COLORADO RAFTING
RUSH THE RAPIDS WITH AVA
FIND YOUR COLORADO RAFTING ADVENTURE
AVA provides a variety of white water rafting experiences at several locations, ranging from gentle floats to intense Class V rapids. Whether you seek a relaxing and picturesque trip or an adrenaline-packed adventure, a short excursion or a multi-day journey, or even a combination of activities, AVA has something for everyone. Our team can help you choose the best Colorado white water rafting experience for your group, regardless of whether you’re planning a family outing or a birthday party adventure!
What an AVA Whitewater Rafting Adventure looks like
WHAT AN AVA WHITEWATER RAFTING ADVENTURE LOOKS LIKE
25 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AWAITS
AVA Rafting & Zipline has been a number one provider of unforgettable outdoor adventures in Colorado for over 25 years, establishing the industry standard for safety, expertise, and guest service. We opened our waters in 1998, beginning with only our whitewater trips on the Arkansas River with a small team and only four boats. Our commitment to safety, customer service, and environmental sustainability has allowed us to expand to other outdoor adventure opportunities and locations, as well as earned us numerous awards, including the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years, Best Whitewater Guide in Elevation, Outdoor’s Best of the Rockies, and Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice for two consecutive years.
YOUR SAFETY, OUR PRIORITY
At AVA Rafting & Zipline, safety is our top priority. Our expert guides are extensively trained and have exceeded industry standards and legal requirements for training before they lead you on your adventure. All of our guides are CPR and First Aid certified and receive expert training in emergency preparedness. On every trip, we equip our guides with curated first aid kits and rescue hardware, and we use high-quality safety equipment that is frequently inspected. With a focus on anticipating and avoiding outdoor emergencies, our highly qualified guides are the safest part of your adventure.
POWERED BY PASSION
At AVA Rafting & Zipline, our team is fueled by a deep love for Colorado’s beautiful outdoors, thrilling adventure experiences, and exceptional guest service. Our experienced guides are not only trained to safely lead rafting trips, but are professionals we hold to the highest levels of respect and teamwork. They are passionate about what they do and eager to share that enthusiasm with our guests, providing the best adventure experiences across every rafting trip. We believe that a whitewater adventure with AVA will not only thrill and excite but will leave you with a lasting appreciation for Colorado’s magnificent outdoors and its ability to inspire and connect.
YOUR AVA RAFTING ADVENTURE
Choosing the perfect trip for your Colorado whitewater adventure can be a daunting task, but AVA Rafting is here to help! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our expert team can guide you through the process. Our rafting trips take place on some of Colorado’s most iconic rivers, including the Arkansas River, Colorado River, and Clear Creek. Each river has its own unique personality, with thrilling half-day and full-day options, overnight trips, Class II-V rapids, and recommended experience levels. Our knowledgeable guides make sure you feel comfortable and ready for your adventure by introducing themselves and teaching you the essentials before your trip begins. They’ll go over how to hold your paddle, commands for navigation, and any swimming techniques you might need if you decide to take a dip in the river.
Your AVA Whitewater Rafting Guide
AVA Rafting & Zipline has an exciting selection of river trips, all easily accessible and located just 1-2 hours from Denver! Our Clear Creek outpost, located in Idaho Springs offers both mild and wild class II-V rapids against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop with just a 30 minute drive from downtown. For even more adventure, head to the Arkansas River from our Buena Vista outpost, a two-hour drive from Denver, where you can experience every class of whitewater, perfect for families or intense thrill seekers.
When it comes to whitewater rafting, rapids vary from Class I through Class V, according to their level of difficulty. Class I rapids are gentle and easy, while class V rapids are extremely challenging and potentially hazardous. At AVA Rafting & Zipline, we have multiple levels of rafting adventures that you can choose from based on your desired level of physical activity and difficulty.
Wondering which location makes sense for you? If you’ll be visiting any of the mountain resort communities like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen, we recommend booking rafting trips and via ferrata tours from our Buena Vista Outpost. Renowned for its classic Colorado beauty, Buena Vista and the Arkansas River Valley are outdoor recreation paradise and provide the ultimate Rocky Mountain experience. If you’ll be in Denver and can’t commit to a longer drive, our Idaho Springs Outpost offers adventure and convenience with river rafting and via ferratas just 30 minutes away.
