Experience the White Water Rafting Colorado Has to Offer
From the adrenaline pumping rapids of Clear Creek near Denver to the remote wilderness of the Yampa River, Mild to Wild offers more Colorado white water rafting trips than any other outfitter. True to our name, we’ve spent over 30 years curating the largest portfolio of river trips in Colorado, ensuring that whether you’re seeking a mild family memory or a wild whitewater conquest, we have the river experience for you. Explore our regions below to find the best rafting trip for your Colorado vacation.
Find Your Colorado Rafting Adventure
Discover Rafting Trips Near You
Rafting Near Denver & The Front Range
Mild – Wild | Class II, III, & IV Rapids
Just 30 minutes from the city, our Idaho Springs rafting trips on Clear Creek offer the most accessible white water in the state, with rapids ranging from beginner to advanced. Further west, the Upper Colorado River near Kremmling provides gentle, scenic floats through stunning canyons, perfect for relaxing getaways. Visit the Denver White Water Rafting page to view all trip options.
- Duration: 2hr 30M – 2 Day Trips
- Ages: 4+ or 35lbs+ (varies by section and water level)
Rafting in Southwest Colorado (Durango, Telluride, Pagosa Springs)
Mild – Wild | Class II, III, IV, & V Rapids
Home to our headquarters, this region offers the highest concentration of river diversity in the Rockies.
Durango: Choose the popular, family friendly Lower Animas that flows right through downtown, or challenge yourself on the Upper Animas, known as the toughest commercial raft trip in the U.S.
Telluride: Experience the non stop action of the San Miguel River. This narrow, twisting waterway offers fast paced Class II & III rapids through stunning red rock canyons and forests, just minutes from Telluride.
Pagosa Springs: For a wilderness experience, the Piedra River offers steep drops and technical box canyons for the adventurous rafter.
- Duration: 2 Hour – 2 Day Trips
- Ages: 4+ (varies by section and water level)
Rafting in Central Colorado (Buena Vista & Cañon City)
Moderate – Wild | Class II-IV Rapids
Experience the Arkansas River, the most rafted river in Colorado and a top destination for rafters worldwide. We guide every legendary stretch: enjoy family-friendly splashes in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, paddle the famous granite chutes of Browns Canyon National Monument, or take on the continuous technical rapids of The Numbers and Royal Gorge.
- Duration: 1/2 – 3 Day Trips
- Ages: 6+ (varies by section and water level)
Multi-Day Wilderness Expeditions
Intermediate | Class II – IV Rapids
Disconnect, unwind, and unplug on a multi-day journey through Dinosaur National Monument on the Yampa River or the Gates of Lodore on the Green River, or catch the rare flows of the Dolores River. These bucket list trips offer riverside camping, hiking, and starry nights in Colorado’s most remote canyons.
- Duration: 2 – 6 Day Trips
- Ages: 7+ (varies by section and water level)
Which Trip is Right Ror You?
| Trip Level | Best For | Top River Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (Class I-II) | Families with young kids (Ages 4+), Sightseers, Relaxing Floats | Upper Colorado River (Kremmling) Lower Animas (Durango) |
| Moderate (Class II-III) | Families seeking splashes, First-Timers, Mixed Groups | Browns Canyon (Arkansas River/Buena Vista) Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Arkansas River/Cañon City) Clear Creek (Idaho Springs) |
| Intermediate (Class III) | Active Families, Teens, Those wanting fast-paced action | San Miguel River (Telluride) |
| Wild (Class IV-V) | Adrenaline Junkies, Physically Fit, Experienced Rafters | Royal Gorge (Arkansas River/Cañon City) Upper Animas (Silverton) The Numbers (Arkansas River/Buena Vista) Clear Creek (Idaho Springs) |
Browse all Colorado Rafting Trips
Daily Trips
Lower Animas River: Fun, family-friendly river rafting in Durango, Colorado.
Clear Creek: Thrilling and scenic Colorado rafting just 30 minutes from Denver.
Arkansas River: Discover the river that made Colorado famous for rafting, offering intermediate to high-adventure options near Buena Vista and Cañon City.
Upper Colorado River: A premier, family-friendly scenic float trip on a majestic stretch of river near Kremmling, CO.
Upper Animas River: (Needleton Section): The ultimate advanced whitewater rafting in Colorado.
Upper Piedra River: A hidden gem for intermediate rafting near Pagosa Springs.
San Miguel River: Constant whitewater action near the stunning peaks of Telluride.
Dolores River: A rare and beautiful trip near Cortez (runs in high-water years).
Multi-Day Trips
Upper Animas Needleton Section: An overnight expedition on America’s most challenging commercial run.
Dolores River: A multi-day intermediate adventure through remote canyons (high-water years).
Yampa River: A 4-5 day journey through Dinosaur National Monument on Colorado’s last free-flowing river.
Gates of Lodore (Green River): A 3-4 day trip through the historic and majestic canyons of Dinosaur National Monument.
Arkansas River: Choose from 2 or 3-day expeditions that combine iconic stretches of white water like Browns Canyon, The Numbers, and the Royal Gorge.
Upper Colorado River: A 2 or 3-day relaxing river journey complete with beach camping, stargazing, and side hikes.
Why Choose Mild to Wild For Your Colorado Rafting Adventure?
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours is a family-owned and operated company that started in the heart of whitewater country—Durango, Colorado—in 1994. Our passion for sharing the outdoors has driven us for 30 years and is built on a foundation of safety, expertise, and unforgettable fun.
- Unmatched Experience: Our Trip Leaders average over 2,000 river miles, far exceeding the state requirement of 800. We have the longest and most rigorous guide training program in the region.
- Commitment to Guest Experience: We were the first to provide helmets in Durango, use self-bailing rafts on the Upper Animas, and carry satellite communication technology on all wilderness trips. Your safety is our #1 priority.
- Industry Leadership: As a long-term member and board director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), our owner has helped shape the safety and registration standards for the entire state.
- Guest-First Service: We are the only outfitter in Durango with year-round staff to serve you. We were also the first to offer wetsuits and booties to keep our guests comfortable.
- Our Service Guarantee: If you’re not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is on us. That’s the Mild to Wild promise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Rafting
What is the best time of year for river rafting in Colorado?
The rafting season typically runs from May through September. Peak flows with the most exciting whitewater usually occur from late May to late June during the snowmelt runoff. July and August offer warmer weather and more moderate flows, which are great for rafters seeking smaller rapids and a more comfortable experience.
What should I wear for white water rafting in Colorado?
Avoid cotton clothing. We recommend synthetic layers (like nylon or fleece), a swimsuit, and secure footwear like river sandals or old sneakers. For cooler spring trips, we provide wetsuit and splash gear rentals to keep you warm.
Do I need any rafting experience?
No! We offer trips for all skill levels. Our beginner and family trips, like the Lower Animas and the beginner section of Clear Creek, require no prior experience. Our professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides will teach you everything you need to know.