Via Ferrata

Explore the best of the Rocky Mountains with a unique Via Ferrata adventure. Traverse across a mountaintop cliff face, climb using features built into the mountainside, and free-fall into the stunning scenery. Highlights include rappels, hanging bridges, iron rungs, and even ziplines, so you won’t miss out on any aerial adventure.

Find your Colorado Via Ferrata Adventure

Via Ferrata, Italian for “Iron path,” refers to a mountain route equipped with ladders, cables, and bridges to make it more accessible. Via Ferratas trace back to the 19th century; however, they are most famously known for their use in World War I. The Italian military constructed several Via Ferratas into the Dolomites to aid in strategic positioning and allow troops to cross the rocky alpine terrain. Via Ferratas are currently used largely for recreational purposes by tourists and hikers. Modern courses maintain the same basic structure but include more handholds and cables for easier access. Over 1,000 Via Ferratas exist worldwide in North America, China, Africa, and Iceland–all with unique features and landscapes!

The Via Ferrata provides a fantastic opportunity to try out a new and exciting outdoor adventure! Because ladders and cables are built directly into a cliff face, Via Ferrata requires less technical knowledge than traditional climbing. AVA offers two unique guided Via Ferrata experiences: the Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) Via Ferrata at our Idaho Springs outpost and the Granite Via Ferrata at our Buena Vista location.

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group smiling through spray as they paddle down the Arkansas River
Exciting & Active
Best for Families & Groups

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 [...]

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group rafting on the upper colorado river
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

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 [...]

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group paddling straight into oncoming spray
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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Guest on the 78-foot free fall on AVA's Granite Via Ferrata course.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for thrill seekers

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 [...]

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Person ziplining through Colorado fall foliage
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Full Day of Family Fun

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 [...]

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group smiling as they conquer the rapids
Maximum Adrenaline
Best for Adrenaline Junkies

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 [...]

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Woman on zipline in Colorado.
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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Group of rafts paddling through Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Excitement

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 [...]

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What an AVA Via Ferrata Adventure looks like

What to expect

On Your Via Ferrata Adventure

Person on a Via Ferrata course.

Our Guides, Your Safety

At AVA, our guides are the heartbeat of our adventures, shaping not only AVA’s identity but your unique adventure. Passion motivates our guides as they impart their love for what they do, ensuring unparalleled adventure experiences across every course and climb. Because safety is our priority, we require our guides to complete extensive training hours that exceed industry standards, as they learn how to respond to and anticipate outdoor emergencies.

Via Ferrata guides undergo extensive belay and rappel training, are CPR and First-aid certified, and must lead under the supervision of an experienced guide before guiding their own trip. Additionally, AVA only uses harnesses, lanyards, and carabiners that have been regularly inspected, and guides receive safety training on all equipment. Before beginning a Via Ferrata course, AVA guides will show you the ropes, assist with gear, and answer any and all questions you may have!

AVA sign outside Buena Vista outpost.

25 Years of AVA Adventure

AVA Rafting & Zipline has provided unique outdoor adventure experiences in Colorado since 1998. AVA first opened its waters as a whitewater rafting company, launching our first Via Ferrata course in 2017 at our Idaho Springs outpost. In 2018, we expanded our Via Ferrata adventures to our Buena Vista location.

On both our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata and Granite Via Ferrata courses, be prepared to experience the Rocky Mountains from a completely new angle! You will traverse along the cliff face, climbing across ladders, rungs, cables, and bridges to navigate the mountainside. We provide all the gear needed for your trip besides footwear and clothing. You will be fitted with a harness, lanyards with secure clips, gloves, and a helmet. Our specialized two carabiner/ lanyard harness system ensures that you are always connected to the cliff face, as it is impossible to clip out of both carabiners simultaneously.

Woman traversing the mountainside on AVA's granite Via Ferrata course

Your Via Ferrata Trip with AVA

Both our Via Ferrata courses in Idaho Springs and Buena Vista represent an exciting opportunity to climb and traverse Colorado’s mountainsides.
Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is just 30 minutes from Denver and one hour from Breckenridge. Suspend your disbelief as you view Idaho Springs and the Chicago Creek from mountaintop bridges and rappel 70 feet down the cliff face! You will even fly across 3 lines of our zipline course, experiencing the best of both aerial adventures.

