Durango Adventures
Durango is the perfect basecamp for adventure, blending wild landscapes with iconic Southwest experiences. From whitewater rafting on the Animas River and guided Jeep Tours into the San Juan Mountains, to exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and Jeep tour packages the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, there’s no shortage of unforgettable ways to experience the region. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, scenery, or history, Durango delivers adventure in every direction. Save and get the most out of your vaction with our adventure value packages!
Plan Your Trip To Durango
The info you need to plan your trip to Durango Colorado. Local’s recommendations for the best time to visit, how to get here, where to stay, and what weather to expect when you arrive.
Durango Area Travel Guides
Curated content from locals who know. These guides include perfect activities, insider tips, and the info you need to put together the perfect itinerary no matter what sort of experience your group is going for.
Meet Location & Directions
- Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
- 970-247-4789
- 50 Animas View Dr., Durango, CO 81301
- Get Directions
Durango, Colorado Adventures FAQs
When is the best time to visit Durango for outdoor adventures?
For the ideal mix of mountain scenery and river excitement, May through September is the prime window. May and June offer the fastest water for rafting on the Animas River. For families seeking warmer water for swimming stops and splashy Class II-III rapids, July and August are perfect. If you’re focused on land adventures like Mesa Verde National Park tours or off-road Jeep tours, September and October provide milder temperatures and a world-class display of golden aspen leaves.
When can I adventure in Durango?
Our Durango adventure season typically runs from May through October. Throughout this time, we offer daily departures for Animas River rafting, La Plata Canyon Jeep tours, Jeep tour packages with the Durango train, and guided interpretive tours of Mesa Verde National Park. To experience the very best of Southwest Colorado, we recommend booking a Value Adventure Package, which allows you to combine and save on multiple adventures.
What is the minimum age for Durango adventures?
We offer a wide range of Mild to Wild experiences to suit different ages:
- Lower Animas Rafting & Jeep Tours: Minimum age is 4 years old (at least 35 lbs).
- Mesa Verde National Park and Jeep Tours: Recommended for ages 4 and up, as these tours involve light walking and exploring ancient cliff dwellings.
- Inflatable Kayaking: For those seeking more independence, the minimum age is 11+ (or at least 5′ 2″).
- Upper Animas River Rafting: These technical Class IV-V trips require participants to be at least 14 to 16 years old, depending on water levels.
What should I wear and bring on my Durango vacation?
Durango’s weather can shift quickly, especially when gaining elevation on a Jeep tour or rafting a snow-melt river.
- On the River: Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry synthetic layers. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet. We provide PFDs and helmets, and wetsuit rentals are highly recommended through June.
- On the Land: Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops or Crocs), a sun hat, and lightweight layers. For Jeep tours, we recommend a sweatshirt or jacket as temperatures drop at higher elevations.
- Essentials: A refillable water bottle (we provide water for refills), polarized sunglasses with a retention strap, waterproof sunscreen, and a camera.
Visit our what to wear and bring page to view a detailed list for every adventure.