Trip Planning
Everything You Need To Know For Multi-Day Raft Trips
Meals
Mild to Wild prides ourselves on our healthy, wholesome and filling food! Meal timing varies day to day, depending on river flow, availability of places to stop, ect. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks along! (Especially if you have kids to keep them energized along the way.) You can keep your essentials near you in the smaller dry bag we provide for you, or in a fanny pack if that’s more your style.
Breakfasts
Breakfast is always filling, fresh, and starts with hot beverages and juice in the morning. We’ll start the day with classic cowboy skillets, salmon and lox, french toast, and more!
Lunches
Lunches can be personalized as you build your own deli sandwich, Mediterranean pita pockets, taco salad, and more. Lunches usually come with fresh fruit, chips, and cookies.
Dinners
Dinners always start with appetizers and end with a delightful dessert. The menu ranges from grilled steak, salmon, curry, fajitas, pasta and more. Sides can range from fresh salad, potatoes, rice, and so on.
Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and other dietary needs at an extra cost. For those with any food allergies, please bring your own personal snacks that work with your needs. Be sure to request this prior to your trip! We grocery shop 1-2 days before the trip departs, and we greatly appreciate having all you preferences and needs well in advance. Nobody shall go hungry!
Keep in mind that our meals plans are based on the fact that we are in a wilderness setting. Meals are prepared over a campfire or stove, and we don’t have access to fresh ice on the trip.
What to Pack
For the River:
- Quick dry clothing
- Swimwear
- Sturdy water shoes which must have heel strap
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses & chums
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
For Camp: Spring & Fall
- Warm base layers
- Synthetic & merino wool warm socks
- Merino wool warm beanie
- Sleeping bag (available for purchase)
- Tent (available for purchase)
- Sleeping pad (available for rent)
- Small pillow
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sneakers/hiking shoes
- Gloves
For Camp: Summer
- Comfortable, light layers
- Baseball hat
- Sleeping bag (available for purchase)
- Tent (available for purchase)
- Sleeping pad (available for rent)
- Small pillow
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sandals: Chaco & Teva sandals work best!
Other Necessary Items:
- Rain gear (rain jackets will keep you warmer than ponchos!)
- Insect repellant
- Hiking shoes/clothing
- Personal items & toiletries
- Fanny pack w/ ziplock bags
- Biodegradable soap for bathing
- Alcoholic beverages if desired in non-glass containers. Please bring in moderation.
What We Provide
- Healthy food & meal preparation
- Professional Guide in each boat
- Type 5 PFD which must be worn at all times in the raft
- Helmet
- Splash Jackets
- Free Parking
- Shuttle
- Small waterproof bag for use on the raft. Water-proof bag for overnight gear and personal belongings
- Camp chairs
- All kitchen and bathroom equipment
- High-quality rafts & equipment
What’s Not Included
- Lodging the night prior & after trip. You will need to make your own arrangements
- Travel Protection Insurance
- Tent and sleeping bag (available for purchase)
- Sleeping pad (available for rent)
- Personal items
- Alcoholic beverages— need to be picked up on own prior to trip departure.
- Gratuities. 15% – 20% is considered a standard tip for your guides.
Hiking
You will have time to explore even deeper into the beauty of the canyon on side hikes, some guided and some on your own. Bring sturdy hiking footwear and clothing for this!
Beverages/Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on the rafts but once at camp, we know many people like to crack a cold one! Please purchase your alcohol, in moderation, prior to your trip meet time. Please keep in mind that we need to be respectful of other guests on the trip who may not consume alcohol, and remember that we don’t carry glass containers on the river!
Cannabis
The use of marijuana is illegal on federal lands, medicinal or recreational, so we ask that you abstain from bringing any on your trip.
Drinking Water
Hydration is one of the most important things on a backcountry adventure and we will provide plenty of clean drinking water throughout the day on the boat and at camp. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle you can keep with you and keep full!
Portable Toilet
(The Groover)
We love our rivers and land, so we need to make sure the area we recreate in stays clean for future trips. It is recommended by the BLM & American Whitewater to pee in the river. As for solid human waste, we pack it out with a portable toilet (groover) that is set up each day at camp. The guides will find an easy to access secluded spot for the toilet at each camp, and it usually has amazing views! We make sure you get some privacy at the groover by keeping the toilet paper box at the trailhead leading to the groover. If you need to use the restroom you take the toilet paper with you and then you return it when you’re done. If the toilet paper box isn’t out at the trailhead, then you know someone is in the bathroom.
Bathing
In line with protecting and caring for our rivers, please bring biodegradable soap to bathe. If you would like to rinse off your biodegradable soap, it is preferred that you do so at least 200 feet from any of the rivers and streams. Feel free to bring a solar shower if you like!
Women Specific Concerns
We recommend you come prepared for your period even if you aren’t expecting it. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies in case you need them! You can use Ziploc bags to store feminine products while on the river and then dispose of them once at camp. We do provide a limited supply of tampons and pads.
Electronics
While on the river, we are mindful of the impact we have on the environment and other people around us. Music and drones can be disruptive to the calming experience of the river. If you enjoy listening to music, please bring headphones or a small speaker. You will want to consider the other guests on the trip with you. We encourage you to enjoy this escape phone-free, but also understand you may want to have it with you. Use your phone on the river at own risk. Consider purchasing a waterproof case for your phone or camera. If you would like to take pictures, a traditional camera might be a safer option! If you do plan to bring electronic devices you may want to bring spare power sources for them, as there won’t be any charging stations out in the wilderness. There will be no cell service during the trip.
Communication
On the river, we have limited communication with the outside world. It is a great space to enjoy your escape from the hustle and bustle of our constantly connected daily lives. Our guides will carry a satellite communication device in case of emergency.
Wildfires
Our trips travel through dry arid climates that often have threats of fire or air quality impacts due to fire. If you have asthma, air conditions during the dry months are something to consider when picking your trip and packing. We may change the logistics of our trip due to fire conditions in the area.
Guns
Our managing agencies prohibit firearms on the trip. Leave any firearms at home.
Physical Preparation
Rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and just being outside in general may be more physical activity than you are used to. Get prepared for your trip early by starting to exercise now! Let us know of any physical limitations in advance of your trip so we can work with you to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.