Rockwood | Josh Lau

Rockwood Gorge

Getting spicy in the Rockwood Gorge: An Epic Day of Durango Whitewater Rafting

Durango, Colorado is a haven for outdoor adventurers, and for good reason. Towering San Juan Mountains, lush valleys, and of course, the thrilling Animas River, all beckon adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike. But if you're truly looking to push your limits and experience an unforgettable ride, then look no further than rafting the Rockwood Gorge.

This isn't your average float trip. Rockwood Gorge is a beast, a narrow, steep canyon carved by the Animas River over millennia. The result? A wild and scenic stretch of rapids, with Class II and III sections offering a splashy warmup, culminating in heart-stopping Class IV and even Class V challenges.

Unlike most rafting trips, your Rockwood adventure might start with a scenic train ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This unique approach adds to the charm and lets you soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery before the whitewater mayhem begins.

As you push off from the shore, the excitement builds. The canyon walls close in, and the roar of the water intensifies. Class II and III rapids provide some initial thrills, but it's the looming Class IV and V monsters that will truly test your paddling skills and teamwork. Be prepared to get wet, scream a little (or a lot!), and experience the exhilaration of conquering these challenging rapids.

Between the adrenaline bursts, there's also time to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rockwood Gorge. Sheer cliffs rise on either side, and the turquoise waters snake through the canyon, creating a truly unforgettable scene.

After navigating the final set of rapids, you'll reach the takeout point. But the adventure isn't quite over yet. Since the gorge is so remote, you might need to hike a short distance, usually less than a mile, to meet your transportation. Consider it a victory lap after conquering the mighty Rockwood.

Rockwood Gorge rafting is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to be aware that it's not for everyone. This is an advanced trip with demanding rapids. Companies typically require participants to be at least 16 years old (sometimes older), in good physical condition, and strong swimmers. If you're an experienced rafter seeking an epic adventure, then Rockwood Gorge rafting in Durango should be at the top of your bucket list.

Quick Facts

Section Length: 2.9 miles from Tacoma Power Plant
Diffculty: III-IV (water level dependant)
Typical Season: Late June-Mid August
Typical Peak: Late May-Early June
My ideal water flows: 600-1200 CFS at Tall Timbers above Tacoma, CO

Notable Rapids

Mandatory Thrashing
Red Rocks
Dangerosity

Rockwood Gorge: A Rich History Carved in Stone

Durango, Colorado's dramatic landscapes whisper tales of the past. Rockwood Gorge, a heart-pounding whitewater rafting destination today, boasts a history as rich and dynamic as the Animas River that carved its path. Let's delve into the fascinating past of this remarkable place, using reliable sources to paint a vivid picture.

While the exact timeline of their presence remains a topic of ongoing research, archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous communities inhabited the wider San Juan region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived [2]. The mid-1800s saw a dramatic shift. The discovery of gold in Colorado in the 1860s ignited a gold rush, and prospectors swarmed the area. According to the Durango Downtown website, the first settlement near present-day Rockwood, then called Animas City, sprang up in 1861 [1]. However, placer mining techniques, which rely on easily recoverable surface gold deposits, proved insufficient. The decline in readily available gold led to the settlement's decline as prospectors moved on to greener pastures.

The late 1880s ushered in a new era for Rockwood Gorge. The legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) was chugging its way towards the rich silver mines of Silverton. Construction on the line reached Rockwood in 1882, forever altering the landscape [2]. You can find more details about the D&SNG's history on their Wikipedia page [3]. The railroad brought a surge of activity. Rockwood became a stop for refueling and crew changes, and a small community sprouted around the depot. The iconic steam locomotives hauling passengers and freight added a layer of industrial charm to the gorge's wild beauty.

The early 20th century saw a decline in mining activity, leading to a quieter period for Rockwood. The railroad, however, remained a vital link, transporting tourists eager to experience the scenic wonders of the San Juan Mountains. In the latter half of the 20th century, Rockwood transitioned into a recreational haven. The thrilling whitewater rafting industry emerged, and Rockwood Gorge, with its challenging rapids and stunning scenery, became a prime destination for adrenaline seekers.

