Family fun abounds in this deep desert canyon playground. The trips early class III and gentle class II+ rapids make for interesting floating as you soak in the canyon scenery. Great beaches, sandstone, camping, hiking and history characterize this trip. This is very popular multi-day youth group trip.
Discover Arizona's only Federally designated "Wild and Scenic" River- the Verde River. Carving a spectacular canyon painted by nature in multiple hues of golds, reds and browns, it drops at an average rate of 20 feet per mile. Cottonwoods, Sycamores and Sage grow from the banks, while the sandy beaches beckon you for breaks. Paddle an inflatable kayak or relax in a raft while you are submersed in wilderness fun. Often spotted wildlife includes javelina, black bears, golden eagles, great blue herons, otters, deer and incredible, varied bird life.
The well channeled Verde River allows inflatable kayak trips during the winter season when base flows keep a steady 150-200 cubic feet per second of water flow in the river. These flows offer lots of fun, class II and III white water thrills in the form of a twisting waterway full of chutes and drops interspersed with calm floating. No experience is needed to operate these free flowing and stable 1 person boats, also known as "duckies". Taking on the river in an inflatable kayak, one on one, under the watchful eye of an instructor/guide is an adventurous and rewarding way to experience this beautiful wilderness waterway. During wet years you can experience high-water conditions during late February and March at which times you can expect conventional rafting trips in 14 foot self bailing rafts. However, this water flow is not reliable and can be difficult to catch, making the inflatable kayak the optimal way to experience the magic of the Verde River Canyon.
South West Featured Whitewater Rafting Outfitter

About Mild to Wild
Discover the magic of our 27 mild to wild trip options, 2 hours to 5 days, for ages 4-84 in Colorado, Arizona and Utah. The beauty and serenity of the places we go inspired us to dedicate our lives to sharing these natural treasures with you! We take pride in providing a first class adventure where no detail is overlooked. Mild to Wild has earned the highest number of repeat customers & referrals (just ask the locals).
Arizona Rafting Trips
Discover the best kept secret in Arizona whitewater rafting: The Upper Salt River Canyon whitewater rafting located just 2 hours from East Phoenix and North Tucson. Known as the mini-grand canyon, with an early spring season, Salt River rafting should not be missed for river enthusiasts or first timers alike.
Likewise, Arizona's only Federally designated "Wild and Scenic" river with its variable spring season, Verde River rafting is a trip to experience when it runs. Located in close proximity to Sedona, Arizona this trip is conveniently located. Both trips are perfect backyard adventures for Phoenicians and visitors alike.
South West Utah Rafting Trips
Our Utah River rafting trips are set in a postcard setting in some of the most magnificent scenery adjacent to Arches National Park & near Canyonlands National Park, the infamous Colorado River carves an unbelievable waterway of fun floating and splashy rapids. Located just 5 minutesfrom Arches, and 1/2 hour from Canyonlands National Parks, 4 hours from Salt Lake City, 5 hours from the Grand Canyon, 2 1/2 hours from Lake Powel and 2 1/2 hours from Durango, Colorado (our home base), the Colorado River at Moab, Utah offers perfect sampler and overnight trips for families, seniors, first-timers and raft enthusiasts looking for the most spectacular river setting.
South West Colorado Rafting Trips
Our 21 trip options in Southwest Colorado are conveniently located out of our base in Durango, Colorado, just 3 hours from Albuquerque, 6 hours from Denver, 7 hours from Phoenix, 6 hours from Salt Lake City, 5 hours from the Grand Canyon and 3 hours from Santa Fe and Taos. Our Colorado rafting trips range from mild to wild, 2 hours to 4 days and for ages 4-84. We operate our raft trips on several stretches of 4 beautiful, distinct rivers; Upper and Lower Animas, Upper and Lower Piedra, Dolores and San Miguel rafting trips are available.