Our granite course at our Buena Vista outpost is just one hour from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen and begins with a thrilling zipline to your starting point! You will ascend crags and rappel above the Arkansas River Valley, gaining magnificent views of the 14000+ foot Collegiate Peaks throughout the entire course. This course also includes our newest and most thrilling feature, the Flight Line: a stomach-dropping 78-foot freefall

Person climbing a cliff face.

Mountaintop Tips

Via Ferrata trips will run despite the weather, excluding high winds or lightning. Bring a raincoat and wear layers, as Colorado weather can change in the blink of an eye! You may bring a small backpack to carry water or any extra layers, but we recommend phones, wallets, and other valuables remain locked in your car. On all Via Ferrata trips, closed-toed shoes are required, and we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes that will not get in the way of any equipment. Please avoid wearing skirts, short shorts, jeans, and long necklaces, and hair shoulder length or longer should be tied back.

Because we want everyone to be able to make the most of their zipline experience, we ask that you please arrive at our outpost 15 minutes before your scheduled trip You do not need to be a rock climber or an alpinist to take on a Via Ferrata adventure, but there are some physical capabilities necessary to traverse the routes. Some sections of our Via Ferratas require that you climb iron rungs, much like a ladder. The adventure can also take up to 3.5 hours, so be sure that you are physically capable of keeping moving for that long. Please also ensure that everyone in your party meets the age and weight requirements.

Why AVA?

At AVA, our unwavering dedication to Colorado’s great outdoors, exhilarating adventures, and exceptional guest service drives us to continually surpass industry standards since our founding. Beyond equipping our guides to expertly navigate our zipline courses, we instill in them the highest values of respect, professionalism, and collaboration. We believe that a Via Ferrata adventure with AVA will leave you with a resonating passion for Colorado’s great outdoors and its thrilling adventure opportunities.

Can’t decide which adventure to choose?

Too many options? Not sure where to start? We know, it’s a lot to choose from! To narrow down the list to a handful of trips that are just right for you, try our Adventure Compass, below, which will provide a customized set of recommendations.

Want a little extra bang for your buck? Try one of our adventure packages and combine Whitewater Rafting with Ziplining, a Via Ferrata, UTVs, or Rock Climbing. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry, our Adventure Specialists can help you create your own custom adventure package!

Adventure Compass

Explore the AVA Landscape

Find us across Colorado! Use our handy map to determine the activities convenient to your destination.

A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.

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 as you paddle and camp in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies.

Polaris RZR UTV with Colorado's fall leaves in the background.

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 Scenic Float adventure package!

 

Woman driving a UTV rental

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 give you all the time you need to explore the vast off-road trail system around Kremmling with either the Polaris RZR or the Polaris RZR Turbo.

An off-road UTV parked in a Colorado mountain meadow.

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, you’ll have ample time to delve into the expansive off-road trail network surrounding Kremmling, choosing between the Polaris RZR or the Polaris RZR Turbo for your adventure.

Polaris RZR ready for a half-day adventure.

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 to off-roading and a chance to explore the trail system around Kremmling.

An e-bike bike parked on a mountaintop.

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 recreational paths.

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Person biking down paved bike path with trees lining either side.

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 in the surrounding area, is the perfect mountain adventure. Scenic views, interesting detours, and sunny skies abound.

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a man and woman biking on a road in Summit County with mountains in the background

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 paths have to offer whether single track or paved bike path.

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Fishing and Boating Idaho Springs Colorado

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 meals and gear, you just bring that fishing license and a sleeping bag (we can also provide you with one for a small fee)! A camping fishing trip allows you to cover more river miles, meaning you will wake up to a fresh, new section of river each day with different fishing prospects ripe for exploring.

People enjoying fly fishing in Colorado.

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 a seasoned angler, this trip is fit for all levels of experience.

 

 

Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.

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 rafting and climbing experience will challenge all adrenaline seekers, as you tackle some of the most difficult whitewater in the country, as well as our heart-pounding Via Ferrata course.

Group of rafts paddling through Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River

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 mighty Arkansas River.

Guest on the 78-foot free fall on AVA's Granite Via Ferrata course.

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 Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

Man walking across hanging bridge on the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course

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 adventure. Get your heart rate up as you ascend the cliffside, and keep the adrenaline up with rafting on this section of class IV and V rapids.

Woman smiling while traversing AVA's Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course

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 and land, as you rush class IV rapids on the Upper Clear Creek and climb high into the cliffside on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course.

