Unforgettable Whitewater River Rafting Trips for the Whole Crew
Trade screen time for stream time and create memories that will be retold for years to come. A family rafting trip with Mild to Wild is more than a vacation—it’s a chance to connect, laugh, and discover the magnificent beauty of the American Southwest together. From gentle, splashy floats perfect for the little ones to exciting white water adventures for your teens, we have the perfect trip to fit your family’s pace.
Our passionate guides are professional, interpretive, and entertaining and are proud adventure providers. For ages 4 and older. Let us handle the details while you focus on enjoying the river with family and friends. At Mild to Wild, we offer trips ranging from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 6 days. For the ultimate family reunion, Go off the grid and truly reconnect on an overnight family rafting adventure. Spend your days on the river and your nights under a blanket of stars. We handle the camp setup and all the cooking!
Why Choose Mild to Wild for Your Family Rafting Trip?
We know that when it comes to family, safety and fun are paramount. For over 30 years, we’ve been the trusted choice for families seeking adventure, and here’s why.
Safety is Our #1 Priority
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
Trips for Every Age & Thrill Level
All-Inclusive & Hassle-Free
Find the Perfect Rafting Trip for Your Family
Ready to find your adventure? We’ve grouped our most popular family rafting trips by age, adventure level, and length to make planning a breeze.
Mild Trips Little Rafters & First Timers (Ages 4+)
Gentle floats with just enough splash to keep everyone smiling. These trips are perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a relaxing and scenic introduction to rafting.
Single Day Trips
Lower Animas River
Durango, CO
The classic Durango family adventure! Enjoy 2-hour or 4-hour options with fun, splashy rapids and calm floating sections perfect for a swim.
- Ages: 4+
- Class: I-II
Colorado River
Moab, UT
This trip is a scenic journey on the “Mighty and Friendly” Colorado River, perfect for families and first-time rafters. You’ll float through a beautiful valley lined with mesas and towering red rock formations, with a few Class I and II rapids for a touch of excitement.
- Ages: 4+
- Class: I-II
Clear Creek (Classic Section)
Idaho Springs, CO
A fantastic trip for multi-generational families and rafters of all experience levels. This 5-mile trip through the heart of historic Idaho Springs provides an engaging river experience with more rapids per mile than any other river near Denver. You will paddle continuously through Class II splashes and eight exciting Class III rapids.
- Ages: 7+
- Class: Constant II with intermittent III
Browns Canyon Section
Arkansas River, CO
An action-packed half-day adventure that’s ideal for families and first-time rafters. You’ll wind through the stunning Browns Canyon National Monument, a granite-filled canyon with 5-8 class III pool drop rapids with class II splashes and scenic views in between. The trip offers a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.
- Ages: 7+
- Class: III
Multi-Day Trips
Desolation Canyon
Green River, UT
This remote journey on the Green River is a true wilderness trip. The 84-mile adventure is the most inaccessible canyon that Mild to Wild rafts, but is filled with Native American petroglyphs, historic homesteads, and over 60 fun and friendly Class II-III rapids. You’ll camp on big sandy beaches and have opportunities for off-river excursions and wildlife sightings.
Colorado River 2-Day & 3-Day
Moab, UT
Escape on a truly unforgettable rafting and camping trip. You will spend time floating on the Colorado River, navigating splashy rapids, and relaxing on large sandy beaches. This trip includes catered camping, delicious meals, and opportunities for fishing, games, and side canyon hikes. The only way to truly see the red rocks of Moab is from the river!
- Ages: 4+
- Class: I-II
- Trip Options: 2-day or 3-day
Browns Canyon Section
Arkansas River, CO
Experience Colorado’s best overnight white water rafting. This two-day camping adventure combines exciting paddling with the chance to relax under the stars by a campfire. Guides will handle all the details, from setting up camp to cooking delicious meals, as you raft over 22 miles of Class III rapids through Browns Canyon National Monument.
Intermediate and Wild Trips for Adventurous Teens & Active Families
Gentle floats with just enough splash to keep everyone smiling. These trips are perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a relaxing and scenic introduction to rafting.
Day Trips
Clear Creek (Intermediate Section)
Idaho Springs, CO
This is the ultimate white water adventure near Denver, offering a full day of non-stop action. You’ll tackle challenging and continuous Class III and IV rapids on the steepest rafting run in Colorado. This trip is for adventurous paddlers ready for a thrilling and physically demanding experience.
- Ages: 15+
- Class: III-IV
Arkansas River (The Numbers Section)
Buena Vista, CO
The quintessential Colorado white water rafting experience. If you are an experienced rafter or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, this is the perfect exhilarating adventure. You will navigate continuous Class III & IV rapids, making this a high-energy trip.
- Ages: 15+
- Class: III-IV
Upper Animas River
Durango, CO
Considered one of the most notorious run rivers in the U.S., the Upper Animas is for thrill-seekers looking for the ultimate high-adventure trip. You will navigate constant Class III, IV, and V rapids (depending on water levels) through the remote Weminuche Wilderness. This trip is accessible only by the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train.
