Kayaking Durango

Lower Animas River

Durango Kayaking on the Lower Animas River

Half Day & 3/4-Day Whitewater river trips on the Animas River in Durango, Colorado

Inflatable kayaks offer the best of both worlds: the stability of a raft and maneuverability of a kayak. Paddle, spin and surf your way down the Animas River in your own craft, under the leadership of an instructional guide. No prior experience is necessary, but being physically fit is!

*Please Note* If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.

Not quite ready to take on the river in your own inflatable river craft? Try rafting Durango’s Lower Animas River first!

More About This Trip

Durango’s Lower Animas River is a playground for adventure, and inflatable kayaking is the perfect way to experience its thrill. Feel the rush as you navigate exciting rapids like “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” interspersed with calmer sections for enjoying the scenery and camaraderie.

Kayaking on the Lower Animas during lower water flows is an optimal choice in the later summer months as it amplifies the excitement of the rapids, offering a more challenging and exhilarating experience than rafting.

Our expert guides are more than just navigators – they’re local storytellers, sharing insights into Durango’s history and culture, and even offering insider tips on where to find the best post-kayaking meal. No prior kayaking experience is needed! We provide all the necessary gear, including high-quality inflatable kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices. Our guides will provide a comprehensive safety orientation and paddle instruction, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident on the water.

Choose from our 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip, Half Day Kayaking Trip, or 1/4 Day Kayaking Trip options to find the perfect fit for your schedule and desired level of excitement. Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Lower Animas River this summer!

Read More

Trip Options

Durango Kayaking Trips

Trip Time on Water Time from Meet to Return Cost Per Adult
¼ Day 1hr 2hr 20min $99
1/2 Day 2hr 15min 3hr 45min $129
¾ Day 4hr 15min 5hr 45min $189
1 Day 4hr 7hr + lunch $179

Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?

icon - oars

Trip Provisions

  • Free on-site parking
  • On-site bathrooms and changing rooms
  • Gift shop for your last-minute needs
  • Action photos of your trip available for purchase
  • Neoprene wetsuits & boots available for rent
  • Custom, quality, & Coast Guard-approved river equipment
  • Round-trip transportation from meet location
icon - oars

Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides

  • Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
  • Certified in CPR & First Aid
  • Pay incentives for higher certification levels, including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
  • Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
icon - oars

Our Commitment
to You

Mild to Wild has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. We value excellence in guest services and strive to curate incredible experiences for our guests. We are proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is free.

Reviews from our Guests

Posted on Google Google
Jim Wade profile picture
Jim Wade
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
Posted on Google Google
Christopher Teaf profile picture
Christopher Teaf
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent in every respect
Posted on Google Google
Cindy McCullough profile picture
Cindy McCullough
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
Posted on Google Google
Kimber R profile picture
Kimber R
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
Posted on Google Google
Chris Joyce profile picture
Chris Joyce
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
Posted on Google Google
Deanna Myers profile picture
Deanna Myers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people. We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
Posted on Google Google
Mr. Debatable profile picture
Mr. Debatable
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
Posted on Google Google
Melody Urso profile picture
Melody Urso
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
Posted on Google Google
Krystal Folsom profile picture
Krystal Folsom
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
Posted on Google Google
Alan Phillips profile picture
Alan Phillips
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

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 the trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full. Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

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 (i.e. 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.

Trip Planning Info

More Reading and Videos

Durango Family Activities – Top 4 Things To Do In Durango That Kids Will Love

Durango Family Activities - Durango, Colorado - Mild to Wild

Animas River Rafting: Quick Facts & Insights

Durango Rafting on the Lower Animas - Boats with mountains in the background - Mild to Wild

Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River

Wide shot of two people in Inflatable Kayaks on the Lower Animas River - Scenicm ountain background

Meet Location & Directions