Beyond Rafting: Adventures in Colorado You Can’t Miss
Colorado is famous for whitewater, but what about the adventures you’ve never heard of? After 25 years in the outdoors, we’ve discovered some of the state’s most surprising and unforgettable ways to explore the mountains. From Via Ferrata climbs and multi-day e-bike journeys to off-road exploration, fly fishing, and aerial thrills, these experiences reveal a whole new side of the Rockies. And yes, we run world-class rafting but today, let’s go beyond the river and dive into the other adventures in Colorado waiting for you.
Via Ferrata: Colorado’s Best-Kept Adventure Secret
What if you could climb a cliff face without being a rock climber? Via Ferrata, Italian for “iron road,” is one of the most unique adventure tours Colorado, blending hiking, climbing, and aerial exposure on a protected route made of steel cables, iron rungs, and suspension bridges. If you can climb a ladder, you can do a Via Ferrata.
The experience is unlike anything else. You clip into a steel cable bolted into the rock and follow your guide along narrow ledges, vertical faces, and airy bridges. Iron rungs act as both steps and handholds, giving you the stability and confidence to traverse canyon walls and take in views that would normally require advanced climbing skills. Many guests say it’s the closest they’ve ever felt to being Spider-Man.
Via Ferrata is ideal for adventure seekers who want something thrilling but accessible, families with older kids looking for a shared accomplishment, and groups who want an experience that stands out from typical adventures in Colorado. AVA offers multiple Via Ferrata routes with varied difficulty levels at our Granite and Idaho Springs locations. Each course offers its own blend of exposure, challenge, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Compared to rock climbing, it’s more approachable; compared to ziplining, it’s more interactive; compared to hiking, it’s far more thrilling. Many guests combine Via Ferrata with a morning rafting trip using our popular Raft + Via Ferrata Package.
Via Ferrata operates seasonally from spring through fall. Wear closed-toe shoes, athletic clothing, and bring layers for changing mountain weather. This is one of AVA’s signature experiences and one of the most unforgettable Colorado outdoor activities you’ll ever try.
Multi-Day E-Bike Tours: Journey Across Colorado
What if your Colorado adventure was a journey, not just a day trip? Multi-day e-bike tours offer some of the most immersive adventures in Colorado, letting you travel 40–60 miles a day while assisted pedaling makes the ride enjoyable for nearly any fitness level. Over several days, you’ll watch landscapes transform from high alpine forests to sandstone desert while connecting deeply with the terrain.
These tours are special because they offer something few other outdoor adventures in Colorado provide: time. Time to disconnect for days, not hours. Time to enjoy small-group travel with guides, meals, and support vehicles that carry your gear. And time to celebrate milestones with an unforgettable journey: anniversaries, birthdays, bucket-list achievements, or even solo travel with a built-in community.
Choose from several signature routes:
- Breckenridge to Moab (6 days) – Begin in a mountain town and end among red rock towers.
- Aspen to Moab (5 days) – Start with luxury and finish in the desert.
- Breckenridge to Aspen (5 days) – High-elevation, mountain-to-mountain classic.
- Aspen to Palisade (4 days) – Ride into Colorado wine country.
- Taos to Santa Fe (3 days) – A cultural extension into New Mexico.
- Breckenridge to Vail (2 days) – The perfect weekend getaway.
Each tour includes e-bikes, guides, support vehicles, some meals, and lodging assistance. Perfect for couples, groups celebrating something big, or solo riders wanting connection, these tours require only moderate fitness thanks to e-assist.
If you’re looking for adventures in Colorado that go far beyond a single activity, nothing compares to covering an entire region under your own power.
Off-Road Adventures: Explore Beyond the Pavement
Some of Colorado’s best views require leaving the road behind. UTV and off-road rentals offer a completely different way to experience the Rockies, giving you the freedom to explore alpine passes, historic ghost towns, and high mountain overlooks at your own pace.
Off-roading stands apart from other adventures in Colorado because it opens access to places that standard vehicles can’t reach. AVA provides vehicle options, trail maps, safety briefings, and suggested routes. Combine a morning UTV ride with an afternoon rafting trip using our Raft + UTV Package.
Best for couples seeking freedom, photographers, and experienced drivers, off-roading is typically available during summer and fall when high passes open. A valid driver’s license and damage deposit are required.
Fly Fishing Colorado’s Mountain Rivers
Not all Colorado outdoor activities are adrenaline-packed. Fly fishing offers a serene, meditative way to connect with the mountains. With Gold Medal waters like the Arkansas River and healthy trout populations, Colorado is a premier location for anglers of all experience levels.
AVA’s guided fly-fishing trips include all gear and instruction. Guides help with casting techniques, fly selection, reading currents, and locating fish. Half-day and full-day options make it easy to pair fishing with another experience such as a gentle afternoon float.
Fly fishing is perfect for guests wanting a slower, contemplative Colorado adventure. Spring through fall offer excellent opportunities depending on species and water conditions.
Scenic Train Rides: Adventure Without the Effort
Sometimes the best adventure is sitting back and watching Colorado unfold. Scenic train rides are some of the most family-friendly Colorado adventures guide, offering mountain views and historic routes unreachable by car.