- Ages: 14+ (High Water: 16+)
- Class: III-V
Piedra River
Pagosa Springs, CO
Escape into the remote alpine wilderness with a trip on the Piedra River. This is a full-day adventure with dynamic white water and stunning scenery. The river cuts through a beautiful canyon with Class II, III, & IV rapids, making it an exciting challenge.
- Ages: 12+
- Class: II-IV
San Miguel River
Telluride, CO
Located just a short and scenic drive from Telluride, this trip offers an exhilarating day on the river. The San Miguel is a fast-flowing, technical river with continuous rapids. It’s the perfect adventure for those looking to experience a high-intensity rafting trip in a beautiful setting.
- Ages: 8+ (Morning Section: 10+)
- Class: II-IV
Salt River
Phoenix, Arizona
A high-energy day trip that takes you through the stunning Sonoran Desert. You will experience the thrill of navigating through a 2,000-foot-deep canyon while taking on exciting, but not overwhelming, white water. This trip is perfect for those seeking a mix of scenery and excitement.
- Ages: 8+ (High Water: 10+)
- Class: II-III
Multi-day trips for the ultimate family reunion
Cataract Canyon
Moab, UT
Experience the biggest white water in the West on this multi-day adventure through Canyonlands National Park. The trip combines calm, scenic floats with 29 world-class rapids in a single 15-mile stretch. You will camp on sandy beaches, explore ancient ruins, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the canyon.
- Ages: 10+ (High Water: 14+)
- Class: III-V
- Trip Options: 2 to 6-day trips
Arkansas River
Buena Vista, CO
Embark on a multi-day rafting and camping trip on one of the country’s most famous rivers. You can choose from trips that combine various sections, including the infamous, high-intensity Numbers and Royal Gorge sections. Enjoy delicious catered meals and sleep under the stars.
- Ages: 15+
- Class: Varies by section, typically III-V
- Trip Options: 2 or 3-day trips
Yampa River
Dinosaur National Monument, CO
Journey on Colorado’s last free-flowing river! Experience a multi-day wilderness trip through stunning, remote canyons with fun and splashy Class III-IV rapids. The trip offers incredible scenery, off-river excursions to prehistoric rock art, and the chance to witness abundant wildlife.
- Ages: 7+ (High Water: 12+)
- Class: III-IV (High Water: IV-V)
- Trip Options: 4 or 5-day trips
Gates of Lodore
Green River, UT
A magnificent red quartzite canyon marks the start of this trip. This multi-day adventure on the Green River offers a beautiful journey through Dinosaur National Monument, with continuous whitewater, lush desert scenery, and sandy beaches. This is a true western river trip that provides an unforgettable experience.
- Ages: 7+ (High Water: 12+)
- Class: III
- Trip Options: 3 to 4-day trips
Salt River
Phoenix, Arizona
This is a multi-day camping and rafting adventure in the Sonoran Desert. The Salt River Canyon offers a desert oasis with exhilarating rapids, saguaro cacti, and a volcanic canyon. The trips provide a desert escape from everyday life with catered meals and expert guides.
- Ages: 8+
- Class: III-IV
Trip Options: 3 to 5-day trips
Upper Animas River
Durango, CO
This multi-day trip is for the most adventurous thrill-seekers, offering a journey on the toughest commercially run section of white water in America. It combines the challenge of continuous white water with the beauty of camping under the stars in a remote canyon, only accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train.
- Ages: 14+ (High Water: 16+)
- Class: III-V
- Trip Options: 1 to 3-day trips
Related Reading & Video
Your Family Adventure Questions, Answered
What is the minimum age for a family rafting trip?
Our trips have minimum ages ranging from 4 to 16 years old, depending on the river and difficulty. Each trip page clearly lists the minimum age requirement. Our Lower Animas, Colorado River, Clear Creek, and Arkansas River trips are perfect for families with young children.
Is rafting safe for my children?
Safety is our top priority. Every guest is fitted with a US Coast Guard-approved PFD, and every trip begins with a comprehensive safety orientation. Our guides are professionally trained to navigate the river and minimize risks.
What should our family bring on the trip?
We recommend quick-drying clothing (no cotton!), secure footwear like sandals with a strap or water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. We’ll send you a detailed packing list upon booking.
Do we need any rafting experience?
Not at all! The vast majority of our family rafting trips are perfect for beginners. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know, including basic paddle strokes and commands.
What if someone in our family can't swim?
Swimming ability is not required. Your PFD is designed to keep you afloat in the unlikely event you go for an unexpected swim. Be sure to inform your guide if you have any non-swimmers in your group.
Ready to Write Your Family's Next Great Story?
The river is waiting. Give your family an adventure they’ll talk about for years—full of laughter, teamwork, and the wild beauty of the outdoors. Our adventure experts are here to help you choose the perfect trip for your family.