2026 is right around the corner, and there is no better time than now to begin planning your next great trip. What were your favorite adventures from this year? What do you crave more of? If historic wilderness, thrilling whitewater or epic desert views are on your list, you need to come out to the Southwest! Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours operates in three of the most classic states in the American Southwest – Colorado, Utah and Arizona. We’ve added a few new trips for the 2026 season, and are excited to adventure in new places!
Whether you’re chasing heart-pounding white water rafting, scenic backcountry jeep roads, or historic National Park experiences, your next greatest adventure can be found here. With new 2026 trip offerings and limited seats on rivers like the Salt and the Yampa, now’s the time to plan your Southwest adventure before the season fills up. Read on to see what we have in store for 2026 – and hold on, it’s a long one!
Quick Guide:
Want the short version? Click here to view our cheat sheet of our adventures by traveler type.
Colorado Adventures: Denver to Durango
Colorado is where our story began over 30 years ago. In 2026, it remains the heart of our Southwest adventures – now with a second location! With adventure hubs in both the front range near Denver and the southwestern corner of the state, you are sure to find some of the most classic Colorado rafting trips and Jeep tours the area has to offer.
Front Range Adventures: Whitewater Rafting in Denver & Buena Vista
If you’re flying into Denver or are headed along the iconic Front Range, you don’t have to travel far to find some serious whitewater. Colorado’s mountainous Front Range offers convenient access to two of the state’s most popular rafting destinations: Clear Creek and the Arkansas River. New for 2026, our Clear Creek and Arkansas River trips have our guides buzzing – don’t miss the chance to be among the first to experience these Front Range adventures!
New! Clear Creek Rafting near Denver, CO
Located in Idaho Springs, just 30 minutes from Denver, Clear Creek rafting delivers nonstop Class III–IV rapids through a mountain canyon filled with old mining history. It’s one of the most accessible adventures in the state, making it perfect for day-trippers, families, or anyone craving an adrenaline rush within sight of the Mile High City.
New! Arkansas River Rafting in Buena Vista & Canon City
Just south of Denver sits the most popular rafting destination in the state: the Arkansas River. This river offers a multitude of options: you can raft near Buena Vista through the dramatic granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, or venture to Canon City for the world-famous Royal Gorge. This area offers something for every skill level: calm family floats, splashy intermediate runs, and world-class Class IV–V sections that are cherished by first timers and seasoned paddlers alike.
Southwest Colorado: Durango, Silverton & Telluride
Head south and you’ll trade the busy Front Range for the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, home to Mild to Wild’s flagship trips. This corner of Colorado blends alpine wilderness, historic mining towns, and easy access to both water and land adventures. When you think of ‘Colorado’, this is it!
Lower Animas Rafting in Durango, CO
A true local favorite, a Lower Animas rafting trip is the perfect way to experience Durango. Expect playful Class II–III rapids, splashy waves, and plenty of scenery – perfect for families, first timers, and groups. For those looking for more challenge, hop in an inflatable kayak and take on the rapids solo!
San Miguel Rafting in Telluride, CO
Located in a high mountain desert, our San Miguel rafting trips are considered one of the funnest & most unique white water rafting trips in Southwest Colorado. This narrow waterway cuts through twisting red sandstone canyons covered with pine trees, with fun and splashy Class II-III rapids throughout the trip. A perfect way to experience the stunning wilderness just outside of Telluride!
Piedra River Rafting in Pagosa Springs, CO
For those seeking a technical, high-adventure river, a Piedra River rafting trip will not disappoint. Located in a pristine wilderness area in the San Juan National Forest, this remote river winds through narrow corridors lined with granite cliffs while tumbling through Class III-IV pool-drop rapids. As Colorado’s most regulated & restricted river, this short-seasoned trip is not one to miss!
Upper Animas – Silverton, CO
The wildest trip in Colorado! Starting high in Silverton and dropping nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, our Upper Animas rafting trips take on one of the most continuous stretches of whitewater in the country. This thundering stretch through the remote Weminuche Wilderness demands respect, stamina, and tenacity from all who encounter its wild waters.
