I would give 8 stars if it was an option. We are a family of 3, 48, 48, and 16. We planned a trip to Durango last minute and selected to go rafting just 2 days before arriving. The day we arrived we rented bike and rode the river trail and our 16 year old son suggested we should kayak the river since the level was low. I went to the store to see if this option was available and they were happy to make the changes and get us into kayaks.
WOW!!! We were so thankful that we changed. It was more challenging but significantly more fun and involved. We had rafted the river 12 years prior so we were aware of the rafting experience. The kayaks were nonstop excitement for over 3 hours. Trudy and Benji (hope I have the spellings correct, if not... sorry) were AMAZING!! Trudy was with our group of 7 the entire time and made sure everyone was safe the entire route. She was full of laughter and encouragement the entire trip. Benji led the group and gave the best lines. At 1 point in the trip he recognized my paddles were were not correct. He made adjustments that made it much easier to navigate the waters.
There are many options on the river but I can tell you that Mild and Wild was very professional, courteous, helpful, and just good/ fun people. Consider the kayaks and ask for Trudy! While floating down the river we heard other rafter chanting so I have to repeat the chant: TRUDY! TRUDY! TRUDY!