Mild to Wild Rafting Durango began here in 1994 with six rafts and a small kiosk on Main Avenue, says its Durango rafting page. Today it runs rafting, kayaking and Jeep tours across the Southwest, and its Durango base is at 50 Animas View Dr. It holds a 4.9 rating from more than 3,000 Google reviews (October 2026). Here's what it offers, which trip fits whom, and how to book.
Who is Mild to Wild?
A family-owned company. The company says Molly and Alex Mickel founded it. It grew from that booth into an outfit with locations in Colorado, Utah and Arizona, per its home page. In Durango it says it offers more guided trips than any other outfitter. It also says locals voted it best rafting company in the Durango Herald's "Best of Durango" awards. Those are the company's claims. The review count backs up that it's one of the busiest names in town.
Which river trip should you pick?
The Animas is really two rivers, and Mild to Wild also runs a third nearby. The company lists these options on its Durango rafting page:
| Trip | Rapids | Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Animas rafting | Class II-III | Mild, family friendly | First-timers and multi-generational families |
| Lower Animas inflatable kayaking | Class II-III | Intermediate | Paddlers who want their own boat |
| Piedra River rafting | Class III-IV | Intermediate | Adventurous families with teens |
| Upper Animas rafting | Class IV-V | High adventure | Experienced rafters and strong swimmers |
Short on time? The Lower Animas trips come in quarter-day, half-day and three-quarter-day lengths, and they float right through town. The Piedra is a full-day trip about 40 miles east. The Upper Animas is demanding, so the company reserves it for strong swimmers and asks for a swim test first.
What can you expect on the river?
Guides do more than steer. The company says its guides share local history, culture and ecology. Wildlife sightings can include mule deer, beaver, blue herons and river otters. Trips leave from spots with easy access from hotels, restaurants and attractions, which keeps logistics simple for families.
What about Jeep tours?
Paddles down, wheels up. Mild to Wild also guides Jeep tours around Durango, Silverton and Telluride, which it calls a "mild" ride: 360-degree views, local history and, with luck, deer and elk. Its Mesas & Trails day combines Mesa Verde National Park with La Plata Canyon, and another day pairs a La Plata Canyon Jeep ride with an afternoon on the Animas. Two sports, one day.
Weighing a guided tour against renting a rig? Our Jeep tours guide lays out the trade-offs, and the Silverton jeep tours guide covers the Alpine Loop rules.
When is the best time to raft in Durango?
Spring snowmelt brings high water in late spring and early summer, which suits experienced rafters. Later in summer the Lower Animas settles into a friendlier float. Ask the outfitter what the river is doing on your day, since flows change each year. Our Durango rafting guide walks through the seasons.
What else can you add to the day?
The company also sells packages that mix rafting, Jeep tours, Mesa Verde tours and train combinations, per its Durango Area Tourism Office listing. Planning a full trip? Our 3-day Durango itinerary shows where a rafting morning fits, and the Mesa Verde day trip guide explains what to expect at the park.
How do you book?
Directly. You can book a Durango white-water trip on the company's site, and the company says it offers a satisfaction guarantee. Reserve ahead for peak summer weekends.
See the outfitter's operator profile, compare the area's raft trip outfitters and broader tours and outfitters, and read our full Durango rafting guide to plan the trip.
