Rafting through Durango is just as popular with the locals as it is the visitors. It’s the perfect mix of excitement for all ages, with the added charm of floating through an impossibly picturesque town. You’ll catch plenty of splashes while getting to sit back and relax on this free-flowing Rocky Mountain river. 

Half Day rafting trips on the Lower Animas are incredibly popular for busy schedules. You'll get a couple hours on the water with the best rapid sections. 

Plus, our guides are well-trained and absolutely love what they do. You’ll get a hoot out of them as much as they get a hoot out of running this river. 

Durango Half Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River

Splash through Durango with an awesome river guide on the Lower Animas River! This adventure is an absolute must for visitors and locals alike. 

Everyone loves this trip for its accessibility, picturesque scenery and rollicking rapids. It’s an adventure that offers a perfect mix of excitement and time to enjoy the sites along the way. We take rafters ages 4+! 

Along the way you'll bound through plenty of Class II rapids and an exciting Class III at Smelter Whitewater Park. Class II rapids are "fun and friendly," rolling over the bow and dousing those at the front of the boat. Class III rapids are "wet and wild," usually soaking everyone in the raft head to toe. 

Our experienced and entertaining river guides will get you downstream while sharing plenty of stories and fascinating history about the area. You're welcome to paddle with them or just sit back and relax

All trips come with a safety orientation and paddling instructions from the best river guides in Durango. 

Durango 1/4 Day Rafting Trip - Lower Animas River

Whitewater rafting tour with the best guides in Durango, CO. Colorado Outback Adventures owners have been in the outdoor business for over 20 year. We pride ourselves in providing the best service possible, and will help in a memorable adventure in Durango, CO 81301.

Durango Colorado - Rafting 1/4 Day

Come take a half day tour and see the highlights of Mesa Verde National Park. We’ll squeeze 700 years of history into a 6-hour round trip tour (3 hours’ total drive time, 3 hours in the park) with a professional guide that is passionate about giving you the most informative experience possible. This tour will include a stop at several iconic cliff dwellings, including the park’s crown jewel, Cliff Palace, where you have the option of taking a 40 minute ranger led tour (Seasonally available 2nd weel of May thru 3rd week of October). We’ll also take in some of the most spectacular views of the 4 Corners region as we travel through the park. We guarantee that you’ll leave with a new found appreciation for the cultures and landscapes of the Southwest. Included: Park fees, Cliff Palace tickets, transportation to and from Durango and within the park, and plenty of water and snacks. 

Mesa Verde National Park Half Day Tour

Our Durango Jeep tour travels up La Plata Canyon, a rugged ravine nestled in an alpine paradise. 

Here in this glacially sculpted landscape, you’ll find waterfalls cascading into the canyon, hallways of glimmering aspens, countless wildflowers, wildlife scurrying between the meadows, and panoramic views of Colorado's most beautiful Rocky Mountains. Like we said, paradise! 

Our fun-loving and experienced guides are Durango locals, who know this canyon's rich history and ecology like nobody else. While other outfitters tend to let the scenery do all the work for them, our guides give you a wealth of insight about what makes this area incredibly special. They're also talented drivers who will get you up this rutted trail without a hitch. 

Most people don't want to take their own vehicles up this old mining route, and our open-air Jeeps are customized for a smoother ride— although it will still be bumpy about half way through. It's all a part of the fun! 

Durango Half Day Jeep Tour - La Plata Canyon

Rafting the Animas River is consistently rated as one of the highlights of visitors vacationing in Durango, Colorado.  Enjoy a safe and fun Animas River raft trip in the company of a professional guide. The family-friendly Class I, II & III rapids are enough action to engage novices without being intimidating. Kid-tested and mom-approved since 1981.

Durango Rafting - Quarter Day Family Friendly Trip

Durango Rafting - Half Day Family Friendly Trip

There is nothing "economy" about this amazing rafting trip.Come and adventure with the professionals and experience the difference.For a quick, action-packed adventure, this splash and dash package is the perfect way to get in, get wet and get going to your next adventure. All companies put in at the same spot and most take out at the same spot as well. An unforgettable experience with the best guides in Durango, this 2-hour excursion door to door with about 1 hour on the river and is great for the whole family and comes with the option to purchase photos to preserve your memories.

