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The Best White Water Rafting Near Breckenridge, Aspen & Vail

Colorado’s Premier Whitewater is Just a Scenic Drive Away!

Rafting and Kayaking Trip Options

Recent Reviews from our guests

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Nomnom profile picture
Nomnom
70 days ago
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Had a wonderful trip down the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, CO. First off, the scenery is stunning. Mother Nature didn’t pull out any stops in this part of the country. The service from Mild to Wild was excellent. Our main guide Lauren was accommodating, professional, and a real expert with the river. She and our other guide Anna were also very friendly with our two kids (9 and 11). I highly recommend this company for any trips down the river. We felt safe, learned a little about the river, and made some great memories.
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davidicus profile picture
davidicus
81 days ago
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Amazing experience and I can't recommend this place enough. We went on the Brown's Canyon Arkansas River rafting run and had the best time. The guides are so helpful and kind, every experience level is welcome (depending on what trip you choose), and the beautiful scenery is something my son and I will always remember. Great company that communicated so well, was super organized, and you can tell they have a lot of pride and love for what they do. Special shout out to our tour guide Justin who made our trip a memorable one that my son and I will never forget.
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Gee Sprague
106 days ago
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Had a great day on the Arkansas river in Browns Canyon! Brendon was a great guide. Not only navigates the river, but great commentary! BTW, tell your mom you’re the best!!
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Meghan Miller profile picture
Meghan Miller
167 days ago
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I rafted the Upper Animas with Mild to Wild last year and had such an incredible experience that I knew I had to come back. The guides were amazing, the trip was so well run, and it was honestly one of the highlights of my year. Now I’m getting ready to raft the Arkansas River with them and I’m so excited. I already know it’s going to be another unforgettable trip. I seriously can’t wait to keep coming back and doing more trips with this crew.
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Lorraine Showers
374 days ago
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My jeep tour was everything I expected and more. The Aspen trees were brilliantly colored. The crisp temperatures and intermittent rain added to the beauty of the rocks. Our guide was delightful, caring and informative.
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LoveDosTravel
385 days ago
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Loved Cat’s Expert Knowledge. We had a substitution in our group of four and Cat dealt with it quickly and we were on our way to a fun morning. She asked us what we wanted to see and said she would specialize the trip just for us. She knew so much about the Aspen trees—the medicinal bark, how they reproduced and where they were able to grow. We learned about the animals common to this area and she pointed out several as we traveled. Her depth of knowledge about all aspects of this region was extraordinary. We were encouraged to ask questions and gave us lots of interesting information. She gave us blankets and binoculars to use. I don’t think we could have had a better guide.
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Experience812363
386 days ago
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Absolutely wonderful jeep tour Our afternoon tour was breathtaking. We saw at least a dozen mule deer, 3 grouse birds, 3 marmots, many chipmunks, and woodpeckers. It rained lightly during our tour which brought out a double rainbow. The Aspen trees and fire weed plants were just starting to turn colors. Our guide, Miles, was excellent. He knew about the history of the native people in this area. He explained the early mining history. He answered any question we had about any plant or tree we saw including what is edible or poisonous. He went above and beyond to make our jeep tour our highlight of our vacation.
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Yamile Calles
1557 days ago
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I will NEVER, EVER use anyone else. From the opening facial transaction to the end these fold here never missed a step. From a Please to the Thank you. From the sizing of the shoe all the way to getting onto the boat. Spectacular Texas hospitality away from Texas. They ACCEPT MILITARY DISCOUNT so that’s a HUGE PLUS for us. We typically steer away from non supporters as much as we can. Even if it’s a pennie that they pledge - we rather be with the folks that have our backs than those who dont - which are many here in Durango- We had a 9 yr old (scared of heights and water), 20 yr old (scared of heights and adventure), 40 yr old (gunshot wound survivor without abdominal muscles), and a 41 yr old (lower back issues) and we all made it safe and sound. We even ended up doing again the next day!!! So if you question your ability - Reach out to one of the guides and they will try their hardest to make your trip happen and be as safe and comfortable as possible. We had Hadley- Aussey mate and he was a gem. Thank you ladies and gentleman for all of the attention to detail. Hands up the best in town! Skip ASPEN come to DURANGO!
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Karen Simmerman
1820 days ago
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We would give 10 stars for the Jeep tour with Campbell if we could! Seeing the colorful aspen was nice, but it was even better as we were driving through them. Campbell gave us such great information on the plants we encountered! He is a fountain of information about the flora and fauna of the area. Very professional and easy to visit with. I believe the Jeep tour was our favorite part of our vacation!
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chap7002
3007 days ago
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Wonderful jeep tour of the San Juan Mountains My husband and I booked a 4-hour jeep tour for the morning of the 4th of July. Everyone in the office was so friendly and professional. We arrived early and met Jay who was our driver and guide for the tour. Jay is fantastic, friendly and very informative of the geology and nature of the area. Because of the 416 fire in the Durango area Jay took us on a different trail away from the smoke so that we could enjoy the beauty and not be smoked out. The trail was part of the old stage trail from Silverton to Durango during the 1800s. We saw lily ponds with beaver dams, two bucks and or course a squirrel or two. The mountains in the San Juan mountains are absolutely beautiful and of course the quaking aspen were amazing. Jay was so accommodating to stopping and letting us out to take pictures. And yes Jay and Jerry jokes were corny but funny. Thank you for such a great experience!!!

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Closest Arkansas River Outfitter to Summit County, the Vail Valley, and the Roaring Fork Valley

Staying in Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, or Beaver Creek? You are closer to Colorado’s best whitewater than you think.

Mild to Wild’s outpost is conveniently located on the north end of Buena Vista, making it the nearest Arkansas River rafting outfitter to Colorado’s marquee resort towns. Your adventure lies just an hour’s scenic drive over the Continental Divide via Independence, Freemont, or Tennessee Pass.

Read more about why rafting the Arkansas is the best option for visitors staying in Breckenridge, Aspen, or Vail.

Why Choose the Arkansas River

Thanks to the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, the Arkansas River enjoys incredibly reliable, continuous water flows all summer long by utilizing supplemental water transported from the western slope.

When you raft the Arkansas, you can expect:

  • Dependable Water Flows: Great rafting all season long, even when other rivers drop.
  • Stunning Granite Canyon Scenery: Paddle through iconic Colorado landscapes and towering peaks.
  • Stretches for Every Adventure Level: From splashy pool drop class III rapids in Browns Canyon National Monument to action packed Class IV rapids in The Numbers.

Why Raft the Arkansas River with Mild to Wild?

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Trip Provisions

  • Onsite bathrooms, changing rooms, and free parking
  • Gift shop for your last minute needs
  • Action photos of your trip available for purchase
  • Neoprene wetsuits provided & boots available for rent
  • Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
  • Round trip transportation from meet location
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Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides

  • Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
  • Trip leaders are 3rd year guides on average
  • All guides are certified in First Aid and CPR
  • Most guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder
  • Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
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Our Commitment
to You

For over 30 years, Mild to Wild has operated as a family-owned and managed business. We are committed to providing exceptional guest service and crafting memorable experiences. We are proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is free.

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