Animas
03. Silverton to Tacoma (Upper Animas)
| Difficulty | IV-V |
| Length | 24.8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 80 fpm |
| Gauge | Animas River Below Silverton, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 427 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 6, 2021 |
Projects
For several Years, American Whitewater has worked to improve public access at the Tacoma Hydroelectric facility on the Animas River. In 2011, FERC ordered Public Service CO. to consult with American Whitewater on the formal improvements for public access at the powerplant.
Colorado River Access American Whitewater’s Colorado River Access Program works to improve river access and public safety throughout the state by working with landowners and managers, paddlers, law enforcement, and lawmakers to understand Colorado’s river access laws and the ongoing threats to public safety. Our primary goals of this [...]Read More
River Description
LOGISTICS: The put-in at Silverton is on Mineral Creek south of town where Hwy. 550 crosses the creek. Alternatively you can put in directly on the Animas along the train tracks to the southeast of town. The take-out is at Rockwood and can be reached where Hwy. 200 turns off to the east from Hwy. 550. You have three options once you reach Tacoma Powerplant all of which take you to a parking spot near the Rockwood rail yard. You can continue boating downstream into the more challenging Rockwood Box (if you decide on this option you must scout the take-out or go with someone who knows the run to make sure you do not enter the unrunnable lower box), catch the train from Tacoma to the Rockwood Rail Yard (check to make sure you can put your gear on the train), or you can hike out along the tracks. This final option is considered trespassing and is only normally done after the last train passes through for the day. This is a long shuttle especially if you are planning to do the run in one day. Consider a two-day trip, run your shuttle the night before, or plan for a very long day.
DESCRIPTION: With more than 24 miles of continuous class IV whitewater, the Animas is one of the finest day trips in the U.S. The run has a definite wilderness character but the narrow gauge railroad that runs up the valley provides convenient access for those who get in a little over their heads or non-paddling friends who want to meet up with you through the run (have someone bring in the camping gear and you can make a great overnight trip).
The run starts in the old mining town of Silverton and then gradually builds as you head downstream. You'll find long rollercoaster rides of wave trains with many holes to avoid. Most of the rapids are straightforward class IV and free of obvious hazards. Due to the continuous nature of the run and challenge of res
...River Features
Take Out
Put In
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA couple of notes to add to Tom's excellent
description:
Above about 3,500 CFS, those class V- rapids
become more like class V rapids, particularly
No Name, with dire swim consequences (a
mile or more of continuous IV+ following).
Also, Tom doesn't mention the Rockwood Box.
It is a notch up in difficulty (and danger) from
the rest of the run. So if you're running the rest
of the river and on your edge, the Box is NOT
recommended. I've run it at 4,500, and that
was the most intense 20 minutes I've spent in
30 years of boating (very different from the run
at 2,500 cfs). I don't know what to call it rating-
wise, but adrenaline-wise it was V++ at the
high water. It's great if you're capable of
staying in control in the box, but rescues at
high water will be impossible and swims
deadly. If in doubt, take one of the alternative
routes out.
Craig at the crux of no name falls. See more pictures of this run at http://www.alexjharvey.com/CO.htm#Animas.
Lunch spot near Needleton Station.