Celebrating 25 Years
Our excellence across our Rafting, Ziplining, Via Ferrata, and other adventure opportunities has allowed us to grow and constantly challenge industry standards. AVA’s continued focus on the guest experience through professional, low-impact outdoor recreation trips has garnered us recognition by our guests, as well as earned us several awards. Celebrate our 25 years of Adventure Awaits, and join us on the water or in the air!
Adventure Awaits: Past, Present, and Future
AVA Rafting & Zipline has brought the highest level of outdoor adventure experiences to Colorado since 1998. As we head into our 25th season, we look both forward and backward, remaining as excited for our guests to experience the thrill of a Colorado outdoor adventure as we were in our very first year on the water. We reflect with pride on our history and how far we have come, yet direct our vision to the future, excited to continue to develop innovative outdoor experiences, provide outstanding service, and foster appreciation for Colorado’s outdoor spaces.
What the AVA Difference looks like
Colorado's Premier Outdoor Adventure Outfitter since 1998
AVA Founder, Duke Bradford, found his first investor in four minutes. Duke worked as a ski patroller at Keystone Resort in 1997, where he met Keith Chapeau on a lift ride up, successfully pitching his business plan in the amount of time it took to reach the top. His first investor was impressed by Duke’s idea of a guest-oriented rafting company and inspired by the business plan he wrote with only the advice of a library “how-to” book. Duke envisioned a rafting company that pushed the boundaries of just rafting.
Duke had worked as a raft guide in West Virginia and was impressed by the level of guest service offered, with opportunities for dining and overnight stays. With this inspiration and his first investors, AVA was born out of an old camping area north of Buena Vista in the spring of 1998. AVA included only four boats, five staff, and this small facility, but the hard work of the team and its unique location allowed AVA to raft all sections of the Arkansas River, as well as offer meals and lodging.
Duke and the team took advantage of the winter and off-season to raft the Gauley River in West Virginia, as well as parts of Mexico to research and develop improvements for the company. This venture proved successful, leading AVA to extend rafting opportunities into the Gore Canyon area of the Colorado River the following summer.
AVA then bought Keystone Rafting, proving to be one of Colorado’s most significant whitewater rafting companies, as we continued to lead trips despite the year’s drought. Duke attributes success during this tough time period to AVA’s guides and their positive impact on the guest experience; we persevered through tough water conditions, while many other rafting companies were forced to close. Through perseverance, hard work, and a little luck, AVA continued to grow, and the young company doubled in size each year for the first five years.
2005 saw AVA’s expansion to the Clear Creek and our Idaho Springs outpost. We again doubled the number of guests in only our second year of operation here, and in 2008, AVA began to lead trips on the Upper Colorado River from Kremmling. Duke and AVA soon recognized the demand for, and importance of, additional outdoor adventure opportunities in Colorado, and expanded AVA to include a 7 line Granite zipline course near our Buena Vista outpost. This 2011 endeavor exploded, proving AVA’s competitiveness across outdoor recreation outfitters, and allowed us to add our 6-line Idaho Springs course in 2012.
2011 additionally distinguished itself as an important year, as we expanded into the transportation sector with the implementation of our shuttle services and transportation company, Peak 1 Express. Peak 1 Express increased transportation opportunities within the mountains, and thus access to Colorado’s great outdoors and outdoor recreation opportunities. In 2016, AVA expanded our Upper Colorado River services to include Fishing trips and UTV and equipment rentals and opened an outpost in the Kremmling area to better service rafting on the Colorado River. 2017 and 2018 additionally saw increased recreation opportunities, as we built exciting Via Ferrata courses at our Idaho Springs and Buena Vista outposts.
Duke and all of us at AVA are proud of all that we have accomplished since 1998 and look forward to developing new and thrilling outdoor adventure opportunities for our guests. We seek to embrace the possibilities within the outdoor recreation field, while remaining true to our roots in guest service and low-impact recreation. Even as AVA continues to grow and expand, Duke remains committed to sustainability efforts regarding natural resources, river access and water quality, fighting to protect the rivers that have and will continue to provide us opportunities for adventure, connection, and excitement.
AVA Values and Mission
Passionate Guides
AVA prioritizes the guest experience, with our ultimate goal being to provide positive adventure experiences that result in lifelong memories. We hold ourselves to the highest standards across adventure trips, continuously seeking to improve our adventure offerings with your experience in mind. That being said, our guides define your adventure experience, and they define who we are. We value guest safety above all else, requiring our guides to undergo extensive training, and hiring guides who share our vision of the guest experience, and who, in turn, inspire us with their passion, knowledge, and positivity.
