Durango Whitewater Park: An Animas River Playground
Experience thrilling rapids and family-friendly fun at Durango Whitewater Park, a unique playground on the Animas River in downtown Durango.
The Durango Whitewater Park, nestled on the Animas River, is a premier destination for kayakers and water sports enthusiasts. This dynamic park features engineered rapids, creating a thrilling experience for all skill levels in a convenient downtown location.
A brief summary to Whitewater Park
- 107 Camino Del Rio, Durango, Colorado, 81301, US
- Visit website
- Monday 5 am-12 am
- Tuesday 5 am-12 am
- Wednesday 5 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 5 am-12 am
- Saturday 5 am-12 am
- Sunday 5 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the Animas River flow levels before your visit to ensure suitable conditions for your planned activities.
- Bring appropriate safety gear, including a personal flotation device (PFD) and a helmet, especially for navigating the rapids.
- Visit during the annual Animas River Days in June for a fun-filled day of kayaking competitions, a costumed river parade, and more.
- Take advantage of the park's amenities, including restrooms, a fishing area, and grassy areas for relaxation.
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Durango, head south on Main Avenue. Turn right onto College Drive and then left onto Camino del Rio. Continue for about 0.85 miles, then turn right at the light onto Santa Rita Drive. Follow the road to the end to reach the Whitewater Park. This walk is roughly 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Durango Transit offers bus and trolley services throughout the city. Check the Durango Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. The fare is typically $1 per ride. Alternatively, DuranGO! Outside, a microtransit service, provides on-demand rides to recreational areas for $2 per ride; book via the DuranGO! app.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Durango. A taxi ride from downtown Durango to the Whitewater Park will cost approximately $10-$15. Metered street parking is available downtown at a cost of $1 per hour ($1.50/hr in summer). Municipal lots are free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Discover more about Whitewater Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
General Palmer Hotel
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Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar
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The Office Spiritorium
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Durango Off Leash Dog Park
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Strater Hotel
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Leland House Suites of Durango
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Animas River Trail & Greenway
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Maile King & Brittany McCoy | Durango Mountain Home
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Durango Antique Market
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Steamworks Brewing Company
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Durango Welcome Center
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Gable House Bed and Breakfast
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Sorrel Sky Gallery
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Expedition Outside
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Guild House Games
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Unmissable attractions to see
D&SNG Museum
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Santa Rita Park
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durango, colorado
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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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Four Leaves Winery
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Scenic Aperture
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Mountain Waters Rafting
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Durango Arts Center
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Durango Treasures
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Animas River Trail
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Animas River Trail, Colorado
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Durango train ride
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Statue
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American Dream display
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Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours
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Essential places to dine
T's Smokehouse & Grill
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Gazpacho Restaurant
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Perbacco Cucina Italiana
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Sizzling Siam
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Nini's Taqueria
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East by Southwest
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Mamma Silvia's Italian Kitchen
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The Roost
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Michel's Corner Crepes
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Chalkboard Kitchen
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636 Main Ave
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Animas Grille & Lounge
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Mahogany Grille
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Diamond Belle Saloon
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GRASSBURGER (DGO Downtown)
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
A Shared Blanket-Donna Frank
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Earthbound Trading Co.
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Rio Grande Trading Co
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Christmas in Durango
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Revival Goods
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Moose on the Loose Souvenirs and Sportswear
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Out of the Blue
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La Plata On Main
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Good Karma
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Halfway to Heaven
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Animas Trading Co
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wild Horse Saloon
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Balcony Bar & Grill
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The Peeples Bar
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The Oxford
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The Subterrain
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Starlight Lounge
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El Rancho Tavern
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Million Dollar Highway Saloon
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Skyridge Tavern
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Union Social House
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Mancos Brewing Company
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Chavolo's Mexican Restaurant
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Fenceline Cidery
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