Colorado White Water Rafting

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best white water rafting Colorado has to offer, you’ve floated yourself over to a great place. Or a perfect eddy, as our guides might say! 

Our Colorado rafting trips operate in various locations across this beautiful state, from the awe inspiring canyons of Dinosaur National Monument, to the widespread wilderness of San Juan Mountains. All with an impressive range from beginner to advanced adventures (aka mild to wild).

Here are the rivers where we rollick:

Lower Animas in Durango

Mild | Class II-III Rapids

The Lower Animas is a popular run through the charming historic town of Durango, Colorado. Locals as much as visitors love to take on the exciting-yet-friendly class II and III rapids between the calm sections on this free flowing river. This is a great mild trip for all skill levels, families, and groups to enjoy.

Trips range from 3 to 6 hours. Age limits are usually 4+, but could increase depending on water levels. Kayaking trips are also available!

San Miguel River near Telluride

Intermediate | Class II-III Rapids

Rippling down from Telluride’s jaw dropping peaks and into a sandstone canyon, the San Miguel is one of the funnest under-the-radar white water rafting trips in Colorado. The morning section paddles through a narrow twisting corridor through constant class II-III rapids, while the afternoon stretch bounds through a wider section of Norwood Canyon.

Trips range from 2 to 5 hours. Ages 8+ are welcome on the afternoon section, and 10+ on the morning section. The season is swift like the water, lasting from late May to the end of July.

Upper Piedra near Pagosa Springs

Intermediate | Class II-IV Rapids

Meandering through one of the most protected wilderness areas in Colorado, the Upper Piedra is a beautiful hidden gem. This free flowing river travels through a limestone box canyon, between a dense forest of looming ponderosas. Its friendly class III wave trains and class IV pool drop rapids make it a perfect intermediate to wild-ish trip depending on the flows.

We offer day trips down the Piedra River for ages 12+. This river has one of the shortest rafting seasons from May to June, making it all the more elusive.

Upper Animas near Silverton

Wild | Class III-V

The Upper Animas, unlike the lower section, is a coveted extreme white water rafting experience deep within the Weminuche Wilderness. Dropping an average of 85 feet per mile, with never-ending class III – V rapids, it is the most difficult commercially run river in the United States. Our company runs the “less” intense Needleton Section, which requires physical fitness and an orientation to join the trip.

We offer one day and overnight rafting trips for ages 16+. This adventure includes a trip in and out of the canyon on the historic Durango Silverton Train.

Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument

Intermediate | Class II-IV

It is an understatement to say that the Yampa River is one of the most special wilderness trips in the United States. Throughout this 72 mile journey, rafters experience a myriad of natural and historic wonders, from engulfing scenery of slickrock cliffs, to rare archaeological sites nestled in alcoves. Oh yeah, and the amazing white water throughout!

We run 4 and 5 Day trips down the Yampa River for ages 8+ depending on water levels. Because the Yampa is free flowing, its season can only last during the runoff, typically from May to July.

Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument

Intermediate | Class II-IV

Beginning with a passage through some of the oldest rocks on Earth, Gates of Lodore is in no shortage of grandeur. And as one of the most historic canyons in the American West, it stands proudly as one of the most sought-after rafting trips in Colorado. Throughout its 45 mile meander, Gates of Lodore proves to be a bucket list item people put back on the list right after take out.

We run 3 and 4 Day trips through Gates of Lodore for ages 8+ depending on water levels. This section of the Green River has a great season, lasting from May to September.

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours is a family owned and operated company that started in prime white water country of Durango, Colorado in 1994. Our first permits were for the Lower and Upper Animas River and the Piedra River.

With desire to share more of the places we loved to recreate, over the years we added the San Miguel, Dolores, Yampa and Green rivers to our list of permits. To read more about our ever-evolving love story with the Rocky Mountains, check out A 30 Year Journey on Rocky Mountain Snowmelt — Mild to Wild’s Beginnings.

Our mission is to enrich your life with an escape to the outdoors, and connect friends and family in nature through adventure. Our number 1 priority has always been safety, and is an integral part of everything we do on and off the river.

What Sets Us Apart