Wilderness Appreciation
This reciprocity of learning underscores our beliefs in teamwork and respect, as we turn to others and our natural landscape to lead and inspire, sharing a vision of the natural environment as a catalyst for growth and connection. We educate ourselves and our guests on Colorado’s wilderness and the importance of sustainability initiatives across adventure opportunities. Going forward, we seek to challenge ourselves and the industry, as we implement innovative adventures that appeal to our guests and remain cohesive with our commitment to low-impact recreation.
Colorado Community
Since AVA Rafting & Zipline’s origin in 1998, we have sought to implement and contribute to initiatives targeted at improving the ecosystems of our rivers, land, and local Colorado communities. We have participated in local appreciation days in Idaho Springs and Kremmling, showing support for the communities that make our adventure trips possible. We support and remain actively involved in sponsorships for relevant organizations, including Summit Youth sports, CAIC avalanche awareness and resource development, and local charitable organizations.
Low-Impact Recreation
We additionally run our adventure opportunities with an emphasis on low-impact recreation, partnering with Leave No Trace to reduce our environmental impact. On our trips, we emphasize guest education on sustainable practices and the necessity of respect for our outdoor environment and ecosystems in relation to outdoor adventure and tourism. We additionally recycle at all outposts, avoid use of disposable paper and plastics, and continually push closer to becoming a paperless operation.
Browse other Group Packages
Buena Vista Townie Cruiser Bike Rental
Some days call for exploring Buena Vista at an easy pace instead of chasing singletrack. Our Townie Cruiser rentals are electric assist bikes built [...]
Buena Vista Full Suspension Mountain Bike Rental
Buena Vista sits in one of the best mountain biking zones in Colorado, with more than a hundred miles of singletrack carved into the [...]
Mount Blue Sky & Argo Cable Car Scenic Tour
Discover the beauty, history, and scenery of Colorado’s Front Range on AVA’s Mount Blue Sky & Argo Cable Car Scenic Tour. This guided adventure [...]
Buena Vista Raft + Bike Package
Spend your morning in the rapids of the Arkansas River and your afternoon exploring Buena Vista’s river roads and high-country trails on a premium [...]
Arches Sunrise to Sunset Explorer
A private guided morning through the geologic wonders of Arches National Park. An evening sunset float on the Colorado River. This is Moab from [...]
Beat the Heat with Rafting + Biking
Start your morning cool on the Colorado River. End your evening exploring Moab by e-bike. One unforgettable day, two iconic adventures: the perfect antidote [...]
Arches National Park Scenic Tour
Experience one of Utah’s most breathtaking landscapes on AVA Rafting & Zipline’s Arches National Park Scenic Tour. Journey through towering red rock formations, natural [...]
Moab E-Bike Rental
Explore the red rock landscapes of Moab, Utah with AVA Rafting & Zipline’s brand-new e-bike rentals. Whether you’re cruising along the Colorado River, riding [...]
Rocky Mountain National Park Tour (Winter-Spring)
Experience Rocky Mountain National Park in its most peaceful and magical season. Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and quiet forests create a completely different kind [...]
Rocky Mountain National Park Tour (Summer-Fall)
Explore Colorado’s most iconic landscapes on a guided full-day adventure through alpine lakes, wildlife-filled valleys, and breathtaking mountain passes.
3 Day Utah River Rafting Trips – Westwater Canyon | Moab, UT
Escape into one of the most iconic river canyons in the Southwest on our 3 Day Westwater Canyon Rafting Trip. This unforgettable multi-day adventure [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day | Moab, UT – Colorado River
Take control of your own river adventure with our Inflatable Kayaks Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle a stable, self-bailing inflatable kayak (also [...]
Whitewater Canoe Half Day | Moab, UT
Get ready for a hands-on river adventure with our Whitewater Canoe Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle your own inflatable canoe down a [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT
Experience the beauty of Moab from a fresh perspective on the water with our Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day adventure! Glide across the iconic [...]
Westwater Canyon Overnight Whitewater Rafting | Moab, UT
Take on one of the most legendary whitewater stretches in the Southwest with a 24-hour rafting and camping experience through Westwater Canyon. This overnight [...]
