Durango's Top Summer Adventures - Rafting, Jeeping, & Mesa Verde National Park
Those seeking to get on the river for the first time or those looking to get their white water season off to a serene start, should consider rivers we would classify as “milder” options. These rivers typically have the Class I “moving water” to comfortably float down the river, some Class II “splashes” that get your legs wet just over the side of the boat, and potentially some Class III “wet and fun” that get you soaked head to toe! This is a great way to experience white water rafting in Colorado without getting in over your head. A mild option we provide in Colorado is the Lower Animas in Durango:
Ready for the next step up when it comes to white water rafting in Colorado? Steer towards a more intermediate river. These usually provide Class I “moving water”, Class II “splashes”, Class III “wet and fun”, and even some Class IV “big drops” which jump start your heart as you paddle through exciting whitewater. These rivers will keep you excited while you are able to take in some incredible scenery. These rivers can be more technical than the milder options, and they usually require a little more work as the guests must be willing to paddle. The payoff is very much worth it! The Upper Piedra River near Pagosa Springs is a great intermediate option:
Looking for the ultimate adventure that will make the hair on your arms stand up and your heart pump quickly? Then jump on the wild options of white water rafting in Colorado! The two rivers in Colorado we offer that we classify as high adventure are the Lower Piedra in Pagosa Springs and the Upper Animas in the Silverton area. The Upper Animas at high water, many consider to be the most difficult commercially run trip in the United States! Both of these areas provide Class II “splashes”, Class III “wet and fun”, Class IV “big drops” and Class V rapids that will get your adrenaline pumping and often need to be portaged. Both rivers you must be 16 years old and up and also in good health and physically fit. At Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours, we also take extra precautions on these rivers such as smaller guest to guide customer ratios, guides with more river miles than required by the state with trip leaders averaging 5,000 river miles for the Upper Animas, and have extra certifications such as wilderness safety. Other precautions we take include extra safety boats and required pre trip wetsuit fittings and practice swims. These rivers will leave you on top of the world!
On our Durango Jeep Tour you will see numerous wildflowers, high-alpine meadows, and avalanche gullies. Following the La Plata River (meaning “Silver” in Spanish) to La Plata City, an old mining town established in 1875, you’ll discover the remnants of old mining claims. These include a tall intact chimney left from the crew quarters, the framework of old cabins, and tailing piles from actual mining areas. Then, you’ll continue to the peak of Kennebec Pass at 12,000 feet above sea level (also above tree-line).
Explore Colorado’s most preserved mining sites and immerse yourself in the history of the American West. Tour into the Tundra high above Silverton, a world away from the stresses of modern life with waterfalls, mountain wildlife, beautiful vistas and Colorado’s famous wildflowers. A great trip for the whole family and kids are extra entertained with our Mild to Wild scavenger hunt. Find the items on the checklist and get some fool’s gold!
A true Durango vacation is not complete without a day at Mesa Verde National Park. Relive history on our Mesa Verde Discovery Tour. Discover the rich culture and architecture of the Ancestral Puebloans on a small, guided interpretive tour. Explore Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree Cliff Dwellings. Take in 700 years of history on the Mesa Loop. Explore the museum and Visitor’s Center and enjoy a delicious, deli-style lunch.
Spotlight: Experience Upper Animas River Whitewater Rafting with Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
The Upper Animas River in southwest Colorado is one of the more infamous sections of whitewater in the US. A tight and technical river, the Upper Animas whitewater is not your average river trip.
Conquer continuous rapids and explore 14,000 foot peaks in the most spectacular and entertaining 26 miles of whitewater in Colorado. Considered to be one of the toughest commercially run trips in the United States, the Upper Animas river brings adventure enthusiasts from around the world to Durango, Colorado. Cascading creeks and waterfalls pour into the river as you face continuous sections of whitewater that leave your arms shaking from the constant paddling. Travel on the historic Durango & Silverton Train through the heart of Colorado’s largest wilderness area to access this adventure, a unique and rewarding way to start and/or end your adventure. All participants must be strong swimmers, in great physical condition, and able to paddle as the boat bounces, spins, and submerges! Mandatory pre-trip safety orientation includes a practice raft trip with a swim through a Class III rapid!
