What to Expect
Aerial Adventures Above Idaho Springs
Our Idaho Springs outpost is where AVA takes things up the mountain. Here you’ll find two of our most unique experiences: the Cliffside Zipline and the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, both built right into the steep canyon terrain above Chicago Creek.
The zipline course lets you move across the mountainside from platform to platform, flying over cliffs, forest, and open canyon with big views the entire way. The via ferrata is a different kind of adventure. You’re clipped into the cliff as you climb and traverse the rock face using cables, ladders, and bridges that let you safely move through terrain most people only see from a distance.
Getting there is part of the fun. Guests leave Main Street Idaho Springs in our Safari Trucks and head quickly from town into the mountains, gaining elevation and views in just a few minutes. It’s a pretty striking transition from a historic mining town to a quiet, high-alpine canyon.
Whether you’re zipping across the cliffs or working your way along the rock face, both experiences are about the same thing: getting you out into Colorado’s mountains in a way that feels real, a little adventurous, and hard to forget.
YOUR GUIDE TO ADVENTURE
Please sign your waiver prior to the day of your trip. If you lost the email with that information just click here.
AVA offers trips at multiple locations. Please double check your confirmation to make sure you’re headed to the right place. If you have any questions you can always call us at 877-RAFTING.
Parking is available at all of our outposts. After you’ve parked your group leader should follow the signs for check-in. walk-up to the desk with your group name and the name of the trip you are doing. If you can’t remember the name our friendly staff will help make sure you get on the right trip. If you all signed the waiver online it’s time to gear up. If someone didn’t sign please bring them up to the check-in desk with you and we will provide a paper waiver for them.
After check-in you’ll have a few minutes to explore our grounds or retail store, see some photos of the trip you’re headed out on and get excited. Don’t wander too far though. Your Trip Leader or “TL” will be gathering everyone on your trip together as soon as everyone has checked-in.
Your TL will be giving you all the information you need about where to store your dry clothes (if rafting) or valuables. We generally advise leaving the fancy and important things to you at home but if you absolutely have to have it after your trip leave it in your car while you’re on your adventure.
On our rafting trips, wetsuits, PFDs (lifejackets), splash jackets and helmets are all provided. Be sure to bring your own footwear, something that can get wet and will stay on your feet if you did a cannonball into the pool. We suggest wearing a bathing suit under your wetsuit and a synthetic shirt (no cotton, it will make you cold).
Zipline and Via Ferrata trips will be given helmets, gloves and all the hardware required to for the trip.
After you’ve been let go to change into the gear for your trip hurry back to the same meeting spot, your TL has more to teach you and if you’re running back and forth to your car or the bathroom the TL has to stop and wait so please make sure you’ve got it all organized.
You’ll hear your final instructions on safety and what to expect and then hop on the bus or van to the river or our Zipline Safari Truck up to the course.
Rafters, you’ll get matched up with your guide and learn all the paddle strokes and other commands and safety skills you need to raft next.
Time to zip, zip away. Or push off into the rapids. Your guide is now in charge and is there to show you the time of your life.
After your trip you’ll hop back in the bus and head to the outpost again. Guides will collect and wash your gear once you’ve returned.
Please head inside and check out the photos of your trip. Professional photographers capture the fun on all of our trips so have a look. You can buy your photos and show them off online right away. Don’t forget to pick up some great AVA Rafting & Zipline clothing as well.
If you had a great time and want to let your guides know they will be outside washing your gear. While gratuities are not required they are certainly appreciated by our staff.
Get Excited with AVA Adventures
See Water Levels
Want to know whether the river’s running high or low right now? Check out current conditions here.
Meet Your Guides
Get to know the staff at AVA! We’re a fun, quirky group, and we’re excited to share our playground with you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR TRIPS
A wet suit will be provided, so you should wear a swimsuit or athletic clothes that you can put your wet suit over. Depending on the time of year and temperature, we may recommend athletic clothes to keep you warm. Do not wear anything with cotton as that will not dry quickly and can make you cold throughout your trip.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. If your tour is scheduled for 12:30 pm, then you should arrive at 12:15, so you can check in and we can get started right at 12:30.
We do not allow dogs or any pets on our river trips. We do ask that you leave them at home or with a dog-sitter because it may not be safe for them to stay in your car during your rafting trip.
We do offer photos that can be purchased before or after your trip. If you pre-purchase your photos you will get a discount. Typically, there are photographers that sit along the river and take photos as your group goes through the rapids.
