Colorado offers some of the most varied multi-day rafting adventures in the United States, from mild overnight floats perfect for families to wilderness canyon expeditions and high-adventure whitewater challenges. Mild to Wild is proud to run more river sections than any other outfitter in the state, spanning the Colorado River, Arkansas River, the Animas River, the Dolores River, the Yampa River, and the Green River.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing overnight float, a wilderness river canyon experience, or a Class III–V high adventure river expedition, Colorado’s multi-day trips each offer a unique mix of scenery, adventure, and unforgettable nights under the stars.
Colorado Multi-Day Rafting: Adventure Levels
Before choosing your trip, we recommend reviewing our Class of Rapids Guide to understand the whitewater rapids rating scale.
Moderate Multi-Day Trips
Families, Multi-Generational Groups & Mild Adventure Seekers
For multi-generational families, mild adventure seekers, and first-timers wanting moderate Class II & III whitewater, scenic camping, and approachable adventure.
Ruby–Horsethief Canyon (2–3 Days)
- Location: near Grand Junction
- River: Colorado River
- Difficulty: Class I–II
Float through a metamorphic and volcanic Precambrian canyon shaped by uplift, glaciation, and erosion. Ruby Horsethief offers gentle currents, sandy beach camps, warm summer water, and excellent wildlife viewing including bighorn sheep, great blue herons, and river otters. Side hikes lead into desert alcoves and high mesas overlooking the canyon.
Upper Colorado River 2-Day Overnight
- Location: Kremmling
- River: Colorado River
- Difficulty: Class I–II
A relaxing overnight perfect for families and mild adventurers. Drift beneath cottonwoods, polished metamorphic cliffs, and open river valleys with the warmest water near the front range ideal for swimming. Wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and trout are common, and short hikes lead to canyon overlook points.
Browns Canyon 2-Day (Arkansas River)
- Location: Buena Vista
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Class II–III
A family friendly adventure through a granite canyon filled with playful waves, ledge drops, and crystal clear pools. Camps are surrounded by ponderosa pine and juniper, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and short hikes up granite formations overlooking the river.
Medium Adventure Multi-Day Trips
For adventure-seeking families or adults looking for Class II, III, and IV- whitewater with wilderness river canyon scenery, side hikes, and remote camping.
Gates of Lodore (3–4 Days)
- Location: Dinosaur National Monument
- River: Green River •
- Difficulty: Class II–IV
Discover a 2,000-foot deep red quartzite canyon with pearly green water, sandy beaches, lush side hikes, and abundant wildlife including bighorn sheep, osprey, and river otters. Classic rapids—Disaster Falls, Triplet Falls, Hells Half Mile—blend with calm stretches framed by soaring walls and wilderness river canyon scenery.
Yampa River (4–5 Days)
- Location: Dinosaur National Monument
- River: Yampa River
- Difficulty: Class II–IV
The Yampa is the last wild, un-dammed tributary of the Colorado River. Expect powerful spring flows, sandstone amphitheaters, lush benches, desert flora, and side hikes to high slickrock domes and alcoves. Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep, eagles, and great horned owls.
Dolores River (Seasonal 2–6 Days)
- Location: Near Dolores
- River: Dolores River
- Difficulty: Class II–III
A rare high-water gem flowing through Wingate sandstone walls, hanging gardens, and archaeological remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans. The Dolores features smooth wave trains, cottonwood camps, canyon wrens, and side hikes to alcoves and waterfalls sculpted by spring runoff.
High Adventure Multi-Day Trips
For experienced rafters and adventure enthusiasts seeking Class III, IV, and V whitewater. These trips feature steep gradients, continuous rapids, and remote canyon terrain.
Numbers + Royal Gorge Overnight
- Location: Buena Vista → Cañon City
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Class III–IV+
A powerful, technical overnight that blends the steep, continuous whitewater of the Numbers with the massive hydraulics and towering granite walls of the Royal Gorge. Expect lodgepole pine forests, metamorphic rock corridors, and canyon hikes above the gorge.
Arkansas 3-Day Progression
(Browns → Numbers → Royal Gorge)
- Location: Buena Vista → Cañon City
- River: Arkansas River
- Difficulty: Class II–IV+
A signature journey sampling three legendary Arkansas River sections. Day one explores the granite waves of Browns Canyon; day two steps up to the continuous intensity of the Numbers; and day three culminates in the Royal Gorge, framed by thousand-foot cliffs and the Royal Gorge Bridge. Camps blend juniper, pine, and metamorphic canyon terrain.
Upper Animas Campout
- Location: Durango, Colorado
- River: Animas River
- Difficulty: Class IV–V
A rare and extremely challenging overnight river expedition. Your adventure begins with an orientation and mandatory swim test on the Lower Animas, followed by a drive to Silverton and a historic train ride to Needleton, a riverside camp set among aspen groves and spruce–fir forests at the base of Chicago Basin, one of America’s most popular 14er access points.
Day two features continuous Class II–III whitewater with intermittent Class IV rapids and one Class V rapid at high water, surrounded by glaciated canyon walls, cascading tributaries, alpine wildflowers, and wildlife including marmots, mountain goats, and mule deer.
Trip Option Comparison
| Trip | River | Difficulty | Length | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Horsethief Canyon | Colorado River | Class I–II | 2–3 Days | Near Grand Junction |
| Upper Colorado Overnight | Upper Colorado River | Class I–II | 2 Days | Kremmling, CO |
| Browns Canyon Overnight | Arkansas River | Class II–III | 2 Days | Buena Vista, CO |
| Gates of Lodore | Green River | Class II–IV | 3-4 Days | Dinosaur National Monument (CO/UT border) |
| Yampa River | Yampa River | Class II–IV | 4–5 Days | Dinosaur National Monument |
| Dolores River | Dolores River | Class II–III | 2–6 Days | Near Dolores, CO |
| Numbers + Royal Gorge Overnight | Arkansas River | Class III–IV+ | 2 Days | Buena Vista → Cañon City |
| Arkansas 3-Day Progression | Arkansas River | Class II–IV+ | 3 Days | Buena Vista → Cañon City |
| Upper Animas Overnight | Animas River | Class II–IV | 2 Days | Durango → Silverton → Needleton |
Need More Help Deciding?
Use our Trip Finder to find the best trip to fit your needs!
Why Choose a Multi-Day Rafting Trip in Colorado?
- Remote wilderness camping
- Star-filled night skies & unplugged adventure
- Dramatic canyon geology (granite, quartzite, sandstone, volcanic)
- Hiking to overlooks, waterfalls, alcoves, & mesas
- Desert-to-alpine wildlife diversity
- Expert guides who handle safety, cooking, and camp logistics
Multi-Day Rafting Colorado FAQ
When is the best time for multi-day trips?
June–July for high water; July–September for warm water and stable flows.
Do I need experience?
Moderate trips require none.
Intermediate trips suit adventurous families or adults.
High adventure trips (Numbers + Royal Gorge, Upper Animas) require strong swimming ability and previous river rafting experience is recommended.
Is camping gear included?
Group gear is included; personal gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) can be rented.
How many days are typical?
Trips range from 2 to 6 days depending on river & itinerary.
Plan Your Colorado Multi-Day Rafting Adventure
From gentle canyon floats to wilderness river expeditions and high-adventure whitewater, Colorado offers unmatched multi-day rafting opportunities. Mild to Wild runs more multi-day river sections than any other outfitter in the state, giving you the broadest selection of difficulty levels, canyon environments, and trip styles.
Choose your adventure, find your perfect fit, and experience Colorado’s rivers the way they were meant to be explored: overnight, unplugged, and unforgettable.
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