Animas River, Mountain river in San Juan County, Colorado.
The Animas River extends 126 miles through southwestern Colorado, flowing from the San Juan Mountains before connecting with the San Juan River.
Spanish explorer Juan Maria de Rivera documented the river as 'Rio de las Animas' in 1765, establishing its first recorded European name.
The river corridor contains numerous archaeological sites connected to Ute and Navajo peoples, including settlements near present-day Aztec Ruins National Monument.
Multiple access points along the river provide opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing throughout different sections of the waterway.
The river maintains free-flowing status in Colorado until reaching the Animas-La Plata project, which redirects water to Lake Nighthorse.
Location: Colorado
Location: San Juan County
GPS coordinates: 37.93139,-107.56944
Latest update: June 8, 2025 06:39
Uncompahgre Peak
18.2 km
Bridal Veil Falls
17.7 km
Animas Forks
224 m
Handies Peak
6.1 km
Box Canyon
13.6 km
Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant
17.6 km
Wetterhorn Peak
15.3 km
Uncompahgre Wilderness
20.9 km
Sunshine Peak
12.7 km
St. Elmo Hotel
13.5 km
Beaumont Hotel
13.4 km
Redcloud Peak
13 km
Sultan Mountain
20.1 km
Matterhorn Peak (Colorado)
16.2 km
Fort Peabody
14.4 km
Gilpin Peak
20.6 km
Teakettle Mountain
18.6 km
Western Hotel
13.7 km
Jones Mountain
5.4 km
Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library
13.5 km
Niagara Peak
5.6 km
Wright's Opera House
13.5 km
Ouray County Courthouse
13.4 km
Ouray Historic District
13.7 km
Bear Creek Falls
11 km
Silverton Historic District
15.5 km
San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center
15.3 km
Million Dollar Highway
11.7 kmReviews
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