SW Colorado's Finest Fly Shop, Fly Fishing & Gunnison Gorge Float Fishing since 2001

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Full Day – Raft, Kayak – Gunnison River (Gunnison Gorge NCA)

January 25, 2017 By hpatterson

Enjoy a 7.5-mile paddle on the Class II (class varies depending on volume – please inquire) waters of the Lower Gunnison River. A National Conservation Area, managed by BLM, with excellent opportunities for solitude, wildlife, and classic river exploration. Choose from Rafts (oar or paddle), or Inflatable Kayaks (single or tandem). 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 riverside lunch is included mid-way through our paddle, as well as a stop to view a major archeological site that predates Stonehenge and features Native American Rock Art on the canyon walls.

UPDATE TO 2021 SUMMER RAFTING – Due to Low Water Rafting is Suspended for the 2021 Season.

Check out our Paddle Sport Rentals for a fun way to get out on the water! or have a private lesson to learn how to properly paddleboard. 

Things to Consider on your Full Day Gunnison River Rafting Trip:

  • Fun and educational– A unique high desert river day with a riverside lunch and a stop at the oldest archeological site in Colorado. The perfect way to engage the whole family. A very safe river environment – let older kids explore by navigating their own inflatable kayak or beginners can challenge yourself in a single kayak.
  • Physical Exertion and Exposure to the Elements – The nature of our trips is such that it involves some physical exertion and potential exposure to the elements, including cold water and weather, heat, sun, wind and rain. Individuals who are overweight or lack conditioning can endanger themselves, other guests and the guides. Please consult your physician if you have medical or health conditions that could impact your ability to participate.
  • You will wear a Type III – V Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) meeting the requirements of the State of Colorado (maximum chest size of 58 inches)
  • Be an active participant (active paddler) in propelling the craft. Actively participate in self-rescue by swimming to a boat or to shore, and/or by climbing into a boat with the help of another person in the event of an involuntary swim in cold water
  • We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 275 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 58 inches.
  • Good for Kids 50 pounds and above
  • *All trips depart as scheduled rain or shine.

Filed Under: Kayaking, Rafting 1/2 Day Trips Main, Rafting Full Day Main, River Trips Main, Trip Descriptions Rafting, Trips, Whitewater Rafting

Full Day – Kayak or Raft – Gunnison River (Gunnison Gorge NCA)

May 5, 2012 By hpatterson

Enjoy a relaxing 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 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 included 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!

Filed Under: Kayaking, Rafting 1/2 Day Trips Main, Rafting Full Day Main, Trip Descriptions Rafting, Whitewater Rafting

½ Day – Rafting – San Miguel River

May 5, 2012 By hpatterson

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. Just outside of Telluride, rafting 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. 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…

Filed Under: Trips, Whitewater Rafting

½ Day – Rafting – Uncompahgre River

May 5, 2012 By hpatterson

Experience this untamed section of continuous rapids (II-III) on the Uncompahgre River! Near Ouray, 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 with some true rafting Ouray style. 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…

Filed Under: Trips, Whitewater Rafting

“Short n’ Sweet” 2 HOUR Uncompahgre River Rafting

May 2, 2012 By hpatterson

Rafting near Ouray is as easy as pie with our Short n’ Sweet. Raft the Uncompahgre River from the town of Ridgway to the Ridgway Reservoir on this 2-hour guided rafting trip! (Class II rapids.) Family Oriented – This stretch of river is mild enough for the younger crowd, yet offers enough excitement to keep the more seasoned rafters 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 backdrop for the entire run! Float through prime wildlife habitat for an up-close look at songbirds, deer, and birds of prey!

Filed Under: Rafting 1/2 Day Trips Main, Rafting Full Day Main, Trip Descriptions Rafting, Whitewater Rafting

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RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

1075 Sherman St, Unit 101,
Ridgway,Colorado 81432

970.626.4460
[email protected]
RIGS is an Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing outfiter!

Colorado Outfitter #2169 - Outfitting Southwest Colorado Since 2001

RIGS Fly Shop, Guide Service & White Water River Rafting is an "equal opportunity service provider" and is a permittee of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Parks & U.S. Forest Service. RIGS certified professional guides provide quality outdoor experiences and believe in conducting each trip in an educational, safe, and fun manner.

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