The Piedra River, meaning the Rock River, was named by the conquistadors Dominguez and Escalante. The river runs 22 miles between Durango and Pagosa Springs, and is the most highly restricted and regulated rivers in Colorado. The area boasts 1000 foot deep canyons, alpine rain forests and heart pounding whitewater before it stops at a soothing hot springs. This river is raftable between May and July, and helmets and wet suits as well as previous experience, are required.

The Upper Box area of the river contains II+ to IV rapids. The river starts as a small creek that has barely enough water to float on, before it picks up to a cascading river. Further down, the Lower Box portion of the river throws you around on III to IV+ rapids. The gradient of the river increases from an average of 53 feet per mile to a fast 100 feet per mile, one of Colorado's biggest drops. This portion of the river boasts undisturbed wilderness boating with towering canyon walls. The forests are filled with trophy mule deer, elk, black bear, the endangered peregrine falcon, eagles and the playful river otter.

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.