Colorado Rock Climbing
Adventure at its Peak
Discover Your Colorado Rock Climbing Adventure
Discover the allure of rock climbing in Colorado with the guidance of our experienced AVA guides. From belaying and rappelling to anchor setting, our rock climbing trips will introduce you to the fundamentals of the sport. Our beginner courses offer an ideal environment to apply your newfound skills. For more seasoned climbers, our intermediate routes provide the perfect opportunity to take your abilities to the next level.
All Adventures
What a Rock Climbing Adventure looks like
Why Choose AVA for your Rock Climbing Adventure
For over two decades, AVA Rafting & Zipline has been dedicated to providing remarkable outdoor adventures in Colorado. We seek to promote connection between our guests and the Colorado outdoors with an emphasis on exceptional guest service. Beginning as a rafting company in 1998, AVA has since expanded to multiple adventure opportunities, including our rock climbing course at Granite Gorge Cliffs. While we have grown, we remain committed to safety, innovation in adventure, and sustainable recreation. As a result, we have been recognized by top travel authorities such as Tripadvisor, Elevation, and Outdoor’s Best of the Rockies, receiving accolades such as the Certificate of Excellence and Traveler’s Choice. With our outstanding reputation, AVA continues to be a top choice for adventure-seekers worldwide.
Our guides are a crucial part of your AVA Rafting & Zipline experience. Safety is our top priority, and we hold our guides to the highest standards of excellence. Our guides undergo extensive training that exceeds industry requirements, including CPR and First-aid certification, emergency response preparedness, and belay and rappel training. Additionally, we ensure that our guides are well-versed in all safety equipment, using only rigorously inspected and tested harnesses, lanyards, and carabiners. During your Rock Climbing adventure, our guides will provide comprehensive instructions, assist with gear, and address any questions you may have. Rest assured that our guides will guide you safely through your thrilling experience.
AVA Rafting & Zipline is dedicated to providing unparalleled adventure experiences that go beyond industry norms. Our love for Colorado’s outdoors drives us to deliver exceptional experiences founded on guest service, respect, professionalism, and teamwork, and, above all else, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides are passionate about sharing their expertise and excitement with our guests. We believe that a Rock Climbing experience with AVA extends beyond thrill and excitement to instill an increased appreciation for the great outdoors in our guests.
Our climbing routes are designed for “top rope” climbing, where a belayer will keep the rope taut for you as you climb, and vice versa. Once you reach the top of your climb, you’ll belay down, gently descending back to the ground while using the support of your rope. At our Granite Gorge Cliffs location, our guides will assess your skill level and experience to determine which of our two courses, tailored for both beginners and intermediate climbers, will be the best fit for your group. All necessary gear, including harnesses, ropes, and helmets, will be provided for your safety.
CLIMB THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
At AVA, we are surrounded by stunning vertical terrain in the Arkansas Valley, and we can’t wait to help you explore it. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate climber, we offer a variety of rock climbing options for you to test your limits. With views of towering peaks such as Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard, our Buena Vista Outpost is the starting point for our half-day rock climbing tour and includes lessons and guided routes. Make your experience even more thrilling by pairing it with a whitewater rafting or zipline adventure. Our family-friendly rock climbing is perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to build teamwork and trust with your climbing partners. Come experience the breathtaking views and exciting challenges of rock climbing with AVA!
Our Buena Vista outpost, situated just north of the town, is the ultimate destination for those seeking thrilling outdoor adventures in Colorado. With easy access from Summit County and Vail, you can experience the best of whitewater rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, fly fishing, camping, and hiking. Nestled in the picturesque Arkansas River Valley, this location offers breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks and the San Isabel National Forest, making it the perfect base camp for exploring the natural wonders of Colorado. Extend your stay in one of our charming miners’ cabins or book lodging in Buena Vista for the ultimate adventure vacation.
CLIMB INTO ADVENTURE
AVA Rafting & Zipline trips usually run even in mildly unfavorable weather conditions, unless there are high winds or lightning. As the Colorado weather can be uncertain, it is suggested that you wear layered clothing and bring a raincoat. For safety reasons, all rock climbing trips require closed-toe shoes and comfortable, secure clothing. Loose clothing, skirts, short shorts, and jean shorts should be avoided, and long hair must be tied back. Although you can carry a small backpack to hold water or extra layers, it is recommended to leave valuables such as phones and wallets in your vehicle to prevent any lost possessions.
For the best possible experience during your rock climbing adventure, we kindly request that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. If you happen to be running late, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available trip. If you are unable to make your trip, we offer an 85% credit towards your adventure cost, which is valid for the current season. Once you arrive, check-in with our friendly staff and meet your guide, who will provide important instructions before you begin your climb. We kindly ask that you sign your liability waiver in advance and double-check all of your reservation details, including the location, date, and time of your scheduled trip.
Our Rock Climbing adventures are suitable for families and do not require any prior rock climbing experience. However, some physical abilities are needed to navigate the routes. The trip typically lasts about three hours, so make sure you can sustain physical activity for that duration. The minimum age requirement for Rock Climbing trips is 6 years old, with a minimum weight of 50lbs and a maximum weight limit of 250lbs.
After your Rock Climbing adventure is finished, you will accompany your guides back to our outpost, where you can return your gear and browse through our selection of souvenirs and photographs. Our guides put in their best efforts to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, and if you enjoyed your trip, we welcome gratuities. We hope that your time with AVA becomes a memorable part of your spring or summer, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future!
Rock Climbing Packages
Rock Climbing + Rafting
Come get your boulder burn on with AVA Colorado Via Ferrata on a 1/2 Day Rock Climbing + 1/2 Day Rafting trip! Start your day with our experienced climbing guides above the Arkansas River Valley, take a much needed lunch break to refuel, then gear up and head to the river for some afternoon fun on the whitewater.
Rock Climbing + Rafting + Camping
With plenty of campsites at AVA’s Buena Vista location, you can plot yourself down for the weekend and enjoy some nights under the stars after days of adventure. Raft the Arkansas River, rock climb among the Rocky Mountain vistas, and make your summer one to remember.
Rock Climbing + Rafting + Cabin
Pair the intense and exciting rapids of the Arkansas River with the classic Colorado activity of rock climbing and you have yourself a weekend for the books. AVA’s Buena Vista outpost has rustic miner cabins on location as well, so the only thing you have to worry about bringing is a taste for adventure.