Looking for a great wilderness trip with lots of technical whitewater, but not quite the intensity of high-water runoff in June? As water levels lower in mid summer, so does the difficulty of the trip. Age recommendations drop to 14 for the Needleton Section and the trip lowers in intensity from extreme to advanced with one portage for those rafters who are under age 16 or do not want to run the bigger rapid. The ability to walk around the Class V rapids at more moderate water levels allows a larger spectrum of river enthusiasts to experience this magical Colorado rafting trip.
Upper Animas River Rafting with Mild to Wild
Start living you adventure by commenting and sharing! The Upper Animas brings adventure enthusiasts from around the world to Durango, Colorado. It is the quintessential whitewater experience! At high water, many consider Upper Animas River rafting to be the most difficult commercially run trip in the United States. 14,000 foot peaks rise from the banks of the river as you face continuous sections of whitewater that leave your arms shaking from the constant paddling. Cascading creeks and waterfalls pour into the river as you tackle the exciting rapids.
White Water Rafting: How to Pick a Trip | Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
Start living your adventure by commenting and sharing! Molly and Alex Mickel, owners of Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours, review some important considerations when picking a white water rafting trip for your summer adventure. Find out more at
Colorado Ghost Town Jeep Tour 2010
Start living your adventure by commenting and sharing! Pass through the old Victorian mining town of Silverton, which was established in the early 1870's. Then venture off the paved roads on to old mining trails heading northeast out of Silverton. Spectacular tumbling waterfalls, snow-fed rivers, and cool mountain air greet you as you wined through the old mining towns. Travel higher into the alpine tundra where you'll view the summer wild flowers shining in a rainbow of colors, especially in mid to late summer. Marmots, white-tailed deer, and elk herds may be seen as hawks and eagles keep an eye on you from above.
Dolores River Rafting - The Colorado Rafting Experience With Mild To Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
Experience the rare and unique Dolores River Canyon with Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours.
Guided trips running through this historic canyon from April 14th, 2017 until June 15th, 2017
With limited availability this Colorado Whitewater Rafting adventure is sure to sell out!
Explore Trip Options:
Speak with a river expert: (970)-247-4789
Dolores River Description:
Once a free-flowing and mighty river, the Dolores River ran reliably every Spring through the magnificent Dolores River Canyon, the longest flowing canyon only second to the Grand Canyon. Known for its playful whitewater, legendary class IV “Snaggletooth” rapid, ancient Anasazi ruins, and stunning scenery makes it a trip of a lifetime. Rafting the Dolores River is a special treat that few ever get to experience. Ironically, the Dolores River lives up to its name, the “River of Sorrow”, due to the limited releases. Impounded by the walls of Mcphee Dam only every few years does mother nature overwhelm the heights of this blockage to allow water to cascade marvelously through the red rock and gold walls. Luckily, 2017 is the year! Tucked away in the Southwest Corner of Colorado, far away from the racing pace of everyday life, is the Southwest’s Dolores River Canyon! Don’t miss this chance to experience Dolores River Rafting. Who knows how long it will be until you can ride this river of lore again.
Top Reasons to Adventure with Mild to Wild!
-Rated #1 on Trip Advisor
-Whitewater & Adventure Experts for 24 Years!
-Safety is our #1 priority
-Trip leader’s river miles exceed state requirements
-Our team is our biggest asset
-Ponderosa Gorge – Class II, III & IV rapids
-Towering pines, amazing red rock canyon, and thrilling whitewater -rapids, including the notorious “Snaggletooth” rapid, the most formidable rapid on the entire river, makes this river famous. Before the invention of self-bailing rafts, more “swam” the rapid than made it through in the boat! Ages 11 & under walk around “Snaggletooth” rapid at higher water levels.
1 Day: Ages 8+ | 19 Miles | Bradfield to Pumphouse | Meet at 9:15am at Bradfield Rec. Site
2 Day: Ages 10+ | 28 Miles | Pumphouse to Slickrock| Meet at 9:15am at Slickrock Access Point
3 Day: Ages 10+ | 47 Miles | Bradfield to Slickrock| Meet at 9:15am at Bradfield Rec. Site
Become a Colorado Raft Guide - Mild to Wild Guide School 2017
Ready for a new career? Looking for the perfect summer job? Consider raft guiding. Exciting and thrilling no two days are the same. Colorado state certified courses offered. Get started in a Fulfilling new job.
