4.9 (997) · Durango · By Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours Free cancellation
Experience the thrill of rafting through Durango, a local favorite and visitor hotspot. This trip offers the perfect blend of excitement for all ages, with the added beauty of floating through a picturesque town.
Enjoy plenty of splashes while relaxing on this free-flowing Rocky Mountain river. Our half-day trips on the Lower Animas are ideal for those with busy schedules, providing a couple of hours on the water with the most exciting rapid sections.
Our guides are not only well-trained but also passionate about what they do. You'll have as much fun with them as they do navigating the river!
✓ Helmets, PFDs (life jackets), and splash tops provided✓ Safety orientation before the trip✓ High-quality, well-maintained equipment✓ River and land access fees are covered✓ Complimentary parking available✓ Trip leaders with an average of 2,000 river miles experience✕ Gratuities for guides✕ Lunch is not providedActivity Schedule
4 h
This essential Durango adventure offers approximately 2 hours on the river, guiding you through the heart of this historic town and its most enjoyable rapid sections. It's a hit with families, friends, solo travelers, and locals of all experience levels!
You'll navigate through numerous Class II rapids, known for being 'fun and friendly' with waves that splash over the front of the raft. You'll also encounter one exciting Class III rapid at Smelter Whitewater Park, which is 'wet and wild' and likely to soak everyone aboard.
The intensity of the rapids can vary throughout the season due to water levels, with spring generally having higher flows and summer having lower flows. Even later in the season, there's plenty of excitement as we maneuver around rocks!
Our experienced and engaging river guides will lead you downstream, sharing entertaining stories and fascinating historical insights about the area. You can choose to paddle along with your guide or simply relax and enjoy the ride.
All trips include a safety briefing and paddling instructions from our fun-loving, experienced river guides. We welcome participants aged 4 and up on these excursions!
Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
Your ticket can be presented as a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Please meet at our main office. Your scheduled time is your meeting time; arriving earlier than your reservation is not necessary.
Please meet at our main office. Your scheduled time is your meeting time; arriving earlier than your reservation is not necessary.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Individuals with poor cardiovascular health should avoid this activity. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. The minimum age requirement is 4 years old. Rentals for wetsuits and wetsuit boots are highly recommended through June. 1/2 Day Morning Rafting Trip Duration: 4 hours 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM October 1/2 Day Rafting 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 1/2 Day Afternoon Rafting Trip Duration: 4 hours 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Wear quick-drying clothing and water shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A reusable water bottle is recommended. Consider renting a wetsuit and boots, especially before July. Listen carefully to your guide's safety instructions. Be prepared for splashes and getting wet! To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 22803P1
Activity offered by Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Adventure seekers Nature lovers All fitness levels Beginners Experienced rafters Raft through the heart of historic Durango Experience Class II and Class III rapids Ideal for families and all skill levels Knowledgeable and entertaining guides Beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery Half-day trip fits easily into your schedule
Population 19,071 (2020)
Elevation 1,988 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures -7° Jan -6° Feb -1° Mar 3° Apr 9° May 15° Jun 18° Jul 17° Aug 12° Sept 6° Oct -1° Nov -6° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the minimum age for this rafting trip? + The minimum age for this trip is 4 years old.
What should I bring with me? + We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Wetsuit and boot rentals are available and recommended through June.
Do I need to arrive early for my trip? + No, your reserved time is your meet time. There is no need to arrive any earlier than your scheduled time at the main office.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The trip will be canceled if there is bad weather.
What if not enough people sign up? + The trip will be canceled if there are not enough participants.
Can I get a refund if I cancel? + Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Unforgettable
P8855FGmichaelk, September 2026
The entire trip was excellent from beginning to end. Our guide Dylan was awesome! Exceeded my expectations.
Response from the operator · Fun T Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an unforgettable experience on the Durango Half Day Rafting Trip and that Dylan exceeded your expectations. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Five stars isn’t enough! So much fun!
tiffanykG1069IV, September 2026
Five stars isn’t enough, I rate Eli a 6!
First timers booking a white water rafting trip! We had an amazing experience with Eli being our guide.
He was the perfect mix of professional, calm, and hilarious. Even when the rapids picked up, he was completely cool and collected, which made our whole raft feel confident.
He gave super clear, easy-to-follow directions, educated us on the river and what to expect, and kept us laughing the entire time. You can tell he really knows what he's doing and loves what he does.
More than just a great guide, Eli was awesome to hang out with down the river. Made the whole trip feel effortless and so much fun.
If you can request Eli - do it. 10/10, we will definitely raft with him again!
Response from the operator · Fun T Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Tiffany! We're thrilled to hear that your first white water rafting experience with Eli was so enjoyable. He truly is a fantastic guide, and it's great to know he made the trip fun for you!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Family friendly rafting trip!
X143HPhannahd, September 2026
The guides were very knowledgeable about the river and the surroundings. They were fun and accommodating. I felt safe the entire trip. My family (ages 6-18) and I enjoyed our time with them and would definitely do it again!
Response from the operator · Fun T Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a fantastic time on the Durango Half Day Rafting Trip and felt safe with our knowledgeable guides. We can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
★★★★★ Viator review
Durango can be seen from...
Janet_S, August 2026
Durango can be seen from the river. We were impressed that the City built a white water rafting area in the river. The guides were polite and informative.
Response from the operator · Fun T We really appreciate your kind words about our rafting experience! It's great to know that you were impressed with the white water rafting area and had a fantastic time on the Lower Animas River.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great float down the river
annhenryyy, August 2026
Great trip even though water was low. Our guide from Alabama was excellent navigating the challenging low water and boulders. Pretty scenery through Durango. Spotted blue heron. Large buck. Lots of ducks and geese. All staff are fun to hang out with.
Response from the operator · Fun T We appreciate your kind words about your rafting experience! It's fantastic to know that even with low water, you were able to enjoy the adventure with an excellent guide. Thank you for sharing your memorable moments with us!
Show more reviews 
Selling fast
Top pick
Top pick