Rockwood Gorge offers a unique blend of adventure and intrigue. For some, it's a place to conquer churning rapids and experience the raw power of nature. For others, it's a historical treasure, a testament to the ingenuity of those who built the railroad and a reminder of the area's rich mining past. Whether you're a rafting enthusiast or an armchair historian, Rockwood Gorge offers a unique experience. So, the next time you find yourself in Durango, take a moment to appreciate the gorge's dynamic story, a tale carved not just in the rock, but also in the hearts of those who have been touched by its magic.

Sources

[1] Durango Downtown - PREHISTORY AND HISTORY OF THE DURANGO AREA: https://www.animasmuseum.org/pdf/MainEventWalkingTour.pdf
[2] The exact timeline of indigenous presence in the San Juan Region is a complex topic. This blog references information from various sources and highlights the need for further research.
[3] Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durango_and_Silverton_Narrow_Gauge_Railroad

Rockwood Gorge: A Million Years in the Making

Our journey begins millions of years in the past. The San Juan Mountains, including the rock that forms Rockwood Gorge, weren't always the majestic peaks we see today. According to a research paper by U.S. Geological Survey geologist Peter W. Lipman, the area was once a vast volcanic plateau formed by immense calderas, colossal volcanic depressions [1]. These fiery giants spewed ash and lava flows that blanketed the region, laying the foundation for the rock layers that would eventually become Rockwood Gorge.

The sheer cliffs of Rockwood Gorge expose a geologic timeline for all to see. The dominant rock in the gorge is the pale pink to buff colored Animas Formation, a volcanic conglomerate formed from ancient deposits of volcanic ash, breccia (coarse-grained rock fragments), and lava flows [2]. This formation tells the story of the region's fiery past. Nestled within the Animas Formation are darker bands of basalt, a volcanic rock formed from lava flows – remnants of the ancient volcanic activity.

While fossils are not abundant in Rockwood Gorge, paleontological discoveries in the wider San Juan region hint at the area's prehistoric past. Fish fossils found in nearby areas indicate that a vast lake existed here millions of years ago [2]. The Animas River itself has a fascinating history. Geologic evidence suggests that the Ancestral Animas River flowed in a different course millions of years ago before carving its present path through Rockwood Gorge [2].

The geologic story of Rockwood Gorge is far from over. Even today, the relentless forces of erosion continue to shape the canyon. Understanding the gorge's geology allows us to appreciate its dynamic nature and the immense timescale over which it has been formed.

So, the next time you raft the thrilling rapids of Rockwood Gorge, remember that you're not just paddling down a river; you're traveling through time, over a landscape sculpted by volcanoes and shaped by millions of years of geologic processes.

Sources

[1] Lipman, Peter W. "Oligocene plutonism in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, as interpreted from silver mineralization veins." Economic Geology (1975): 125-140.
[2] Burbank, Douglas W. "Geology of the Durango Quadrangle, Colorado." U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-602 (1972).

Trips Run: Guiding for Mild to Wild and a whole lot of private trips

Rockwood has always had a special place in my heart from making kayaking laps on it after work or running it commercially for Mild to Wild. This section is short and can be made longer by putting in further upstream, which is certainly the case if you go with a commercial company. It's amazing how much different this section is compared to the rest of the Upper Animas. While in the upper section, the river has dramatic mountains, and wide open free and non-stop rapids, the Rockwood Gorge is almost the exact opposite. Gorge canyons sprout up right away at the Tacoma power plant and the rapids become pool-drop, so you have time in between drops.

Due to its technical nature, remote location, and challenging whitewater, I would recommend going on this section with one of these commercial companies or going with someone who knows the section and the logistics of running it. If you are not using the train, the hike-in is long and you are hauling your gear with you as well, and no matter what everyone must do the hike out. Can’t say I know the hike in distance, but the hike out is about 3/4 of a mile with a steep ascent.

It's important to note any areas on the tracks are owned by the Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Be sure to look at the train schedule and know when the train is coming up or down the Highline.

2008-2014 Commerical Guiding

I won't get into season or trip specifics on this section as the seasons were typically tacked onto the Upper Animas seasons and are largely the same. We typically started running Rockwood when the water was starting to get too low for the Upper Animas section so we were running these trips in July and August.

2000-Present Private Trips

Since Rockwood is a short section and so close to Durango, I began running this section in my kayak and to this day run rafts in this section. Between the trips I've done with friends and the commercial guiding, I've logged somewhere around a hundred runs down this section.