AVA partners with iconic railways including the Royal Gorge Route, Durango & Silverton, and Georgetown Loop. These rides feature vintage locomotives, narrated history, and panoramic scenery, ideal for families, romantic outings, and anyone wanting a gentler experience.
Pair a morning train ride with an afternoon rafting trip for a balanced day.
Horseback Riding: Experience Colorado’s Western Heritage
Horseback riding offers a quieter perspective on the Rockies, taking you through meadows, aspen groves, and river corridors. This partner experience appeals to families with young kids, visitors seeking authenticity, and anyone wanting a slower pace between more intense Colorado adventure travel.
Combine a morning ride with an afternoon zipline or Via Ferrata for a full Colorado day.
Aerial Thrills: Zipline Adventures
Ziplines are fast, exciting, and accessible, making them one of the most popular adventures in Colorado for groups. AVA offers long, high-speed ziplines with forested platforms, cliffside launches, and spectacular views. Popular combinations include Raft + Zipline and Rock Climb + Zipline packages, perfect for guests who want variety without needing technical skills.
The Art of Adventure Combinations: Plan Your Perfect Day
Why choose one adventure when you can do multiple? Many guests design custom days that combine river, air, land, and scenic experiences. Some of the most popular pairings include:
- Morning raft + afternoon zipline
- Morning rock climb + afternoon raft
- Via Ferrata + zipline
- Raft + fly fishing (adrenaline + relaxation)
- UTV + raft (land + water)
- Train ride + raft (scenic + active)
AVA handles timing coordination, transportation between activities, and booking. Groups with mixed interests can split up and reunite for meals, making combination days ideal for families, celebrations, and busy travelers.
Choose Your Adventure Style (Not Your Activity)
Not sure where to start? Match your experience to your travel style. This approach helps visitors quickly identify which adventures in Colorado fit their personality and goals.
The Adrenaline Junkie
- Via Ferrata + Class IV rafting + zipline
- Multi-activity days
- Push your limits safely
The Nature Lover
- Fly fishing + scenic float + horseback riding
- Multi-day e-bike tour
- Slow-travel focus on observation and immersion
The Family Crew
- Via Ferrata for older kids
- Gentle rafting, train rides, horseback
- Something for every generation
The Celebration Crew
- Bachelor/bachelorette: raft + zipline + brewery tour
- Anniversaries: multi-day e-bike tour
- Graduations: 5 Best Adventures to Gift Your Graduate
The Weekend Warrior
- Two-day e-bike tour
- Raft + Via Ferrata combo
- Maximum experience, limited time
This format makes it easy to choose the best adventurous tours Colorado for any type of traveler.
Seasonal Opportunities for Unique Adventures
Each season highlights different non-rafting adventures.
Spring: E-bike tours launch, fly fishing improves, Via Ferrata opens, Wildflower Season Colorado.
Summer: All activities available and best time for multi-day tours. Long zipline hours. Excellent for combining adventures.
Fall: E-bike routes explode with golden aspens, fly fishing peaks, Via Ferrata is less crowded, train rides are stunning. Cross these four Adventures off your Colorado Bucket List with thee Thanksgiving Activities.
Winter: Scenic train rides, ice fishing options (if offered), and partnerships with snowshoe/ski providers.
Planning These Unique Adventures
A few quick tips:
- Via Ferrata: Wear closed-toe shoes; expect exposure but no technical climbing skills.
- Multi-Day Tours: Book early; moderate fitness needed; most gear included.
- UTV Rentals: Bring a valid license; listen to your safety briefing; follow trail etiquette.
- Fly Fishing: Licensing handled by guides; waders and gear provided.
- Combinations: Leave enough time between activities and AVA coordinates logistics.
Links that will help you prepare: What to Expect, What to Bring, Getting Here, Deals Page
Why AVA for Beyond-the-Ordinary Adventures
After 25 years, we’ve gone far beyond rafting. See: Celebrating 25 Years | The AVA Difference.
With one trusted outfitter, you can book a wide range of adventures in Colorado without juggling multiple companies. Our certified guides, local knowledge, and customized planning allow you to mix and match experiences seamlessly. See our Testimonials and Custom Packages to learn how we help guests create unforgettable multi-adventure days.
Discover Adventures You Didn’t Know Existed
Colorado holds far more than most visitors imagine: Via Ferrata routes, multi-day e-bike treks, off-road exploration, fly fishing, scenic trains, and unique combinations that reveal the state from every angle. Browse all Adventures for help building the perfect itinerary.
After 25 years, we know the experiences that surprise and delight. Let us show you the adventure tours Colorado that go beyond the river and into the heart of the Rockies.
Meet Mitchell, the newest member of the Outlaw team, who’s always on the lookout for hidden gems—whether that’s in a thrift store, at the most aesthetic coffee shop, or the next marketing campaign! Social media is his one true passion, and writing and telling stories has always accompanied it. When he’s not typing away on his next great story or blog post, you can find him at Wash Park playing grass volleyball or rollerblading at a safe speed.
His motto? “Smile, it’s always in style!” A perfect reminder to keep things light, positive, and full of good vibes—just like his approach to life, marketing, and writing!