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!
Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River
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!
Trip Options
Durango Kayaking Trips
Animas River
4hrs 15min on the water, 5hrs 45min from meet to return. Lunch included.
- Per person: $189
Animas River
2hrs 15min on the water, 3hrs and 45min from meet to return.
- Per person: $129
Animas River
1hr on water, 2hrs and 20min from meet to return.
- Per Person: $99
Why Kayak the Lower Animas with Mild to Wild?
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
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
Our Commitment
to You
Reviews from our Guests
Posted on Dava Brooke Zschau2025-10-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm so glad we took this adventure with Cat Bray. She brought history to life and brought our group together as friends. This 71 year old appreciates the support that gave me the courage to make it down & back up the ladders so I could fully experience the opportunity. Thanks!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.
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.
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Trip Planning Info
FAQ
Getting to Durango
Lodging
Weather
Best Times to Visit
First Timer's Guide
More Reading and Videos
Durango Family Activities – Top 4 Things To Do In Durango That Kids Will Love
Animas River Rafting: Quick Facts & Insights
Inflatable Kayaking Trips on the Lower Animas River










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