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About AVA Rafting & Zipline

Everything You Need To Know

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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

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.

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