When planning your adventure with AVA, there are several important factors to consider beyond just the river and difficulty level. We offer a range of trip durations, from half-day to multi-day camping experiences, and a variety of adventure packages, such as ziplining, via ferrata, and rock climbing, to enhance your rafting experience. Bringing the family along? AVA offers special family-friendly rafting trips and has specific age minimums for each level of rapids. If you need help deciding which trip is right for you, we provide detailed trip descriptions and helpful videos throughout our site.
Rivers Information + Trips
Located in central Colorado, our Buena Vista outpost is the perfect launch point for thrilling whitewater rafting tours on the Arkansas River, one of the most renowned rafting destinations in Colorado. With its famous Browns Canyon National Monument stretch, the Arkansas River offers a range of experiences for different skill levels, and its dam-controlled waters ensure predictability year after year. From half-day trips to epic overnight adventures, the Arkansas River offers diverse rafting options that are sure to be a highlight of your Colorado vacation.
Our Buena Vista Outpost hosts our Granite Via Ferrata as well as river trips through Browns Canyon and the Numbers.
Clear Creek is a top destination for whitewater rafting, located only 30 minutes from Denver, Colorado’s capital city. The river flows through the picturesque foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers a variety of stunning scenery, including the historic town where the Gold Rush began. Clear Creek is a dynamic river with a range of difficulties suitable for all levels of experience, from beginner-friendly sections to more challenging stretches. Additionally, we offer packages that combine rafting with exclusive guided access to our thrilling “cliffside” zipline and Via Ferrata courses.
Our Idaho Springs Outpost is home to our Mt. Blue Sky Via Ferrata as well as Upper Clear Creek and Gold Rush river trips.
Rush into the Rapids
For your AVA rafting trip, we’ll provide all the essential gear, including a wetsuit, splash jacket, life jacket, paddle, and helmet. We’ve got you covered, so all you need to bring is appropriate footwear that can get wet and stay on your feet, quick-drying clothing such as fleece, waterproof sunscreen, secure sunglasses, and a towel.
At AVA, we value your time, and we kindly request that you arrive at your outpost 15 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time to ensure that your adventure starts on time. If for any reason you’re running late, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available trip. If that’s not possible, you’ll receive an open credit worth 85% of your adventure’s total cost, valid for the current season. Once you arrive, our welcoming staff will guide you through the check-in process and provide you with all the necessary safety information. Please be sure to sign your liability waiver ahead of time and double-check your confirmation to ensure you’re headed to the right outpost.
When it comes to choosing a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, there are several factors to consider. At AVA, we want to make sure you find the perfect trip for your skill level and interests. We offer a range of trips with varying levels of difficulty and minimum age/weight requirements. If you’re new to rafting or have young children, our Colorado River float trips are a great option. For more adventurous trips, it’s important to consider your group’s fitness level and ability to paddle together. Check out our FAQs page for more information and visit our website to learn more about our rafting difficulty levels and river classifications.
At the end of your adventure, you’ll return to our outpost with your guide and have the opportunity to browse and purchase photos from your trip, so you can take home memories of your adventure! We also offer a variety of apparel and souvenirs for sale. If you had a great time with your guide, please consider leaving a review or tipping them, as they appreciate the recognition. We hope your AVA adventure becomes a highlight of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you again on the water or up in the trees!
Rafting Packages
Rafting + Via Ferrata
If you’ve made it this far, we’ll bet you’re up for a challenge. AVA’s Rafting + Via Ferrata trips are meant for just that. Find yourself traversing among the mountaintops on one of two Via Ferrata courses in Idaho Springs or Buena Vista, then battle your way along Colorado’s whitewater rapids.
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Rafting + Ziplining
Book yourself a wonderful time surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. Our job is to make your experience unforgettable, and with a raft and zipline package you’re sure to have the time of your life. Whether you’re visiting Colorado from out of state or the Rockies are your backyard, a mountain getaway is always a great weekend retreat from the hustle of the city.
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Rafting + Rock Climbing
The views as you navigate the granite cliff face above Buena Vista will have you speechless, then you’ll get to indulge in one of Colorado’s favorite past times. Explore the Arkansas River Valley and where it all started with AVA.
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