 

Overnight Rafting Trip in Colorado

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 Trail and several other hiking trails is literally out our back door.

 

woman standing outside of cabin door

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 up refreshed, ready for another day of rafting, climbing, or exploring.

 

view of woman climbing Via Ferrata through trees and shrubbery

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 and the Chicago Creek on Via Ferrata course, a unique form of climbing with features built into the mountainside. You’ll then cool off over the course of 7 miles of moderate rapids on the historic Clear Creek.

Guide securing kayaks and raft for transport

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 rafting trip this season. Our full day and overnight packages come fully loaded with everything you need to enjoy some time floating down the river.

 

group paddling into more intense whitewater

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 intense rafting in Colorado.

family paddling down Upper Colorado River

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 family rafting experience.

group rafting led by guide with raised paddle

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 visitor, the 1,500 foot canyon walls tower above you as you raft down this Class III river trip.

 

Kid giving the thumbs up sign from his raft.

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 you’ll have a chance to relax as you admire the river, the bridge, and the granite cliffs of the Royal Gorge.

Steam locomotive on railroad track

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 on the original steam-powered or diesel-powered locomotive through Georgetown, learning about Colorado’s rich mining history and enjoying stunning scenery just outside Denver.

group horseback riding into sunset

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 ride allows you to see the vistas that make the Arkansas Valley so renowned for its scenery.

group of three horseback riding over stream

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 14,000-foot peaks of anywhere in Colorado; this stunning scenery makes it one of the best places to experience a horseback ride.

group horseback riding through green shrubbery and Colorado mountains

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 most scenic locations for a Colorado horseback ride. You’ll get views of Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Ht. Harvard and Mt. Antero on this ride.

 

Fly fishing boat on the Upper Colorado River.

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 anglers and present an opportunity to both fish and relax!

woman casting in Colorado stream

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.

woman casting fishing line in Colorado river

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 major waterways, great for Colorado river fishing.

Person on a Via Ferrata course.

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 cliffside in this unique assisted climbing experience, with views of the Rockies and the town of Idaho Springs present the entire way.

Colorado Sunset Zipline

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 AVA’s same cliffside zipline course after dark, with the moonlight zipline taking place under a full moon.

Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.

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 the most incredible way to see the Arkansas River valley as you experience Colorado from a unique vantage point.

 

Colorado Zipline Tours

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 bridge, and log cross, with the entire family having a blast on this half-day adventure!

 

Rafters with oars up along the river.

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 toes. Tawny canyon walls are interspersed with tall Ponderosa pines. Box Elders soon appear as the canyon walls begin to back off from the river banks.

 

Woman paddling stand up paddleboard

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. You’ll stand up or kneel on a large, surfboard-shaped board and steer with a long paddle as you navigate down the river. Prepare yourself for falling into the water, as it’s highly likely that you’ll go for a swim!

 

group rafting on the upper colorado river

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 the Colorado River winds through the Gore Range and Mountain Ranchland.

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 section of the Colorado River that is inviting to all ages, encountering a few small class II rapids, as you wind through the Gore Range and mountain ranch land.

woman paddling inflatable kayak

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 to try something new or are seeking a little extra excitement or independence, the Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak trip is perfect for you!

Two tents next to the river with the morning sun shining over the mountain in the background

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 to take in historic cabins, scenic waterfalls, and steep canyon walls towering over 100′ above your head. Bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered Colorado river otter are often seen on this fun section of the river.

group paddling into oncoming waves

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 scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

group paddling into oncoming waves

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 opportunity to explore some of the best whitewater in the state within a short distance of Denver.

group smiling and rafting through whitewater

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 rafting trip will provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for all thrill seekers.

 

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 adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.

group paddling straight into oncoming spray

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 to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.

group smiling through spray as they paddle down the Arkansas River

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 through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.

 

Blue River Colorado Whitewater Rafting

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 as you paddle down one of Colorado’s lesser-known yet quintessential rivers.

 

 

 

Rafters navigating intense whitewater and spray.

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 class IV rafting trip on the Clear Creek with our exciting and scenic cliffside zipline course.

 

 

Denver Cliffside Zipline Colorado - Image of man ziplining in the mountains of Colorado.

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 on the cliffside above Idaho Springs, and experience the best of the Rockies from every angle.

group paddling between rocks on the Clear Creek, as one member raises paddle above his head

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 outpost, paddle Clear Creek’s best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.