Details:
Two classes Offered:
- May 10th - 24th, 2017
- June 3rd - 12th, 2017
Rivers, Trails, & Rails with Mild to Wild
Start living your adventure by commenting and sharing! The day prior or after you've enjoyed our popular Jeep/Train package, explore Durango's sampler 1/2 day raft trip on the Lower Animas River- Great for ages 4-84. With Class I moving water, a few Class II splashes and one or more Class III wet and fun rapids (depending on water level), you will be treated to a different view of Durango, while learning the fascinating history of the area. Don't miss the highlight of your vacation!
Cataract Canyon
CATARACT CANYON RAFTING ON THE COLORADO RIVER THROUGH CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH
Explore Cataract Canyon in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, deep within a 2000 ft. deep crevice and over 30-million-year-old rock formations!! Cataract Canyon rafting, near Moab, Utah, is the premier Utah rafting whitewater experience. This section of the Colorado River treats you to fun, rolling class III and IV rapids all season long. When the Rocky Mountain’s snow melts, May-early July, filling the canyon, the rapids elevate to some of America’s most exciting and challenging class IV and class V rapids!
Whatever season you choose, your 120-mile Cataract Canyon rafting trip begins with relaxation as you get acquainted with the peace, serenity, and solitude of this canyon. We will serenely float (with motor assist) in on flat water and pass deep below the spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park overlook. As we reach the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, in the heart of the Canyonlands National Park, we prepare for the colossal rapids of Cataract Canyon! Brace yourself for these world-class rapids!
Colorado River rafting through Canyonlands National Park also provides some of Utah’s best hiking. As we explore side hikes, only accessible by river, we will be treated to wonderful waterfalls, sculpted sandstone spires, and ancient Anasazi rock art petroglyphs. History abounds as we follow John Wesley Powell’s expedition of 1869.
Every afternoon, camp brings beautiful sandy beaches, relaxation, friendships, stronger family bonds and unforgettable memories.
This landscape of Cataract Canyon so inspired Mild to Wild’s founders and owners that they married there in 1996. This soul-stirring canyon will get your heart pumping with its whitewater (and maybe romance as well!), impact your soul and take you on a journey you’ll never forget. Cataract Canyon raft trips starting at $790.00
Ouray Ridgway Colorado White Water Rafting Rigs
Rigs Fly Shop & Guide Service is Ouray & Ridgway Colorado's White Water Rafting Guides to the Uncompagre River. Family trips with beautiful views of the San Juan's & Cimarrons. Inflatable kayaks & float fishing adventures on the Gunnison Gorge.
Beautiful Places , Uncompahgre National Forest , Telluride, Colorado, Trout Lake,
One of my favorite places, traveling from Dolores to Ridgeway, Colorado.
River Rafting in Durango
River rafting in Durango, CO. in July 2014 with the wife. Jon was our guide with Mild 2 Wild White Water Rafting.
Music by: Arctic Monkeys and Sombear
Spring Hiking in Telluride
GoPro footage from hiking Cornet Creek Falls and Jud Wiebe Trail during the Spring snowmelt in Telluride, Colorado.
Music: 'Mighty River' by Railroad Earth
Dolores River Colorado
Between Dolores and Rico Colorado is a beautiful river valley enjoyed by outdoors enthusiasts of all types.
Colorado - A Reflection on What Wheeling Means to Us
We take a trip to Colorado in #RealHawk and reflect on what wheeling means to us, our family, and friends.
This is our first long-form video. Let us know what you think.
Trails include Swan River, Webster Pass, Radical Hill, Red Cone, Halfmoon Gulch, Imogene Pass, and Black Bear Pass.
Shop the products used on these Jeeps at:
#realhawk #snowhawk #jcroffroad #jcr #builtforwhatever
Boggy Draw Loop trail near Dolores CO on a fat bike in autumn (Mukluk and Me No 15)
Boggy Draw Loop trail near Dolores CO on a fat bike in autumn. This is mostly a beginner trail and runs about an 8-mile loop. Small hills, mostly low grades. The most popular way is to run counter-clockwise, so you hit the rock-section along the west-side going down hill (It's about 500 ft in length). To see the aspen change color, best around early October. I just missed the peak color change, so some of the aspen were already losing their leaves. Trail is easily defined and easy to follow. Would do it again. Maybe with a little snow for my fat bike.