ABOUT AVA RAFTING & ZIPLINE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

AVA was founded 20 years ago in 1998 by river guide Duke Bradford, who had a dream and a plan to build a rafting company unlike any other. Opening its first outpost in Buena Vista on the Arkansas River, AVA guided 2,300 guests down the river. A few seasons later, AVA started running trips down the Colorado River, including Gore Canyon.  In 2005 AVA expanded and opened an outpost in Idaho Springs, Colorado and started running trips down Clear Creek. A few years later in 2008, AVA opened its outpost in Kremmling, Colorado. A season later, rock climbing trips became available at the Buena Vista location. In 2011 AVA introduced its Zip Line course on its Buena Vista property, with another zip line course opening at its Idaho Springs location in 2012. That year AVA booked almost 30,000 people across all of its trips and activities.  In 2016, the Kremmling outpost expanded into fishing and river equipment rentals. The next year, 2017, AVA unveiled a Via Ferrata at the Idaho Springs location. 2018 marked the start of another Via Ferrata debuting at the Buena Vista outpost. Along with the new Via Ferrata, AVA will be guiding hiking tours through Rocky Mountain National Park! Today, AVA is one of the largest and most respected commercial whitewater rafting companies in the country. Along with AVA’s own outpost, they also they also have partner companies to offer river trips on other rivers, horseback riding, and even hot air balloon rides!

WE ARE COLORADO’S PREMIER ADVENTURE GUIDE

AVA’s goal is always to set the bar for our industry: from guides and training to guest service, outposts and gear. We know, we might be tooting out own horn a bit. But otherwise how will you know?

At AVA, we specialize in creating unforgettable outdoor experiences in Colorado. In addition to world-class whitewater rafting on eight different rivers across Colorado, we also provide zip line tours at two locations, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, off-road tours, train rides, hot air balloon rides, cabins and camping. We are more than a Via Ferrata guide. We are more than one of the largest rafting outfitters in Colorado. We are a team of adventure-minded folk with a goal to set the bar for our industry: from guides and training to guest service, outposts and gear.

At AVA, we specialize in creating unforgettable outdoor experiences in Colorado. We are constantly searching for new and exciting ways to immerse you in Colorado’s great outdoors. In addition to our guided Via Ferrata tours, we also offer world-class whitewater rafting on eight different rivers across Colorado, zip line tours at two locations, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, off-road tours, train rides, hot air balloon rides, cabins and camping.

man smiling on Via Ferrata course

Staff

They’re the ones you’ll look to for guidance along the river or cliffside for your excursion. They’re also the ones we’ve put our tireless effort into training so they can safely guide guests through the most beautiful natural areas of Colorado.  Meet the unique and vibrant people of AVA Rafting & Zipline who make it all happen.

Testimonials

AVA Rafting & Zipline is all about providing guests with an incredible and adventurous experience in the beautiful state of Colorado, all while working toward preserving and respecting our natural surroundings. We strongly believe the customer is the best person to talk to about any adventure company. Check out the testimonies from guests who’ve gone on our action-packed journeys and excursions.

Location & Directions

No matter where you are located in central Colorado, you are just a few short hours or even minutes from a high adventure Via Ferrata in the high country. AVA has you covered with the Idaho Springs outpost being 30 minutes west of Denver and plenty of adventure within an hour of Summit County.

Blog

A new trend is taking over in the world of commercial adventures. Via Ferratas are becoming more and more popular around the world, and AVA is now home to two Via Ferrata courses. Follow our blog to keep up to date on new innovations in this exciting industry and to catch deals for the most exhilarating trips Colorado has to offer.

Aerial view of AVA Outpost and Camping Facilities.

Store

Prepare for your day of adventure or take a piece of AVA home with you by checking out our outpost stores.

Contact Us

Questions, comments, or concerns?  Call AVA Rafting & Zipline.  We’ll make your experience fun from the booking process up until the end of your excursion.