2.5 Hour "Splash "N" Dash" Family Rafting in Durango with Guide

It’s no question that locals and past visitors consider Mesa Verde National Park a must-visit. It allows us a rare opportunity to experience preserved North American history before European contact. Joining a Mild to Wild guide ensures guests will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of authentic Southwestern culture.

Our Full Day Discovery Tour will show off this outdoor museum with plenty of insight into the ancient indigenous culture, the history of the Park, and more. It’s the best way to get the most out of a day at Mesa Verde. 

Our tour vehicles are comfortable, air conditioned, and come with speakers to help you hear your guide's interp throughout the drive.

*Please note that Cliff Palace tickets sell out quickly, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure we have tickets. 

Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch

You will ride 12 different ziplines, that include our longest and fastest ziplines, PLUS a tree top to tree top experience! This tour is approximately a 2.5-3 hour zipline adventure. The final zip which lands on the deck of our roof top patio, or, a 40 foot freefall from our giant tower!

12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango

Come take a half day tour and see the highlights of Mesa Verde National Park. We’ll squeeze 700 years of history into a 6-hour round trip tour (3 hours’ total drive time, 3 hours in the park) with a professional guide that is passionate about giving you the most informative experience possible. This tour will include a stop at several iconic cliff dwellings, including the park’s crown jewel, Cliff Palace, where you have the option of taking a 40 minute ranger led tour (Seasonally available 2nd week of May thru 3rd week of October). We’ll also take in some of the most spectacular views of the 4 Corners region as we travel through the park. We guarantee that you’ll leave with a new found appreciation for the cultures and landscapes of the Southwest. Included: Park fees, Cliff Palace tickets, transportation to and from Durango and within the park, and plenty of water and snacks.

Mesa Verde Highlights Tour

We offer the best guides and activities in Durango, CO 81301. Whitewater rafting down the Animas River is fun for the whole family. Get splashed in the rapids and enjoy the float through town, and then out of town. We specialize in creating memories in Colorado. 

Durango Colorado - Rafting 1/2 Day

Soaring Tree Top Adventures in Durango, Colorado offers the largest zip line course in the world. With 27 breathtaking spans, this all-day, family-friendly adventure features 5.5 hours of ziplining, a four-course gourmet lunch in the trees, an ecology tour, and first-class train transportation to Soaring in their own private, luxurious train cars, offering guests two of the best Durango attractions in one day.

All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango

Experience all this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer on this 4 hour small group tour. It provides you with an overall historical view of the Ancestral Puebloans architectural, horticultural, cultural, and religious dimensions of their lives in the Southwest. The interpretive tour guides are all National Association for Interpretation certified. Choose from one of two departure times when you book.

700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour

Experience the full beauty of the Lower Animas with this 4.5-hour trip door to door, about 2.5 hours on the water, and an unforgettable adventure with expert local guides in Durango. Suited for the whole family, you will also have the option to purchase a photo package to preserve your memories when the trip is done.

See historical Old West landmarks and hear stories about the early days of Durango. Our guides are more than just river guides – they are your guide to the history and lore of the region. All our Durango rafting trips include the famous whitewater park and smelter rapids.

Durango "4.5 Half-Day" Rafting Trip Down the Animas River

Don't miss a thing as GuideAlong's Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible self-guided journey through the first US National Park created to preserve archeological and cultural sites.

Along the way, you'll be guided to all of the famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including North America's largest cliff dwelling and the park's highest 360 degree viewpoint.

Download and discover more on your road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions that play automatically along the drive. 

You'll have the freedom to explore offline at your own pace. Spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t.

✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location
✅ Travel at your own pace
✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use
✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.

Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park

Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle. Everyone can listen at the same time!

Strikeout for the wild west with this self-guided driving tour of Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway. This remote, jaw-dropping stretch of roadway was once the site of booming mining towns and railroad tycoons. Today, it’s a totally unique blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rugged western charm. But you’ll do more than just see the sights with this tour—you’ll also learn the wild history of this area, from boom to bust.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. 

Million Dollar Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Book with the best and highest consumer-rated company in Durango, Co.Come and experience the La Plata Canyon tour also known as “Kennebec Pass”. This tour will take you up to 12,000 feet at or near the tree line. We get to see the amazing geology of how this canyon was carved out by ancient glaciers leaving the beautiful canyon along the way. We will get the chance to see wildlife such as deer, bears, marmots, birds, elk, and maybe even the elusive mountain lion. All of which have been spotted on our tours. La Plata Canyon is 20 minutes west of Durango, Colorado, and has a history of old Ghost Towns and plenty of old mines to chat about along the way. An absolute bucket list item!

