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 Whitewater Rafting

our most popular trip - ideal for the whole family!

Experience this untamed section of continuous rapids (II-III) on the Uncompahgre River! This 10 mile stretch is the perfect choice for those looking for a fun paddle boat run and incredible scenery!

Exclusive private access to the narrows section of the Uncompahgre River provides a unique and remote experience for paddlers. We are often the only outfitter on this uncrowded section, providing paddlers with a rare opportunity to get off the beaten path. Our put-in is located just 2 miles below Ridgway State Park, and 10 minutes from the RIGS shop, keeping travel time to a minimum.

The majestic San Juan Mountains and mesas fill the back drop for the entire run as we float through State Wildlife Areas, historic ranch lands and the unique riparian ecology of the Uncompahgre river canyon.

Good for Kids 50 pounds and above

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE LAND USE FEES

1/2 Day - San Miguel River Adventure 

Winding through the majestic San Juan Mountains in the shadows of 14,000 foot Mount Wilson, the San Miguel River is one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known river runs. Continuous Class II and III+ whitewater provide great whitewater action as the river makes its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks. The San Miguel's most popular sections are located 30 minutes from Telluride, 45 minutes from Ouray and 30 minutes from Ridgway. The San Miguel is a favorite for even the most seasoned paddler looking for a challenge, as well as being a great introductory river section.  These stretches are perfect for paddlers visiting the southwest corner of the state looking for a classic Colorado river adventure.

NEW!  Full-Day - San Miguel River Adventure 

Winding through the majestic San Juan Mountains in the shadows of 14,000 foot Mount Wilson, the San Miguel River is one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known river runs. Continuous Class II and III+ whitewater provide great whitewater action as the river makes its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks. The San Miguel's most popular sections are located 30 minutes from Telluride, 45 minutes from Ouray and 30 minutes from Ridgway. The San Miguel is a favorite for even the most seasoned paddler looking for a challenge, as well as being a great introductory river section.  These stretches are perfect for paddlers visiting the southwest corner of the state looking for a classic Colorado river adventure. *Riverside Deli Lunch included on Full-Day trip.

Relaxing  3/4 Day River Adventure  (Raft or Kayak)

Enjoy a 7.5 mile paddle on the Class II waters of the Lower Gunnison River.  This section of the river offers fun splashy waves and plenty of fun for the whole family, without the technical skill needed on the bigger water.  A US National Conservation Area, managed by BLM, with excellent opportunities for solitude, wildlife and classic river exploration. Choose from tandem or single Inflatable Kayaks or Rafts (Oar or Paddle).  A riverside lunch is include mid-way through our paddle, as well as a stop to view the Native American Rock Art on the canyon walls - or a chance to wet a line in the Gold Medal waters of the cool clear Lower Gunnison River. Safe fun in the sun for everyone!    

 Good for Kids 30 pounds and above 

BLM PUBLIC LAND USE FEE APPLIES

Relaxing Half Day River Adventure  (Raft or Kayak)

Enjoy a 7 mile paddle on the scenic Class I-II rapids of the Lower Gunnison River.  This river offers sections of splashy waves and plenty of fun for the whole family.  A U.S. National Conservation Area, managed by BLM, with excellent opportunities for solitude, wildlife and classic river exploration. The ideal trip for everyone to experience a gem of a western river, while keeping it short, sweet and accessible to kids of all ages.

Choose from tandem or single Inflatable Kayaks (Duckies) or Rafts (Oar or Paddle) - all Guide supported. Along the way, a dip in the refreshingly cool clear river of the lower Gunnison River is always a must as well as the ever needed water fight if you are in the mood. Safe fun in the sun for everyone!  *This trip has great river flows all summer long!

 Good for Kids 30 pounds and above 

BLM PUBLIC LAND USE FEE APPLIES

Mellow Family Trip - Kids 30 pds. or more

Raft the Uncompahgre River from the town of Ridgway to the Ridgway Reservoir on this 2 hour guided rafting trip! (Class II to II+ rapids.)

Family Orientated - This stretch of river is mild enough for the young ones, yet keeps the whole family engaged!

Easy Access - Our private put-in location is less than a mile from RIGS Fly Shop, while the take out is less than 5 miles away! This keeps transportation time to a minimum and maximizes fun on the water.

Great Scenery - The majestic San Juan Mountains fill the back drop for the entire run! Float through prime wildlife habitat for an up-close look at songbirds, deer, and birds of prey!