Fisher Towers Overnight Rafting | Colorado River Camping Near Moab
Slow down and experience the Colorado River the way few people do by spending a full day on the water and a night under [...]
Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting | Colorado River, Moab
Take your time on the Colorado River with a full-day rafting trip through the stunning Fisher Towers section. This extended journey goes beyond the [...]
Westwater Canyon Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Near Moab, UT
If you’re looking for the most exciting rafting near Moab, Westwater Canyon delivers. This iconic stretch of the Colorado River combines towering canyon scenery [...]
Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab
If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]
6 Day E-Bike Tour (Breckenridge to Moab)
Set out on an extraordinary six-day e-bike journey beginning in Breckenridge, Colorado and ending in Moab, Utah, tracking the mighty Continental Divide and transitioning [...]
5 Day E-Bike Tour (Aspen to Moab)
Set out on a remarkable five-day e-bike journey from Aspen, Colorado to Moab, Utah through the high frontier of the Rockies into the dramatic [...]
5 Day E-Bike Tour (Breckenridge to Aspen)
Embark on an unforgettable five-day e-bike journey through the heart of the Colorado Rockies, beginning in Breckenridge, Colorado and concluding in Aspen, Colorado. With [...]
4 Day E-Bike Tour (Aspen to Palisade)
Experience the magic of the Colorado Rockies meeting wine country on a four-day e-bike journey from Aspen, Colorado to Palisade, Colorado. With dramatic alpine [...]
3 Day E-Bike Tour (Taos to Santa Fe)
Discover the magic of Northern New Mexico on a three-day e-bike adventure from Taos to Santa Fe. With striking high-desert and Sangre de Cristo [...]
2 Day E-Bike Tour (Breckenridge to Vail)
Discover the beauty of the Colorado Rockies on a two-day e-bike adventure from Breckenridge to Vail. With stunning mountain scenery, premium e-bikes, and full [...]
1 Day Breckenridge Lake Loop E-Bike Tour
Experience the scenic freedom of Northern Colorado with our self-guided 1 day e-bike loop through the heart of Summit County. Starting in Breckenridge, this [...]
Whitewater Canoe Half Day
Craving adventure and epic views? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Half Day Whitewater Canoe trip, you’ll paddle through scenic canyons and mild rapids for a [...]
24 Hours in Browns Canyon
Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country [...]
Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package
Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and [...]
Polaris RZR Full Day UTV Rental
Experience an adrenaline-filled full-day adventure through the awe-inspiring terrain of Kremmling, Colorado with our new UTV rentals. This full-day (8 hour) UTV rental will [...]
Polaris RZR Half Day UTV Rental
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kremmling, Colorado with our latest UTV rentals. With this half-day (4-hour) UTV rental, you’ll [...]
Polaris RZR 2 Hour UTV Rental
Our UTV rentals offer an unforgettable opportunity to adventure through the stunning scenery of Kremmling, Colorado. Our 2-hour UTV rental offers a shorter introduction [...]
Full Day Bike Rental
A full day exploring Breckenridge by bike, whether via the thrill of single track or cruising the many rec paths both in town and [...]
Multiday Bike Rental
Skip the car and use a bike to navigate town for the entire vacation! Or, get out and explore everything that Colorado’s many bike [...]
2 Day Overnight Fishing Trip
The 2 days overnight fly fishing trip combines float and wade fly fishing and camping to create the quintessential Colorado adventure. We’ll provide the [...]
Walk & Wade Fly Fishing Trip
Explore the incredible waters of the Upper Colorado River with a knowledgeable fishing guide. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first-time fishing or you’re [...]
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of adventure with Gift Certificates from AVA Rafting & Zipline! We get it – it’s just so easy to send another [...]
The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]
Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
The Lower Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
This exciting full-day adventure experience combines rafting on the Lower Canyon portion of the Clear Creek with our thrilling Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata [...]
Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
Spend your day venturing through the mountains on with this thrilling combo of activities! You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water [...]
Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata
On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs [...]
Raft Rentals & Packages
Do you have experience rafting the Colorado River? That’s perfect because we have all the rafts and gear you need to build a righteous [...]
Georgetown Loop Train Ride
Only 45 minutes from Denver, Colorado in Idaho Springs, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers an exciting and historical opportunity to experience Colorado history. Ride [...]
Mt. Princeton Sunset Ride
See why Colorado is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Being on horseback at sunset is a memory that will last forever. This two hour [...]