What to expect:
about a 20-minute drive on the highway to the entrance to the canyon
dirt and dust~ this is an open-air vehicle
bumpy roads ~ This is a Jeep tour
An experienced guide who knows the area and roads very well
We will have extra blankets and jackets for you just in case you need some. 


La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour, Waterfall's & Views ~ Half Day 

Your professional guide will customize the trip to your group offering choices from the park's ranger-guided tours (Seasonally available 2nd week of May thru 3rd week of October) as well as adding historical, cultural and archaeological insights on interpretive hikes and walking tours. Park entrance fees, ranger-guided tour tickets and a deli-style lunch are included.

Discover Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978 and considered the largest archaeological preserve and first cultural National Park in the country. Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years. Today the park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.

Mesa Verde National Park Full Day Tour

The Animas River provides a incredible outdoor adventures right in the heart of Durango! Live like a local for a day playing on the river.

Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day

Experience some of the most notable and best-preserved archaeological sites in the United States. Mesa Verde encompasses over 80 square miles and protects over 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace and nearly 600 cliff dwellings, some of which are more than 800 years old. Tickets for Cliff Palace are an additional purchase. 
When you book this tour you’ll sit back and relax while our experienced, knowledgeable archaeologist-trained guide takes you around the National Park. With your guide’s knowledge, you will be able to ask questions, read literature, and listen to your own customized tour of the park.

PLEASE NOTE: We are NOW OFFERING CLIFF PALACE with the tickets. All guides have been trained extensively by our in-house archeologists. 
This tour requires a 2-person minimum. If minimums are not met a full refund will be given. *Gratuity not included*. 

Private Tour of Mesa Verde With an Archeologist-Trained Guide

Step into Durango, where something exciting awaits. Tara, your scavenger hunt game show host, will curate a unique adventure.

Embark on an extraordinary journey with a twist! This is not your typical scavenger hunt; it's a creative and immersive departure from the ordinary. 
Unleash your inner detective as you delve into the heart of Durango.Engage with friendly locals, discover intriguing tales of history and culture & capture the essence of the city in photos, videos & audio files.

Whether you're a couple or part of a large group, this game is for everyone. Young or old, explorer or artist, it's designed to inspire & entertain all who love to discover and create.
This is a perfect chance to connect with your teammates in a fun and light-hearted way. Let your imagination run wild, as you team up to unravel the missions. 
Experience this captivating way to explore a new place. The hunt is on, and adventure awaits you!

Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt (Durango,Colorado)

We offer the best guides and activities in Durango, CO 81301. A Jeep tour in La Plata Canyon is a great way to get into the backcountry of the San Juan National Forest. With only a short 15-20 minute drive on the highway, La Plata Canyon is a close option for anyone wanting to experience the wilderness without driving all day. Let us guide you in our new fleet of off-road Jeeps customized for your off-road viewing experience and comfort.

4 Hours Durango Colorado - Jeep Tour 

Double the adventure and thrills of the Animas River by piloting your own inflatable kayak (IK). This trip takes you through Durango and a Class III Whitewater Park. You will be instructed and outfitted by our professional guides to pilot your Inflatable Kayak along with the raft trip. This excursion requires full participation and a strong sense of adventure!

Durango Kayaking - Half Day Trip

We got tickets!
Discover Mesa Verde with an Archaeologist Trained Guide & explore Cliff Palace!
Skip the hassle of trying to get tickets and dive straight into an unforgettable journey through one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Our Mesa Verde Express Tour offers a 5-hour adventure door to door through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Mesa Verde National Park. This experience includes a rare opportunity to explore the legendary Cliff Palace on a ranger-led tour, where you’ll spend 45 minutes up close with the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Discover the incredible ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans, who built and thrived in these structures over 700 years ago.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a highly trained guide, extensively educated by a professional archaeologist. Their in-depth knowledge of Mesa Verde’s history and culture.,

Mesa Verde Express Tour With Tickets To Cliff Palace

The Trails and Rails package showcases the San Juan's stunning scenery. Begin with a morning cruise up the San Juan Skyway, featuring dramatic views of 14,000 ft. peaks. In historic Silverton, switch to open-air 4x4s for rugged terrain exploration. Discover 150-year-old mining settlements, meadows, and panoramic mountain views. Your local guide provides stories, information, and answers questions. After alpine exploration, return to Silverton for lunch and shopping. The journey's final leg is a train ride through the breathtaking Animas River Canyon. The train views differ from the shuttle, offering a remote Weminuche Wilderness perspective. Arrive at the train station for dinner.

