plan for that gap.

Start at 303 West College Drive

Your listed starting point is Mountain Waters Rafting and Adventure Company at 303 W College Drive in Durango. The scheduled start is 8:30 a.m., and confirmation arrives when you book.

You must provide a contact phone number and arrange your own transportation to the rafting and zip-line offices. Transportation is provided to and from the river, but that does not mean door-to-door service from your hotel. Check the meeting details carefully if your group is staying outside central Durango.

The rafting office is the natural first place to get organized. Guides handle the safety talk, equipment instructions, and practical details. Names may vary by departure, but the team has included guides such as Tristan, Shea, Eric, Spicy Mike, and Beau. Their roles are not just to steer the boat. They explain river conditions, point out local features, and keep the group working together.

Walking uphill to the zip lines

The zip-line portion begins after a 15-minute walk up a nature trail. The climb gains about 400 feet, starting from Durango’s elevation of roughly 6,500 feet. The guides take the group slowly, but this is not a flat stroll.

That short hike matters if someone in your party has trouble with hills, high elevation, or sustained activity. Most people can participate, but you should not treat the zip line as a ride that begins beside the parking area. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that work for both the trail and the platforms.

The minimum age for zip lining is five. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the maximum weight is 230 pounds. Those rules are firm planning details, especially for a family group with several age ranges.

Once you reach the course, the guide explains each line and the required technique before you go. This is helpful for first-timers because you do not have to guess how to clip in, brake, or leave the platform. The final choice on at least one line may involve a jump or a zip, giving you a small say in how you finish the course.

Six lines or a longer 12-line course

The package can involve six zip lines, while the longer option includes 12 spans. The six-line version makes sense if you are testing the idea for the first time, traveling with younger children, or sharing the day with people who prefer a shorter commitment.

The 12-line course gives you more time in the trees and more variation. The later spans are described as longer and faster, so the course builds rather than giving you the same short ride again and again. If your group is enthusiastic about zip lining, the longer option is likely the better use of the day.

You should ask which version is included in your booking before paying. The supplied details refer to both six and 12 spans, and the exact course may depend on the package selected. Parents or nonparticipants may have a shaded rooftop patio with couches available at the zip-line site, which can make the longer course easier for a mixed group. Confirm access and arrangements directly when booking.

The main appeal here is not extreme height or speed. It is the combination of a manageable introduction, forest views, and a course that can become more exciting as you go. Emily, Cooper, Jacob, and Chad are among the guides associated with past departures, but guide assignments change.

Rafting the Animas River through town

The rafting section carries you along the Animas River with the river trail close by. You are not isolated in a remote canyon for the entire outing. Instead, you get a distinctly Durango experience, with water, trees, town landmarks, and the feel of a local river corridor.

The boat passes through the whitewater park, which adds a more active stretch to the route. Water levels affect the character of the trip. In late July, low water can make some sections less forceful, but a good guide can still keep the boat moving and the group involved. At higher flows, the rapids can feel more energetic.

Your guide gives instructions before the boat reaches each rapid. That clear explanation is especially useful if this is your first rafting trip or if your group includes a wide spread of ages. One account describes running larger rapids twice, along with a swim in the river, but those moments depend on conditions and the guide’s decisions. They should not be treated as guaranteed features.

The route also includes local commentary. Beau, Eric, Shea, Spicy Mike, and other guides have shared information about bridges and nearby sites while managing the boat. That combination makes the rafting more than a wet amusement ride. You get a short introduction to how the river fits into Durango.

The riverside snack and the missing lunch

A riverside snack is included, which is useful during a long active day. It gives you something to eat without requiring a separate stop during the rafting portion.

Lunch is not included. Since the package can place one activity before the other, you need to plan the meal yourself. Bring money, pack food if permitted, or ask the company how much time is allowed between activities. Do not assume the snack replaces lunch, especially if you start at 8:30 a.m. and remain active for roughly seven hours.

