About White Water Rafting
White water rafting is an exhilarating outdoor activity where participants navigate river crafts through turbulent waters. This thrilling sport has its roots in early river exploration and rose to become a popular recreational pursuit in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of specially designed rubber rafts, personal floatation devices (PFD’s), and paddles.
White water rafting experiences feature a guide who controls the raft from the rear or center with oars or a paddle. Passengers may assist the guide in navigating the river using paddles to execute maneuvering directions.
The group dynamic of rafting offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and power of nature with family, friends and strangers. Working together to conquer riveting rapids while exploring stunning landscapes will foster connections and memories lasting lifetimes.
A Trip for Everyone
From outdoor enthused thrill seekers to multi-generational families looking for a fun activity to fill their summer vacation itinerary, there is a white water rafting trip for all. Trip options range from a few hours to nearly a week with varying degrees of rapid intensities. The minimum age for white water rafting is 4 years and 35lbs.
Rafting Trips by Experience
Multi-Day Trips
Explore the most renowned wilderness river canyons in the United States on an all inclusive overnight rafting trip from 2-6 Days.
Green River
A magnificent towering canyon marks the start of the trip at the “Gates of Lodore” and follows one of the most beautiful stretches of river anywhere. Camp on big sandy beaches, revel at red quartzite cliffs, and enjoy the thrills of 30+ class II & III rapids on a 3 or 4 day adventure.
Green River
Located deep within the Tavaputs Plateau, Desolation Canyon is one of the most remote wilderness areas in Utah. Steep canyon walls with towering spires and abundant arches.
Dinosaur National Monument
- Season: May – July
- Adventure Level: Intermediate – High
Arizona
Experience spectacular Salt River rafting in the Upper Salt River Canyon! Paddle through an incredible 2000-foot deep canyon as you take on rapids such as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls”.
Colorado
Embark on a multi day rafting trip with Mild to Wild on the Arkansas River in Colorado. Tackle famous whitewater sections like the Numbers and Browns Canyon Trip options include 2 and 3 day trips with intermediate to high adventure levels.
Silverton, CO
The Upper Animas is one of the most notorious whitewater rafting trips in the United States. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness requires a wealth of respect, stamina, and tenacity from all those who run its wild waters.
Grand Junction, CO
Ruby Horesethief Canyon raft trips provide the perfect sample of the awe-inspiring canyon vistas that characterize the Colorado River. This section of the river is a tranquil 25 mile stretch of class I moving water the takes your from Grand Junction to just across the Utah border.
Daily Trips
Daily rafting trips are a perfect activity to fill a day on your next summer vacation. Take the the whole family rafting or book an adult only thriller. Trips range from 2-8 hours.
Arizona
Experience spectacular Salt River rafting in the Upper Salt River Canyon! Paddle through an incredible 2000-foot deep canyon as you take on rapids such as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls”.
San Miguel River
San Miguel River rafting will thrust you into a world of forested red-rock walls, fast paced splashes and outdoor adventure.
Silverton, CO
The Upper Animas is one of the most notorious whitewater rafting trips in the United States. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness requires a wealth of respect, stamina, and tenacity from all those who run its wild waters.
Pagosa Springs, CO
Splash through white water rapids in this pristine wilderness waterway as you spin around rocks and drop through chutes. Start at the headwaters and paddle through lush alpine forest as creeks cascade into the river, forming numerous, technical Class II rapids.
Rafting Trips by Adventure Level
Mild Trips
Green River
Located deep within the Tavaputs Plateau, Desolation Canyon is one of the most remote wilderness areas in Utah. Steep canyon walls with towering spires and abundant arches.
Grand Junction, CO
Ruby Horesethief Canyon raft trips provide the perfect sample of the awe-inspiring canyon vistas that characterize the Colorado River. This section of the river is a tranquil 25 mile stretch of class I moving water the takes your from Grand Junction to just across the Utah border.
Intermediate Trips
Idaho Springs, CO
1h on water, 2h 30m meet to return.
- Adult (12+): $79
- Youth (7-11): $74
Arkansas River
- Season: May – early Sept
- Adventure Level: Mild – High
Green River
A magnificent towering canyon marks the start of the trip at the “Gates of Lodore” and follows one of the most beautiful stretches of river anywhere. Camp on big sandy beaches, revel at red quartzite cliffs, and enjoy the thrills of 30+ class II & III rapids on a 3 or 4 day adventure.
San Miguel River
San Miguel River rafting will thrust you into a world of forested red-rock walls, fast paced splashes and outdoor adventure.
Dinosaur National Monument
- Season: May – July
- Adventure Level: Intermediate – High
Arizona
Experience spectacular Salt River rafting in the Upper Salt River Canyon! Paddle through an incredible 2000-foot deep canyon as you take on rapids such as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls”.
Pagosa Springs, CO
Splash through white water rapids in this pristine wilderness waterway as you spin around rocks and drop through chutes. Start at the headwaters and paddle through lush alpine forest as creeks cascade into the river, forming numerous, technical Class II rapids.
High Adventure Trips
Arizona
Experience spectacular Salt River rafting in the Upper Salt River Canyon! Paddle through an incredible 2000-foot deep canyon as you take on rapids such as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls”.
Silverton, CO
The Upper Animas is one of the most notorious whitewater rafting trips in the United States. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness requires a wealth of respect, stamina, and tenacity from all those who run its wild waters.