Mt. Princeton Waterfall Ride
Ride along the scenic Browns Creek approximately 2 hours, taking in beautiful views of waterfalls along the way. The Arkansas Valley holds the most [...]
Mt. Princeton 2 Hour Ride
The Arkansas Valley is lined with 15 14,000-foot peaks – the most in one concentration in Colorado – which makes for one of the [...]
Upper Colorado 4 Hour Fly Fishing
Join AVA for a scenic fly-fishing excursion on the Upper Colorado River. Our 4- hour float trips are perfect for both novice and experienced [...]
Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Half Day Fly Fishing
The perfect introduction to fly fishing. Get an orientation and test your skills on the iconic Arkansas River in central Colorado.
Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Full Day Fly Fishing
Come discover the magnetism of fly fishing in Colorado! Endless riffles, runs, pools, and overhanging brush – the Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s [...]
Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata
Get your heart racing on one of Colorado’s most unique aerial adventures. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata takes you high above Chicago Creek [...]
Starlight & Full Moon Zipline
Join us for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! The starlight zipline adventure allows you to experience [...]
Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day
Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day
Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the [...]
Colorado River Float Trip: Scenic Half-Day Adventure
A Colorado River float trip is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Gore Range, featuring gentle Class II rapids that [...]
Scenic Float Full Day
Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day
Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want [...]
Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip
Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful [...]
The Lower Canyon on Clear Creek
Adrenaline seekers will love the Lower Canyon portion of Clear Creek, with opportunities to raft class IV and V rapids. This is a unique [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]
Numbers 1/2 Day
Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking [...]
Browns Canyon Half Day Rafting
Browns Canyon half-day rafting trip delivers the perfect blend of family-friendly adventure and thrilling white water action. Paddle through Class III rapids on Colorado’s [...]
Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip
Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class II-III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you [...]
Upper Clear Creek Rafting + Zipline
Package a thrilling zipline tour with the Upper Clear Creek half-day rafting trip for an adventure of a lifetime! This full-day experience combines our [...]
The Lower Canyon Rafting + Cliffside Zipline Package
The Lower Canyon and cliffside zipline multi-adventure package includes an entire day of adrenaline-pumping fun. Join us on the Clear Creek and up high [...]
Gold Rush Rafting+ Zipline
Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Zipline
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way [...]
Rappel into the Gauntlet
On this full-day whitewater rafting adventure, we’ll get your adrenaline flowing beginning with a rappel into the Granite Gorge! You’ll meet your raft for [...]
Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and [...]
The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & Numbers
Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado. On this rafting adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek [...]
Browns Canyon Sizzler
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]
Browns Canyon Express
Experience the best of the Arkansas River on this 3/4 day trip through class III rapids and the majestic Browns Canyon National Monument. You’ll [...]
Don't just take our word for it
Mark and Devon were fantastic. They both obviously enjoy their jobs and (literally) hanging with other people. They have different personality types --both... Read More »
I had a lot of fun going zip lining there for my 24th birthday and would love to do it again in a heartbeat! Read More »
Drove 1hour to meeting point. Doors locked, they cancelled trip without notifying us. Promised immediate refund. When Viator attempted refund THEY DENIED... Read More »
My family of 6 had an awesome experience ziplining on July 1st 2026. Zack and Maria were the best guides. They attended to safety very closely while also making our trip enjoyable and fun. They were also very supportive and uplifting as we had never ziplined before. Thanks for a fun filled afternoon! It was much needed after a long flight to CO. A great way to see the Colorado views and kick off our vacation.
Read More »The rafting trip was incredible! Even though the water level was lower, it was still a 10/10 experience. What truly made the trip unforgettable was the amazing team leading it — from the raft guides to the driver. Everyone was incredibly friendly, professional, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Read More »Yesterday was a damn near perfect day.
In the morning we did the Buena Vista Granite Via Ferrata. It included awesome views, Fool proof climbing system, and A bungee jump.
After that we headed I;to town to eat lunch at Casa Sanchez and it was outstanding. We then headed into down town Buena Vista to join our guide Cody for some whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river. We won the guide lottery as he is awesome at his job. We rafted, swam, and jumped of some big boulders into the river.
The whole process was fun and well organized. We will definitely be back. The combo of the Via Ferrata and the rafting leaves you time in the middle for a short siesta and a fine meal.
Read More »