Southwest Colorado Jeep & National Park Tours:
Not every adventure requires a paddle! Our Colorado Jeep tours climb into the high country to reveal alpine meadows, mining ghost towns, and sweeping mountain views. Even further west, Mesa Verde National Park beckons those who are curious about the region’s ancient past, where cliff dwellings and centuries-old stories still echo through the canyons.
Silverton Jeep Tours:
Tour into the tundra high above a historic mining town on a Silverton Jeep Tour, a world away from the stresses of modern life with waterfalls, mountain wildlife, beautiful vistas and Colorado’s famous mining history. Immerse yourself in the history of the American West and feel a sense of astonishment as you explore Colorado’s most preserved mining sites while surrounded by pristine mountain views!
- Combine a Silverton Jeep Tour with a ride on the classic Durango Train to get the full historical experience on our Trails & Rail package!
Durango Jeep Tours:
Just 30 minutes outside of Durango is the stunning La Plata Canyon, where our Durango Jeep Tours take you deep into the alpine. A bit of a mis-nomer, this canyon is more of a rugged ravine doused in alpine paradise where you’ll find small waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, hallways of glimmering aspens, and wildlife scurrying between meadows. Summitting Kennebec Pass at 13,000ft, this trip offers one of the most stunning views of the San Juan Mountain range this area has to offer.
- New this year! Short on time? Our 2h 30m La Plata Canyon Jeep trip takes you into Columbus Basin, a gorgeous alpine basin with mining history at 11,000ft.
New! Telluride Jeep Tours:
While we’ve been quietly testing out our new Telluride Jeep Tours for a while, we are excited to announce a full season in 2026! Our Jeep tours travel remarkably beautiful, historical, and technical off roading trails such as Imogene Pass, Ophir Pass, and Last Dollar Road. These journeys are some of the most beloved and sought-after adventures in the Rocky Mountains, and the views, rich character, and the roads themselves are enough to prove why! See the classic Colorado beauty for yourself – and hold on!
Mesa Verde National Park Tours:
Our Mesa Verde National Park tours take you into one of the most significant archeological sites in the world, as it hosts hundreds of massive cliff dwellings and thousands of ancient ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Dark Sky Park, and home to several species found nowhere else on Earth. Unlike any other National Park you’ll visit, this sprawling outdoor museum is best enjoyed with a guide – our guides provide a wealth of insight on the Ancestral Puebloan culture, how they built the incredible structures looming along the canyon walls, and many other fascinating facts about the region.
Utah Adventures: Moab, Arches & Beyond
Utah’s desert landscapes are unlike anywhere else on earth. Towering sandstone cliffs, deep red canyons, and twisting rivers make this region a paradise for explorers. Whether you want to paddle the calm waters of Castle Valley, brave the huge waves of Cataract Canyon, or explore backcountry trails on a Moab Jeep tour, adventure awaits around every turn in Utah’s canyon country.
Utah Whitewater Rafting Adventures:
Rafting on the Colorado River in Moab, UT
The Castle Valley section of the Colorado River near Moab is the poster child for Western landscapes, and you’ve probably already seen it somewhere in a John Wayne movie, TV show, or a commercial or two. If somehow you have, in fact, never laid eyes on Castle Valley before, you’re not going to forget it once you do! With Moab Rafting trips ranging from ½ day to 3 day overnight adventures, you’ll have plenty of chances to soak in the views, splash through fun rapids, and fall completely in love with this classic stretch of the Colorado River.
Cataract Canyon Rafting in Canyonlands, UT
Home to Utah’s biggest whitewater, our Cataract Canyon rafting trips float through a slice of desert paradise where all things become colossal. In a crimson crevice 2,000 feet in the Earth, rare artifacts, dramatically sculpted sandstone, and rip roaring rapids wait to be discovered throughout the 96 mile journey. This is merely the start of what’s waiting in the extraordinary reaches of Canyonlands National Park.
Desolation Canyon – Green River, UT
Perfect for families and first-time campers, a Desolation Canyon rafting trip is a true wilderness rafting experience filled with red rock cliffs, playful Class II–III rapids, and stunning side canyons. These trips have the ideal combination of excitement and relaxation with sandy beach camps, star-filled skies, and plenty of time to swim, hike, and disconnect. Accessible only by scenic flight into the remote put-in, Desolation Canyon is one of the most immersive and unforgettable river experiences in the Southwest.