Spring is another special case. Thermal gear rentals are available and recommended for rafting during cooler spring conditions. Even if the air feels comfortable, river water can make a wet boat ride feel cold. Ask about rental sizes and availability ahead of time.

A change of clothes may also be sensible, although that is general preparation rather than an item listed as included. The supplied information specifically requires closed-toe shoes for zip lining, so choose footwear that can handle both the trail and wet conditions.

Safety, instruction, and group size

Safety is a strong part of this package. The guides explain each zip line before you use it, and rafting guides review the river instructions before the boat reaches the rapids. That matters more than flashy equipment or big claims. Clear directions help a nervous beginner relax and let experienced participants focus on the fun.

A maximum of seven people creates a more personal outing. You should get more direct help with harnesses, paddling commands, and questions than you would in a much larger group. It also means the pace depends on the people sharing your departure. A family with young children may move differently from a group of confident adults.

Service animals are allowed. Children must be with an adult, and only children age five or older may zip line. Most people can participate, but the uphill trail and full-day schedule still require reasonable mobility and stamina.

The company has also accommodated mixed-age groups, including people from age nine through 88, by using flexible options and custom activity arrangements. That does not mean every person will find both activities equally comfortable. Someone who can enjoy a half-day raft trip may still decide the uphill zip-line access is too much.

Is $228 a fair price?

At $228 per person, this is not a budget activity. The better question is what you would pay and organize if you booked rafting and zip lining separately.

The package includes professional guides for both activities, transportation to and from the river, and a riverside snack. It also saves you from finding two unrelated operators and matching their schedules. For a visitor who wants a full outdoor day in Durango, that convenience has real value.

The price is less attractive if one person in your group plans to sit out part of the package. You are paying for the combined experience, not simply for river access. Lunch, thermal gear, and transportation to the activity offices are additional considerations.

A useful way to judge the cost is by enthusiasm. If your group is excited about both water and zip lines, $228 can be reasonable for a tightly planned day. If half the group is uncertain about one activity, book with more care or ask about separate options and discounts. The company has offered discounts for additional activities and has sometimes allowed groups to split the activities across two days, but confirm current terms before relying on that arrangement.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this package to families with children age five and older, active couples, and groups that want variety without planning two separate outings. It also works well for first-time rafters and first-time zip liners because guides provide the instruction.

The small group cap is helpful for people who want questions answered and safety steps explained without feeling rushed. The course also offers a reasonable progression, with shorter lines available and longer, faster spans later for people who want more.

I would pause before booking for anyone who dislikes uphill walking, has difficulty at Durango’s elevation, or wants a quiet sightseeing day. The seven-hour duration can feel long if you are unsure about either activity. A person who is sensitive to cold should also plan carefully for spring rafting.

The package is family-friendly, but family-friendly does not mean effortless. Children must be supervised, and adults should be ready to participate rather than simply watch.

Booking details and cancellation

The activity is offered in English, and mobile tickets are available. Free cancellation is allowed until 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Because the zip-line hike, weight limit, child age rule, and lunch gap all affect your day, give the company a working phone number when booking. Ask about the six-line or 12-line option, the order of activities, and current meeting instructions.

Should you book this Durango package?

Book it if you want a full day that mixes forest zip lines with Animas River whitewater, and if your group can manage the uphill walk and active schedule. The package earns its price through variety, professional instruction, river transport, and a small maximum group.

Skip it if you want only a gentle float, need a fully accessible route, or would rather not arrange lunch and office transportation. For everyone else, this is a practical way to experience two of Durango’s outdoor sides in one day, with enough guide support to make a first attempt feel manageable.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

The listed starting point is Mountain Waters Rafting and Adventure Company, 303 W College Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301. The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the package last?

The combined experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Is transportation included?

Transportation to and from the river is included. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the rafting and zip-line offices.

How old must a child be to zip line?

A child must be at least five years old to zip line and must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit for zip lining?

Yes. The zip-line weight limit is 230 pounds, and closed-toe shoes are required.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.