Durango Train and Silverton Jeep Tour Package

Durango Kayaking - Quarter Day Trip

Choose Mild to Wild for your Lower Animas River Full Day rafting trip and experience our unique commitment to excellence. Our highly trained professional guides ensure your enjoyment and fun. Benefit from a low guide-to-guest ratio for a personalized experience. We streamline your adventure with free parking, changing rooms, and a storefront for essentials. Complimentary splash jackets and helmets are standard. Enjoy a riverside locally made deli-style lunch midway. Whether paddling or relaxing, your day is crafted for lasting memories. Enhance your trip with a kayak instructor or explore packages including Jeep tours. Mild to Wild prioritizes your satisfaction and an unforgettable journey.

Durango 3/4 Day Rafting Trip with Lunch - Lower Animas River

This 4-hour guided 4x4 tour of La Plata Canyon just west of Durango covers native and mining history, geology, flora and fauna on the way to stunning views at 12,000 feet above sea level. Led by a local expert, this adventure is fun for riders of all ages and skill levels.

La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour

Spend the day floating through the trees and floating down the Animas River all within 2 miles of historic downtown Durango, Colorado!


Zip Line - Rafting Package

Watch the sunrise over the iconic Mesa Verde plateau in Hawkins Nature Preserve as you sip coffee at the canyon edge & learn about the history of southwest Colorado.

Our walk is an easy 2-mile walk over sometimes uneven terrain. Afterward, guests can come back to explore the area on their own! Dogs are welcome, please ask before you bring Fido! As we walk through the preserve you will see & learn about the unique geology & ecology of southwest Colorado.

We will stop at the canyon's edge to watch the sunrise over the La Plata mountains & Mesa Verde NP. A sunrise hike isn't complete without a treat, so I will make sure to bring your choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate & a locally baked goodie! After the sun rises we will continue our walk through pinyon-juniper woodlands, stopping along the path to learn about various flora & fauna. We will also stop at a 1,000+-year-old ruin and discuss the lives & culture of the people that built Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde Sunrise Tours

Explore the ancient wonders of Mesa Verde National Park with our immersive audio tour! Walk among the cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Pueblo people as our guides share captivating stories about their rich history, culture, and remarkable architecture. Learn about the significance of these ancient structures and the park's unique landscape. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious travelers, our tour provides a fascinating and educational experience. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and embark on a journey through the incredible history of Mesa Verde National Park!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Colorado's diverse beauty with this self-guided tour bundle! Uncover ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, then navigate the breathtaking vistas of the Million Dollar Highway. Adventure awaits in the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, where trails and wildlife abound. End with the striking rock formations of Garden of the Gods. This mostly driving tour, sprinkled with walks, offers a unique blend of history, nature, and scenic views. Capture the spirit of Colorado at your own pace.

Purchase one tour per car. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. 

Ultimate Colorado Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tours

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This full day trip lasts 5 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 4 hours and 15 minutes on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed—our expert guides provide gear, instruction, and local insights. Lunch is included, making this the perfect mix of adventure and fun.



Durango 3/4 Day Kayaking Trip - Lower Animas River 

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! 

Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

Durango Dash Scavenger Hunt

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This half day trip lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 2 hours and 15 minutes on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed— the expert guides will provide gear, instruction, and local insights. 



Durango Half Day Kayaking Trip - Lower Animas River

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This 1/4 day trip lasts 2 hours and 25 minutes round trip, with 1 hour on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed—our expert guides provide gear, instruction, and local insights. 

Durango 1/4 Day Kayaking Trip - Lower Animas River

Turn Durango into a game while partaking on a 2-hour Walking Adventure. Your smartphone will act as your guide, while you solve clues and complete challenges around the city. Entry price is per team.

Durango Puzzling Adventure

Family-friendly and great for all experience levels! Enjoy year-round San Juan fishing: scenic floats, expert guidance, gear & and a delicious riverside lunch!

Experiences in Durango, United States Of America