Arkansas River
Raft The Numbers on the Arkansas River! Experience continuous Class IV-V whitewater rapids near Buena Vista, Colorado. An adrenaline-charged journey awaits
Idaho Springs, CO
1h on water, 2hr 30m meet to return.
- Adult (Ages 15+): $89
Rafting Trips by Destination
Check out the places we call home. Find a white water rafting trip for your next destination vacation.
Colorado
Colorado
Idaho Springs/Denver
Buena Vista
Telluride
Silverton
Pagosa Springs
Dinosaur National Monument
Utah
Arizona
Need More Help Deciding?
Use our Trip Finder to find the best trip to fit your needs!
Related Reading & Video
Guides Talk About Their Favorite Trips
Top Single Day Raft Trips According To Mild to Wild Guides
Multi-Day Rafting Trips
White Water Rafting FAQ
When is the best time to go white water rafting?
The best time depends on the specific river and the level of adventure you’re seeking! Generally, late May and June offer the highest water and biggest thrills across our Colorado and Utah rivers due to the spring snowmelt. If you’re looking for a desert spring adventure, the Salt River in Arizona peaks in March and April. For a classic, sunny family experience with consistent water levels and warmer swimming temperatures, July and August are fantastic months for nearly all of our locations.
When can I go white water rafting with Mild to Wild?
Our season begins in March with our Salt River trips in Arizona and extends through September in Colorado and Utah. We offer everything from two-hour trips to immersive 6-day wilderness expeditions. Whether you want to catch the early spring runoff or a peaceful late-summer float, we have departures scheduled throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
What is the minimum age for white water rafting?
We offer a range of trips from “Mild” to “Wild,” the minimum age varies by river and water level:
- Mild and Moderate Trips (Class II-III): Minimum ages 4 to 7 and minimum weight of 35 or 50 lbs.
- Intermediate Trips (class III & -IV): Minimum ages 8-12.
- High-Adventure (Class IV-V): Minimum ages 14 to 16.
What should I wear and bring on a rafting trip?
Being prepared for the water and the sun will ensure you have the best experience! We recommend:
- Clothing: Quick-drying synthetic layers (rash guards or board shorts). Avoid cotton, as it stays cold and heavy when wet. For our snow-fed rivers in the early season, we highly recommend renting a wetsuit and booties from our office if you do not include your own. They may already be included depending on the specific trip.
- Footwear: Secure river sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. No flip-flops or Crocs are allowed on the river!
- Essentials: Polarized sunglasses with a retention strap (like Chums), waterproof sunscreen, and a hat.
Visit our what to wear and bring page to find a detailed packing list for every trip.
Is white water rafting safe?
White water rafting is an inherently dangerous activity with risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. As a result, we require all guests to sign a liability waiver and assumption of risk before departing. However, your experience is our top priority. To minimize risk, we employ professional guides that exceed state training requirements and trip leaders that average 2,000 river miles of experience. We utilize quality and well maintained self bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and helmets.
What happens if you fall off the boat in white water rafting?
Falling out of the raft while white water rafting is always a possibility. The likelihood of falling out of the raft changes depending on the nature of the river. If you fall out of the raft you will want to get out of the river as quickly and safely as possible. This may involve swimming to shore or back to the raft (never stand up in the river). Self rescue is the best rescue, and always listen to your guide’s directions. Every Mild to Wild rafting trip includes a comprehensive safety briefing prior to putting on the river.
Where is the safest place to sit white water rafting?
The safest place to sit while white water rafting depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to the river environment, guide, and other passengers on the raft. Sitting in the middle of the raft may decrease your chances of falling out.
What if you don't know how to swim for white water rafting?
All passengers are required to wear a Type V Personal Flotation Device (PFD). In the event you find yourself swimming in the river, you will stay afloat even if you don’t know how to swim. It is recommended passengers know how to swim, but is not a requirement for all rafting trips. It is important you share all pertinent personal information for your white water rafting trip with your guide prior to trip departure.
Is there a weight limit to white water raft?
There is no specific weight requirement to go white water rafting. However, it is required that you fit in a Type V Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The maximum chest size for a Type V PFD is 56 inches.
Why can't you wear cotton white water rafting?
Cotton is not recommended to wear white water rafting, because it dries slowly compared to other clothing materials like polyester. Its slow drying nature can enhance an evaporative cooling effect and make it more difficult to warm up after getting wet on the river.
What do you wear under a wetsuit in white water rafting?
Quick drying athletic material clothing or a swimming suit is best to wear under a wetsuit for white water rafting.
Will I float in a wetsuit?
Wetsuits do provide additional flotation, however it is not enough to serve as a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). A PFD must always be worn with a wetsuit while white water rafting.
Do you need a helmet for whitewater rafting?
Helmets are recommended for all white water rafting trips and required for some.
Are you strapped in white water rafting?
No. Strapping yourself in while white water rafting creates an unnecessary entrapment hazard and increases the danger of white water rafting. You can use the tubes in the raft and foot holds glued to the bottom of the floor to secure yourself in the raft.
How do you go to the bathroom on a rafting trip?
Depending on the trip there may be serviced restrooms along the river. You may urinate in the river. For multi-day rafting trips portable toilets are brought along on the trip and set up in a private area for defecation. Resealable plastic bags with waste alleviating gel are brought on all trips and kept easily accessible in the case of a defecation emergency.
Can you bring your phone white water rafting?
Yes you can bring your phone white water rafting. However, you risk the loss of it in the river and water damage. Water proof cases with straps can be purchased to help keep your phone dry and secure. Bringing valuable personal items on the river is not recommended.