Good for Kids 30 pounds and above

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PUBLIC LAND USE FEE

Canyon County Overnight

Enjoy a guided 2 day overnight kayaking/raft trip through the impressive sandstone walls of Dominguez Canyon. Soak up the surroundings from your raft and/or command your own kayak, while support rafts carry all the amenities for a night on the river. Single person and tandem kayaks are available for this adventure, ideal for novice kayakers.

Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks.

Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PUBLIC LAND USE FEES

Canyon County Multi-Day

Enjoy a guided 3 day overnight kayaking/raft trip through the impressive sandstone walls of Dominguez Canyon. Soak up the surroundings from your raft and/or command your own kayak, while support rafts carry all the amenities for a night on the river. Single person and tandem kayaks are available for this adventure, ideal for novice kayakers.

Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks.

Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PUBLIC LAND USE FEES

RIGS has offered its Colorado State River Guide Certification Course since 2002 and provided the most extensive guide certification course, with the highest level of certifications, available in the region. Your instructors have been training top quality river guides since 1991 and look forward to sharing their experience with you. Your Lead Instructor for this course is Owner -Tim Patterson.  Tim has 20 years experience in training Professional River Guide and has worked commercially on the Arkansas River, Gunnison River, Colorado River (Grand Canyon), Salt and Verde Rivers, as well as several rivers throughout Guatemala - C.A.  Several additional RIGS Certified Guide Instructors will join us throughout the course providing a diverse level of skill, technique and experience.

*NOTE: If you are specifically looking for Rowing/Oar Boat Training, please consider our: ROW Course - Oar Boat Skills (including Float Fishing), as an aspect of your Guide Certification (separate cost).  Participants who are signed up for our River Guide Certification Course, will receive a $100 discount if adding the ROW Course to their training and be more valuable to the RIGS Team by being versed in multiple skill sets!  Inquire for further details.  

On the first morning of training, you will be provided a River Guide Training Log Sheet, which must be signed by your Instructor and details the amount of training hours necessary to Commercially Guide River Trips in the State of Colorado. After successfully completing the course, you will have the opportunity to be "signed off" by a Certified Trip Leader, allowing you to legally guide commercial rafting trips throughout the State of Colorado. Small course size ensures a great learning environment and plenty of personal attention. We will be on the river all day, every day, and cover all aspects of river running and commercial guiding. The course will cover all topics required by the State of Colorado for commercial guides including: rigging and maneuvering, river currents, eddies & waves, river hazards, types and causes of rapids, running & scouting rapids, river rescue & emergency procedures, minimizing outdoor recreation resource impacts, proper fit, wearing, and use of personal floatation devices. Immediately following our Guide Certification Course, we will host (separate instructors) the following courses required to be a guide: First Aid & C.P.R. ( additional $100) and Swiftwater Rescue Technician (additional $350).  *Payment for these additional components must be made directly to the instructor, prior to the course

This is a physical course, running class I through IV rivers. You will be required to carry rafts, flip boats, swim in the river, and be generally active. We will provide all necessary equipment including P.F.D.'s, helmets, paddles, etc.  We will provide transportation and take care of all shuttles. If you have personal boating gear, bring it with you and we will determine its suitability. You will need clothing and footwear suitable for rafting (Chaco, TEVA, KEEN or similar wet shoes or booties) and a packed lunch everyday. Dry clothes for the end of the day are also a must. While completing our course does not guarantee employment, we will be hiring for the upcoming season and requires all of the above mentioned certifications. Our company's goal is to provide the best in customer safety, an energetic personality - we are looking for service oriented individuals.

Classic River Canyon

Enjoy this epic guided full to multi day trip through the impressive sandstone walls of Dominguez Canyon. Soak up the surroundings from a raft or command your own inflatable kayak (both single & tandem kayaks available) for this adventure, ideal for novice paddlers.

Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks.

Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.

Call to create your multi day adventure with RIGS!

Good for kids 30 pounds and above

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PUBLIC LAND USE  FEES

Wilderness Rafting

The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class II-III+ whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.

Join us on a hike to the put-in from the canyon rim, 600 feet above the Gunnison River. From there, enjoy the pool-drop rapids below the Black Canyon National Park as we float the river through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.

The Gunnison Gorge is famous for its world-class fishing, geology, and wildlife but sees moderate use because of its remote location, and challenging access.

Advanced reservations are required due to the restrictions placed on the number of people allowed on the river at any given time.