About This Trip
2 hours round trip, 1 hour on water
For those who want to be in control of their own destiny and increase the level of adventure, we offer inflatable kayaks. Paddle, spin and surf your way down Durango’s Animas River in your own craft, under the leadership of an instructional guide. No prior experience is necessary.
All of the rivers we run are snowmelt, which means later in the season, all rapids can be downgraded a half to a full Class. Inflatable kayaks are a great way to experience the river at lower water levels as it is easier to maneuver through the rocks that come up from the bottom of the river.
One hour on the water is great if you’re pressed for time, but if you’re not, try the Half Day or 3/4-Day trip to get more experience in an inflatable kayak!
- See a different and more beautiful view of Durango
- Get the perfect mix of excitement through fun rapids and relaxation during calm sections
- Learn a fun skill while hanging out with fun, entertaining river guides
- Smelter White Water Park’s Class III splashes
- Wildlife: Deer, beaver, fox, birds of prey, river otters
Itinerary & Map
Booking Options
Inflatable Kayaks
Get ready for a great workout as you navigate on your own through Durango’s Lower Animas!
- Ages 11+
Per Person
$99
Reviews from our Guests
Posted on Bob Hoffman2025-10-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was entertaining and very knowledgeable. He made the trip fun and worthwhile. I would use MILD to Wild nest time in the area.Posted on Burt T2025-10-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a Mesa Verde van tour in late October with Miles. He provided outstanding information about the archeology, indigenous peoples, terrain, climate throughout our tour. I also called the phone line and spoke with Tim about hiking opportunities in the Durango area. He listened and gave us effective guidance. This company provides excellent service!Posted on Kim Reynolds2025-10-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our full day tour in the Mesa Verde area was breathtaking. Got to see parts of the world that will just blow your mind. We were particularly happy with our tour guide, Jay who really knew the history and geology of the area and gave us insights into history that we had not understood before.Posted on Natalie Norman2025-10-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience on our Mesa Verde National Park tour! They had to make some last-minute itinerary changes due to park staffing/government shutdown, but we still had a great time! Our tour guide Jay was very knowledgeable and extremely personable. He quickly felt like one of our family as we ventured out to the high desert. He made a point to connect with all of us, but he went out of his way to personally interact with our 2 daughters (10 and 12) and made the experience special for them. They learned so much! He was also very helpful when some of us weren't feeling so great at the high altitude! I would book with this company again in a heartbeat, especially if I could get a tour with Jay!! Thanks for the lifetime memories. What a beautiful area!Posted on Allison Posell2025-10-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was amazing, knowledgeable, and made sure that the unexpected weather and flooding in the area did not keep us from having a good experience. Thank you for the great service recovery and adventure!Posted on Casey Mast2025-10-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was our tour guide, and we had a great Jeep tour with the Trails and Rails – Jeep Tour & Train Package. We explored in Silverton area by Jeep and saw a ghost/mining town near the head in the Animas River. The views were amazing!Posted on Brenda Stewart2025-10-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was an excellent tour guide, knowledgeable with a fun sense of humor. He was flexible and good natured and passed his love of the mountains on to us. The tour was one of the highlights of our entire week. Brenda StewartPosted on 2 Nomads2025-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a tour guide. My company hired Jay, with Mild to Wild as our step on guide. Jay was a wealth of information. He was great with my passengers. We all loved him.Posted on jenner finley2025-10-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just got off the Jeep tour with Jay as our guide. What a day and what a guide!! We’ll be riding the train back from Silverton - best combination. Don’t miss out and request Jay to show you waterfalls!Posted on Mike Bazar2025-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved it. Awesome adventure. Definitely mild and WILD!!!
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
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.
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).
Cancellation Policy
Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 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.
What to Wear & Bring
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
- Water shoes or secure sandals with heel straps (if you’re not using wetsuit booties)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottle
- Camera with waterproof case
- Warm, dry change of clothes (for after rafting)
Trips through June and after July
- Wetsuits (available for rent)
- Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
- Fleece jacket and fleece socks (provides added warmth if you tend to get cold)
- Splash Jacket
What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire
Important Considerations
If the Animas River is flowing over 1800 CFS, kayakers will be moved to a premium raft option for safety.
Wetsuits are required through June and are highly recommended after July.
Physical fitness is recommended, as this trip is a bit of a workout!
Kayaking is not recommended for ages 80+
The inflatable kayaks sits low in the water, so there will be water in the kayak the whole time. Thus, you’re going to get wet!
If everyone in your group isn’t up for the challenge of an inflatable kayak just yet, they can go along in a raft with a guide at the same time
We do not provide snacks on this trip, so bring some along in a small waterproof bag along with your water bottle.
Trip Planning Info
FAQ
Getting to Durango
Lodging
Weather
Best Times to Visit
First Timer's Guide










Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
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