 

Ziplining in Colorado.

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 to combine two unique aerial adventures in one full day of high-flying fun.

Woman on zipline in Colorado.

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 through nonstop whitewater on the Numbers Rafting section of the Arkansas River.

Rock climber with a spotter.

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 River on our Numbers rafting trip and climb into the cliffside on our rock-climbing adventure.

 

group paddling straight into oncoming spray

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 The Gauntlet as you head out for rafting the Pine Creek & The Numbers section.

Person ziplining through Colorado fall foliage

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 then rush the rapids on our Brown’s Canyon whitewater adventure.

group on a scenic float down the Upper Colorado

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 to adventurous and fit first-timers. This Colorado experience features 1,100-foot canyon walls as you immerse yourself in continuous Class III to Class V white water.

 

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

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 down into the 1100-foot deep gorge, where you’ll battle continuous III-V rapids.

group smiling as they conquer the rapids

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 and Numbers sections of this iconic river, rushing through class III-V rapids under towering peaks and through Colorado’s most natural areas.

group smiling and laughing as they paddle down the Arkansas River

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 III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside deli style lunch.

 

Woman top rope climbing the cliffside.

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 about rock climbing or trying it for the first time this is a perfect trip for you!

A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.

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 get the best of our Brown’s Canyon half-day with even more splashy fun and a later start to your day.

Rafters on smooth waters.

Buena Vista

40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211

If using Google Maps, ‘US 24 North’ is incorrect and will take you 10 miles south of us. Type in the address exactly as listed above to ensure correct directions.

On the hunt for a true mountain excursion?  Head to Buena Vista, Colorado to raft through a national monument on our Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day trip, fly above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline, or Rock Climb the majestic Granite Gorge Cliffs, where views of the majestic Collegiate Peaks will take your breath away.

AVA’s Buena Vista Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.

Group of people on a rustic bridge.

Idaho Springs

431 Chicago Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Our Idaho Springs outpost offers beginner to advanced levels of whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, soar among the treetops on our Cliffside Zipline, or try our  Via Ferrata course for an introduction to mountaineering.  Enjoy an afternoon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and catch some incredible sights of historic Idaho Springs- the location of Colorado’s first gold discovery!

Our Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located near Denver, just 30 minutes west of downtown on I-70, and less than an hour from Summit County.

Oars up on a Colorado River.

Kremmling

1606 Park Avenue
Kremmling, CO 80459

Kremmling is the perfect destination for families looking for a mountain getaway. Our Upper Colorado River Scenic Float rafting trip welcomes adventurers as young as 2 years old on a half day or full day adventure on mellow Class II rapids. While in Kremmling, be sure to also try one of our Fly Fishing excursions or kick up dirt on our UTV Rentals!

You will find our Kremmling outpost just 45 minutes from Summit County and just under two hours from Denver.

Photo Packages and Retail

Upon concluding your adventure, join your guide back at our outpost where you can peruse snapshots from your journey! These photos are available for immediate purchase, as well as our collection of apparel and souvenirs. If your guide contributed to an unforgettable experience, please don’t hesitate to express your appreciation with a well-deserved commendation along with gratuities. We trust that your time with AVA will stand out as a highlight of your time in Colorado, and we can’t wait to see you back, cliffside or on the water!

Don't just take our word for it

Olivia G.2024-06-11

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... Read More »

Paige C.2024-08-29

An Absolute 10/10. We did a Full day Package, morning Via ferrata with Emma and Trey. It was so fun and they were awesome to hang out with! Then we did the... Read More »

Rayna N.2024-07-01

We went whitewater rafting and had the time of our lives. Dan was our guide, he was great! It was a wild ride for sure but I wouldn't change it and can't... Read More »

Olivia Karaszewski2024-06-12

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!

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Tracy Bass2024-08-28

We had a great and fun experience with AVA rafting company!! They did an amazing job from start to finish. The staff was professional, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time on the river. I highly recommend AVA for anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable rafting trip. Sean did an amazing job going over all the details of white water rafting before getting on the river. He was so fun and had so much energy. Oh yes, and his jokes were very funny! :-)
Aldon, our raft guide, was the best of the best!!! He made the trip so fun and so easy to get through the river!! Thank you Aldon!

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Jennifer Murphy2024-07-03

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.

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