Gates of Lodore – Dinosaur National Monument
Undeniably one of the most special river trips on the continent, a Gates of Lodore rafting trip unfolds over 43 miles on the Green River from Colorado into Utah, revealing a rare wilderness few ever see. Between billion-year-old quartzite cliffs, days are filled with thrilling Class III rapids, cascading waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, and abundant wildlife. Lodore offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, history, and geologic wonder – add this to your bucket list!
Yampa River – Dinosaur National Monument
One of the rarest wildernesses left to explore in the United States, the Yampa River is the only tributary left in the Colorado River Basin to flow freely without a dam. Throughout the 72 mile journey, this truly wild river reveals unbelievable scenery, abundant wildlife, thrilling rapids, and history-filled alcoves. Because the Yampa River is free flowing, its rafting season is usually brief; it’s also one of the hardest river permits to get – truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Utah Land Tours: Arches National Park & Beyond
Looking to experience Utah’s most iconic landscapes up close? Whether you want a guided Arches National Park tour, or to venture off the beaten path on a Moab Jeep tour into the rugged backcountry, our land tours reveal the hidden side of Utah’s red rock country.
Moab Jeep Tours
Moab’s surreal landscapes are an off-roading utopia. With sloping avenues of Slickrock and terracotta, getting to the backcountry of Mars on Earth is a surprisingly short commute. In between stops for photos and exploring the sites, your guide will provide explanations of Moab’s insane geology and drama-filled history. Moab Jeep tours allow passengers to immerse themselves in this unique terrain while learning about what made it this way— and who in the world survived out here before air conditioning.
New! Arches National Park Tours
Experience the captivating beauty of Arches National Park with a local guide who knows every turn, overlook, and hidden gem! Soak up insights on short walks and quick drives throughout the park as towering red rock formations, sweeping desert landscapes, and fascinating geological wonders come to life. Visit must-see spots like Balanced Rock, The Windows, Double Arch, and Delicate Arch Viewpoint while skipping the stress of permits, parking, and planning. We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the good stuff: jaw-dropping arches, endless photo ops, and that unmistakable “wow, this is real” moment only Arches can deliver.
Arizona Adventures: Salt River Rafting Trips
When spring snowmelt begins in the White Mountains, Arizona’s Salt River rafting trips come alive. Offering the best single day white water rafting in Arizona and boasting more rapids per mile than any other river in the state (including Grand Canyon), the Salt River Canyon is home to impressive wilderness multi-day rafting trips too. Just two hours from Phoenix, this incredible desert river offers warm weather, blooming cacti, and some of the best early-season whitewater in the Southwest. Kick off your 2026 adventure season on the Salt River, where the desert sun, remote wilderness, and wild rapids set the perfect tone for what’s to come!
New Adventures Are Calling...
From mountain rivers to desert canyons, 2026 is shaping up to be the best year yet for Southwest adventures. Planning is easy – our team of adventure specialists can help you match your group, travel dates, and comfort level to the perfect trip. You can book online or give us a call at 970‑247‑4789. Don’t be shy, we’re just as excited for our next adventure!
Ready to start adventuring? Keep an eye out for our upcoming Black Friday offers… the best deals of the year on raft, jeep, and National Park tours are right around the corner. Whether you’re chasing family fun, adrenaline, or a deeper connection to nature, Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours is ready to guide you there.
Which 2026 Adventure Is Right for You?
For Families:
- Lower Animas rafting in Durango, CO
- Castle Valley rafting in Moab, UT
- Clear Creek rafting near Denver, CO
- Durango Jeep Tour in La Plata Canyon
- Desolation Canyon Multiday Rafting in UT
For Thrill Seekers:
- Upper Animas rafting in Silverton, CO
- Cataract Canyon rafting in Moab, UT
- Salt River in Arizona
- Telluride Jeep Tour
- Arkansas River rafting near Buena Vista
For Explorers:
- San Miguel rafting in Telluride, CO
- Piedra River rafting near Pagosa Springs, CO
- Gates of Lodore rafting in Dinosaur National Monument
- Yampa River rafting in Dinosaur National Monument
For Historians & Rock Hounds:
- Silverton Jeep Tours
- Mesa Verde National Park Tours
- Arches National Park Tours