About Southwest Raft & Jeep
Southwest Raft & Jeep is a family-owned adventure outfitter in Durango that combines whitewater rafting trips with off-road Jeep excursions through the San Juan Mountains. Operating from their shop along the Animas River corridor, they have built a reputation for friendly, no-frills service and a genuine passion for sharing Southwest Colorado's rugged landscape with visitors of all experience levels.
Their rafting lineup includes half-day splasher trips ideal for families with young kids, full-day Animas River runs through Class II-III rapids, and high-adrenaline Upper Animas expeditions for experienced paddlers seeking Class IV-V whitewater. They also rent inflatable kayaks, river tubes, stand-up paddleboards, and rafts for self-guided float trips. On the Jeep side, they run guided 4x4 tours into the historic mining districts above Silverton, along Engineer Pass, and through the alpine meadows of the San Juan backcountry.
What makes Southwest Raft & Jeep a standout is their flexibility — they are happy to customise trips for groups, combine a morning raft with an afternoon Jeep tour, and accommodate last-minute bookings when conditions allow. Their guides are locals who grew up exploring these mountains and rivers, and their relaxed, safety-first approach means even nervous first-timers leave the water grinning.
