Rivers, Trails & Mesas

Raft - Jeep - Mesa Verde

About This Trip

Durango Rafting, Jeep and Mesa Verde Tour Package

This exciting tour trifecta ensures you’ll experience the top spots around Durango in two adventurous days. You’ll start with a refreshing half-day rafting trip on the Animas River, followed by an off-roading excursion up La Plata Canyon in the afternoon. The next morning, you’ll cruise through all the tops spots of Mesa Verde National Park with a guide well-versed in the Ancestral Puebloan and Southwestern history.

Jeep Tour Highlights:

  • Stunning panoramic vistas
  • Tumbling waterfalls and cascading creeks
  • Old mining remnants from a deserted ghost town
  • Gorgeous wildflowers in Spring and golden aspen in Fall
  • Wildlife: Elk, juncos, bald eagles, marmot, moose, bear, deer, fox
  • Adventurous roads where you would not want to take your own vehicle!
  • Interpretive, knowledgeable guides

Rafting Tour Highlights:

  • A hoot for kids, adults and all experience levels
  • Enjoy Durango like a local!
  • An awesome way to see and learn about the town’s history
  • Great mix of relaxing sections and Class II rapids
  • Fun and splashy Class III rapids at Smelter Whitewater Park
  • Hilarious river guides that are chock full of puns and jokes
  • An interactive experience that allows you to help paddle the raft through rapids.

Mesa Verde Highlights:

  • Witness the largest archaeological preserve and cliff dwelling in the United States.
  • Explore ancient ruins atop the mesa for a snapshot into North American life 1,500 years ago.
  • Discover pottery shards and arrowheads scattered throughout the park.
  • Experience a National Park that comes with serenity, where traffic is always light and sites can be enjoyed without crowds.

Itinerary

Day One – Raft & Jeep

8:30 AM
Check in, sign release forms and get dressed for the river! Wetsuit and wetsuit boot rentals are highly recommended through June.
 
Shuttle to the river for your safety orientation and rafting instructions.
 
Hit the river!
12:15 PM
You will arrive back to the office approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes after your meet time.
 
This is your time for lunch! Bring a pre-packed picnic with you, or visit a nearby restaurant until your jeep tour.
1:30 PM
Meet back at the Mild to Wild Office – Sign release forms and waivers if needed.
1:45 PM
Depart for the spectacular sites waiting in La Plata Canyon.
5:30 PM
Return to Mild to Wild.

Day Two – Mesa Verde

8:00 AM
Meet your guide at the Mancos Visitor Center: 101 E Bauer Ave, Mancos, CO 81328.
 
Sit back and relax on the scenic 30-minute drive up to Mesa Verde National Park.
 
Explore short walks to overlooks and archaeological sites dating back between 500 CE and 1200 CE.
 
Take in the scenery of the panoramic views of an ancient city scattered along the cliffs while your guide provides interpretive lessons of the Ancestral Puebloans.
12:00 PM
Return to the Mancos Visitor Center.

Booking Options

Book a Jeep Tour

Rivers, Trails & Mesas

Package includes a standard raft for the Animas River, one of our comfortable open-air jeeps for the off roading excursion, and a comfortably roomy van for the Mesa Verde tour.

  • Ages 4+

Adult (12+)

$400

Youth (4-11)

$339

Reviews from our Guests

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cynthia forbis profile picture
cynthia forbis
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Had an awesome experience on a jeep ride through La Plata Canyon with Jared. He was knowledgeable and a skilled driver, we were in good hands. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed seeing this beautiful place. Thanks Jared!
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Tim Swope profile picture
Tim Swope
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Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
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vicki fathallah profile picture
vicki fathallah
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Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
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Claudia Hartley profile picture
Claudia Hartley
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Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable. It was a great experience.
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Alberto Gonzalez profile picture
Alberto Gonzalez
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We did the Silverton Jeep Tour Package on 9/28/26 and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Tim, took us to picturesque landscapes while giving us knowledge of the history surrounding the mountains of Silverton, all while it was raining I should say. Plus we were able to see and experience first hand snow falling at a higher altitude. We were given ample time to shop around town before departing on the train back to Durango. Only minor thing I would critique was that the roof cover, for the 6 seats in back, was not 99.9% waterproof because their were water drops falling from the cover while it was raining but it was no biggie for us and part of the adventure to be honest (we were given waterproof blankets to cover our bodies from the beginning). PLEASE BRING LAYERS AS MENTIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE (YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THEM)!
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Holly Gibson profile picture
Holly Gibson
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Our tour to Mesa Verde with Ann as our guide was truly amazing! She was so knowledgeable, answered questions and gave us so much to think about regarding Mesa Verde. The lunch provided was filling and there were plenty of refreshments offered throughout the day. I highly recommend the full day tour! Visiting Cliff Palace is so worth it!
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Sam Lyons profile picture
Sam Lyons
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Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
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Josh Jessop profile picture
Josh Jessop
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Our tour guide Ann made this already beautiful tour absolutely incredible! We were so grateful to spend the day with her. She was a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge. Overall a great day with great people.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Receive a full refund with written notice 24 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.

Trip Change Option

Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.

Fees

In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

Free Courtesy Hold

We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.

What to Wear & Bring

FOR ALL 3 TOURS, BRING…

  • Rain Jacket
  • Sunglasses w/ Strap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle – the guides will have water for refills!
  • Snacks
  • Camera (with a waterproof case on your rafting trip)

RAFTING

  • Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it takes the longest to dry)
  • Secure Sandals or Shoes that can get wet (sandals must have a heel strap)
  • Warm, dry change of clothes in your vehicle (for after rafting)
  • Wetsuits & Wetsuit Boots for spring trips (available for rent)
  • Fleece Jacket & Wool Socks for spring trips (or for added warmth if you tend to get cold)

JEEPING & MESA VERDE

  • Dress in layers: T-shirt, sweatshirt and a warm jacket (Spring & Fall tours especially)
  • Warm Hat & Gloves (Spring & Fall Tours)
  • Sun Hat
  • Light Hiking Shoes

What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire

Scenic Upper Animas River - Upper Animas Rafting - Mild to Wild

How To Dress And What To Bring On A Colorado Jeep Tour

Silverton Jeeps In Summer - Silverton Jeep Tour - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

Durango, CO-Durango Jeep-Mild to Wild Rafting
  • At high water levels (usually early June) our age limits may increase or younger kids may be shuttled around the larger Class III rapid.

  • Wetsuits are highly recommended through June, and wetsuit boots are recommended all season. Rentals are available.

  • In fall and spring, temperatures/weather can fluctuate quite a bit. So bring layers with you for all your tours just in case!

  • Be aware that Durango and Mesa Verde are prone to afternoon rain showers! Bring some rain gear.

  • Colorado Car Seat Law states children up to 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat. Please bring your own for the Jeep Tour and Mesa Verde Tour.

  • You are on your own for lunch for the Jeep and Rafting day! Pack something to enjoy on our picnic tables between trips or head to a restaurant close by.

  • All itineraries are subject to change due to water / trail conditions.

     

Plan Your Trip

Meet Location & Directions

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