Vail, Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trips | AVA Rafting
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Vail White Water Rafting & Other Activities

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VAIL, CO

Locals and guests in this quaint little town are spoiled with gorgeous surroundings and all the amenities of a bigger city. Winter brings skiing and boarding, yet summer offers endless sunny days and a chance to explore Colorado’s mountains and great outdoors. The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.

The town of Vail has much to offer itself, including a variety of lodging and dining options, along with arts and culture opportunities. Catch a show at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, check out Vail’s festival schedule, or stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens!

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OUR TRENDING TRIPS NEAR Vail

  • BROWNS CANYON 1/2 DAY

  • LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting Colorado
    DURATION: 1/2 Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (moderate)
    RIVER RATING: Class III
    MINIMUM AGE: 7 years old
    PRICE: from $94 Ages 13+
    from $89 Ages 7-12

  • CLEAR CREEK GOLD RUSH + ZIPLINE


  • LOCATION:
    Idaho Springs, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting, Zipline
    DURATION: Full Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (moderate)
    RIVER RATING: Class III
    MINIMUM AGE: 6 years old
    PRICE: from $158 for adults 13+
    from $153 for ages 6-12

  • NUMBERS 1/2 DAY + VIA FERRATA


  • LOCATION:
     Buena Vista, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting + Via Ferrata
    DURATION: Full Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (intense)
    RIVER RATING: Class IV
    MINIMUM AGE: 15 years old
    PRICE: from $238 Ages 15+

Vail Whitewater RAFTING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Visitors to Vail are in a great location to access the best of summer’s mountain recreation. With easy day-trip options, you can choose from shorter 2-hour adventures or even overnight trips, ensuring there’s a perfect rafting experience for you. AVA offers trips on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek, with experiences ranging from family friendly options to wild adventures and choices catered to your entire party. Vail’s central location serves as an ideal base for exploring all the best Colorado adventures, including Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, Fly Fishing, and more!

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What is the closest river to raft near Vail?

The Arkansas River

Discover the awe-inspiring Arkansas River just one hour away at our Buena Vista outpost. Your river or mountain adventure will immerse you in breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Collegiate Peak Mountain Range nestled within the Sawatch Range.

Navigate the renowned Browns Canyon National Monument with our exhilarating Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip. This intermediate whitewater experience not only gets your heart pumping but also offers countless opportunities to appreciate the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and wildlife. If you’re seeking a full-day adventure, our Browns Canyon Sizzler will elevate your Arkansas River experience, and on our 24 Hours in Browns trip, you will explore Colorado day and night, camping under the starry sky.

For those craving more intense rapids, our Numbers 1/2 day trip will take you on an adrenaline-pumping experience, as you conquer class IV rapids and the most continuous whitewater on the Arkansas River. And for the most adventurous, don’t miss our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion. You will begin your day with a thrilling 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and plunge directly into the Arkansas River’s steepest section on heart-pounding class V rapids.

Best time to raft: May – September

Ages: 7 years old and up

Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday

Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, Horseback riding

 

The Colorado River

Paddle the Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost, conveniently located just one hour from Vail. This mighty river serves as a lifeline to 36 million people and spans 7 states, carving through the majestic Grand Canyon on its way from the Continental Divide to Mexico’s Gulf of California

Immerse yourself in the beauty of this river with our scenic half and full day float trips. You additionally have the option to paddle an Inflatable Kayak and Stand up Paddleboard,  tailoring your adventure to your group. As you meander through the awe-inspiring Gore Range, you’ll encounter gentle rapids, creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our float trips provide ample time to unwind, swim, and bask in the sun. For those seeking a more immersive experience, our overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip allows you to experience the Upper Colorado River by day and night. Additionally, we offer a range of Fly-Fishing opportunities, including Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight trips, perfect for anglers looking to reel in the big ones, while exploring the best of Colorado’s rivers!

Best time to raft: May – October

Ages: 2 years old and up

Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday

Other Activities: Inflatable Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Fly Fishing, Gear Rentals

 

Clear Creek

Discover the excitement of Clear Creek, located just one hour from Vail and easily accessible from our Idaho Springs outpost. Clear Creek offers unparalleled rafting experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it the top choice for rafting near the Denver area. As you journey along Clear Creek, you’ll be immersed in the rich history of Idaho Springs and its mining valley, while experiencing breathtaking Colorado views and local wildlife.

For a gentle introduction to whitewater rafting that’s perfect for all ages, our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip is an excellent choice, as you rush through eleven thrilling class III rapids, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. If you’re seeking a slightly more advanced experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip will take you through class IV rapids, where you’ll navigate steeper and more technical sections, and our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip provides an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids that will get your heart racing. For those craving the most intense thrills and exhilarating rapids, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate choice. Embark on a full-day advanced journey covering 20 miles of non-stop excitement!

Best time to raft: May – September

Ages: 6 years old and up

Duration: 1/3 day, 1/2 day, and Full Day

Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata

 

Blue River

Raft the The Blue River, located only a half hour from Vail in charming Silverthorne, Colorado. As a tributary of the renowned Colorado River, the Blue River presents an opportunity to raft amidst breathtaking views of the Gore Range and the iconic Quandary Peak.  Embark on our exhilarating Blue River Express trip and navigate class III rapids on a 2 hour adventure perfect for all ages!

Best time to raft: May – July

Ages: 5 years old and up

Duration: 1/3 day

Other Activities: Biking

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Mountaintop and Other Adventures Near Vail

Other Rafting and outdoor adventures near Vaill

If you are looking to make a day trip or stay close to Vail, then the following trips will be great for you.

Silverthorne and Breckenridge, Colorado

Located 30-45 minutes east of Vail. Activities:

 

Buena Vista, Colorado

Located 1 hour south of Vail. Activities:

 

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Located 1 hour east of Vail. Activities:

 

Kremmling, Colorado

Located 1 hour north of Vail. Activities:

 

Gerogetown, Colorado

Located 50 minutes east of Vail. Activities:

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Trips available near Vail White Water Rafting & Other Activities