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
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 full-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kremmling, Colorado with our latest UTV rentals. With this half-day (4-hour) UTV rental, [...]
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 [...]
1/2 Day Bike Rental
With our multiple bike options, you can choose from spraying up dirt on the trails, sending it downhill at Breckenridge Resort, or cruising the [...]
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 [...]
Campsites
Spend an evening under the Arkansas Valley stars at AVA’s Buena Vista campground. Located at the base of several 14,000-foot peaks, access to the [...]
Colorado Cabins
Our rental cabins at our Buena Vista outpost offer unparalleled access to outdoor activities! Stay with us before or after your adventure and wake [...]
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 [...]
Dowd Chute Rafting
The Eagle River, just minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, is the home of Dowd Chute, which offers some of the most thrilling and [...]
Lower Eagle Rafting
The Eagle River whitewater rafting experience offers a variety of paddling for all levels of boating, and the Lower Eagle is the perfect Colorado [...]
Shoshone Rafting
Shoshone Rapids half day takes you through Colorado’s amazing Glenwood Canyon, which is just outside of Glenwood Springs. A must-see destination for any Colorado [...]
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day
Wanting to experience the Royal Gorge from a different perspective? After your day of rafting, take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad, where [...]
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 up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the [...]
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
Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]
Dolores River 3 Day
This 47-mile run is full of intermediate Class III rapids with one easily scouted Class IV+ rapid thrown in to keep everyone on their [...]
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 Scenic Float-Half Day
This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as [...]
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 [...]
24 Hours on the Upper Colorado
This trip offers something for everyone! Enjoy wildlife, serenity, and natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. You’ll have plenty of time [...]
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 [...]
Phoenix Full Day
Experience Clear Creek’s best whitewater on our Phoenix, full-day advanced trip, only 30 minutes from Denver. The nonstop action on this Clear Creek river [...]
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 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
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 [...]
Rock Climb + Zipline
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors of the Arkansas River Valley with a rock climb + zipline package! This multi-adventure package offers the opportunity [...]
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 [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas [...]
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 [...]
Royal Gorge Half Day
The Royal Gorge ½ Day Trip offers a thrilling whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River that is sure to excite everyone from experienced rafters [...]
Royal Gorge Full Day
Spend a day in the scenic Royal Gorge! One of the most renowned white water rafting trips in Colorado, this section will take you [...]
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 [...]
Rock Climb Half Day
Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while our guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors. Whether you’re looking to learn more [...]
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
We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena Vista, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Our guide, Todd, was absolutely amazing. His expertise and enthusiasm made the trip both thrilling and safe. We tackled class 4 rapids, and Todd’s guidance ensured we had an exhilarating and enjoyable time. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire tour was perfectly organized from start to finish. If you're looking for a top-notch rafting experience with skilled and friendly guides, look no further than AVA Rafting & Zipline. We can't wait to return for another adventure!
Read More »Had such a great time rafting browns canyon with our guide, Jordan. He was very clear and efficient when giving instructions, which made our trip go smoothly. We did class 3 rapids, and now Im itching to go back and do more intense ones! While it does take a bit to get down to the water after arriving at the outpost, the wait is definitely worth it. It was my favorite part of my trip to CO!
Read More »We loved this rafting trip. We are staying in Vail, so it was a 1 hour 15 minute drive... but it was worth it. We had 2 - 50 year old adults and three teens in our group and we all loved it. The rapids were just thrilling enough for us as we were looking for class 3 rafting. And the trip was a great length. The views of the Canyon were gorgeous the entire way. The guides were very friendly and likeable. We had Elliot and our whole group thought he was great. They had good equipment too: wetsuits, water proof jackets, helmets and life jackets. Their rafts had good spots to lock in your feet so you felt safe and like you wouldn't fall out of the raft... unless you weren't being smart.
Just so folks understand the time commitment: 1 1/4 drive each way from Vail, 1/2 hour to check in and get suited up at their outpost; 1/2 drive to the launch spot; about 1 1/2 hours rafting; 45 mins back to outpost... we were scheduled for 9 and were done and heading out about 12:30.
Read More »We went for a family adventure day to AVA near Buena Vista, CO. The front office staffs were exceptionally polite and generous and helped us with many ad-hoc requests like heating up our pizza. Check in and check out processes were smooth and flawless. Our zip line guides Ernie and Jess were fantastic and taught the techniques that took away fear from my kids mind. Jess was able to pull me back when I was stuck in the zip line (of-course because I did not follow the instructions). Jill was our rafting guide and she made the adventure thrilling and enjoyable for the entire family. She is very knowledgeable about the waters and the land forms surrounding it and felt like she enjoys what she is doing. Thanks AVA for gifting us a wonderful day.
Read More »My family of 4 went zip lining yesterday with Jess and Ernie and they were awesome!! They not only took extreme care and precautions, they also made the trip fun!! I would highly recommend this company as your zip line outfitters and Jess and Ernie as your guides!!
We also went rafting on the trip. We took the level III trip down Brown’s Canyon. Being a first timer, I was extremely nervous but our guide Jerrod was GREAT! He coached us through the whole trip and while giving us insights on the scenery and locations!! Made the trip fun and safe !
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