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.
Colorado Ghost Town Trails & Rails with Mild to Wild
Start living your adventure by commenting and sharing! Explore Colorado’s most preserved ghost towns. 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.
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.
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!
A Quick Teaser Of Cataract Canyon Rafting
CATARACT CANYON RAFTING ON THE COLORADO RIVER THROUGH CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH
Trips operated by Adventure Bound Inc
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
Experience Colorado's Fall Colors On A Jeep Tour
Colorado's stunning fall colors come only once a year. Get out into the mountains and experience this unique and special time in Colorado.
Join us September 23rd through October 15th for our Fall Foliage jeep tour during Colorado’s Peak Week of the colors changing! Experience Colorado’s spectacular, stunning fall colors on a guided jeep tour. This limited edition specialty trip takes you high up into the mountains at 12,000 feet and above for spectacular views of the changing Autumn colors. Participants have the opportunity walk gentle trails amidst towering peaks with ample breaks for photo opportunities! Trips depart everyday at 2:00pm. When booking via the link below, be sure to select the 1:45pm departure time.
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
Become a Mild to Wild River Guide
Mild to Wild offers both a basic and comprehensive guide school for anyone interested in learning the ropes on how to be a star river guide.
--The whitewater experts for 24 years, Mild to Wild has trained hundreds of guides.
--Instructors are state certified to teach.
--Learn to read river, not memorize the route (which changes as the water levels change).
--Learn to operate paddle rafts and oar-rigged rafts.
--Learn rescue techniques.
--We teach you to be the complete guide from guest services, safety, to rigging, to rescue, how to provide the best guest experience.
Upon completion of either course you will exceed the requirements of a Class III river guide (subject to completion of separate first-aid and CPR training). These are intensive courses that emphasize skill training and personal development among the spectacular setting of deep rock canyons and river corridors.
Skills you'll learn are:
--Leadership and Group Dynamics
--Guest Care, Camp and Meal Preparation
--Crew Orientation
--River Rescue
--Raft Rigging
--River Reading and River Navigation in both Oar and Paddle Boat Rafts
2018 dates are:
Comprehensive -- May 9th to May 25th
Basic -- June 4th to June 15th
Tuition includes state certified instructors, transportation from our meeting point, PFD (life jacket), helmet and boating equipment.
Mild to Wild Rhino Tours
Gooseberry/Little Creek Mesa
Canon City Colorado Jeep Tours Royal Gorge Loop
Animas River Parade 6-7-2014 in Durango, Colorado
Animas River Days and the annual parade down the river have been a fixture of the Durango community for many years. This year was also the opening of the reworked Smelter Rapids. The Marketing Department staff has combined still photographs and video with the rushing water of the river and the cheering of the spectators as the participants came down the river and entered the rapids. Some made it, others made it outside their craft. No one was injured in the making of this video. You are invited to visit The Marketing Department's web site at
Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado
Explore the crafted beverages of the beautiful Southwest region of Colorado! Visit nearly 30 independent breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and non-alcoholic soda producers while discovering the diverse scenery and rich attractions of this part of the state.
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
Beautiful Places , Uncompahgre National Forest , Telluride, Colorado, Trout Lake,
One of my favorite places, traveling from Dolores to Ridgeway, Colorado.
Rescue from Rainbow Springs
Our family backpacking trip gets interesting when a forest fire blocks the trail home. This was the early development of the West Fork Fire which later grew and decimated more than 109,000 acres near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado. Thanks to all the great people in the National Forest Service and all the firefighters who risk their lives everyday on the job to protect homes and families. Special thanks to you Jesse Jones for your dedication and your kindness to our boys. Oliver had the best back to school what I did this Summer story in the class.
Lower Piedra River White Water Rafting
Here's a compilation of videos I took on our rafting trip down the lower Piedra river. The guides from Pagosa Outside were great! Thanks to Maneli Jamal for allowing me to use his music in my video!
Encampment - Second Descent of Gorge
May 2008, Running the Encampment River gorge in Minnesota.