The San Miguel River is located in southwest Colorado, located just 15 minutes from Telluride. The natural flood cycles and very little development has kept this river in pristine condition, with very little change as to how it would have looked before people settled the area. The river flows through an alpine environment, under the shadow of 14,000-foot Mount Wilson in the San Juan Mountains before traversing the 80 miles north to the desert environment near Dolores, Colorado. The river flows through forested sandstone canyons and granite passages. For 5 miles, the river runs though a 5 mile secluded canyon, perfect for solitude and peace.

The San Miguel River is perfect for an adventurous family rafting trip. The river winds in and out of Class II-III rapids at an average gradient of 50 feet per mile. The constant drops and boulder gardens create excitement without a lot of technical difficulty. The best time to raft this river is during June and July.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat
handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.