Last year we visited Durango and while riding the train back from Silverton we saw a family similar to ours rafting down the Animas. My wife and I both agreed that this looked like fun and that we should do this the next time we get back to Durango.
After doing some research Mild to Wild (Mild 2 Wild) looked like the ticket for an introduction to river rafting so we signed up.
My wife, myself, and our kids (10 and 12) have never river rafted before so we didn't know exactly what to expect but our anticipation levels were quite high for this experience.
Our trip was a 3.5-4 hour tour of the Animas which included a couple of class three rapids.
Our guide was Z.B. and he was knowledgeable, professional, and a great personality match for our family. Z.B. is very familiar with the ecosystems, flora, and fauna around Durango which added a nice base of additional context to what were were seeing as we went down the river.
So, given what I know now would I do it again
The experience was fabulous, Z.B. was excellent, and the entire experience with Mild to Wild was really great - friendly staff, all of the guides seemed very experienced, professional, and fun.
Definitely the right group to partner with on an experience like this.
I would recommend bringing hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc on the raft. It isn't a bad ideal to spring for the wet suit rental as the water was in the 50s and the wet suit also helps to keep the sun under control.
My family really enjoyed this experience and it was a great capstone experience on our vacation.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mild to Wild and based on this experience we will be taking additional rafting trips with them on the San Miguel in Colorado and the Salt River here in Arizona.