Top Outdoor Adventures in Colorado for Summer
Colorado summer is a magical time when alpine peaks glow under the warm sun, wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues, and rivers sparkle with fresh mountain water. The crisp mountain town air invites you to explore a playground of outdoor adventures, from exhilarating whitewater rafting and ziplining to the thrilling Colorado Via Ferrata, rock climbing, fly fishing, and off-roading. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or savoring nature’s tranquility, Colorado outdoor summer offers an unmatched variety of experiences. Key destinations like Buena Vista, Kremmling, and Idaho Springs serve as perfect gateways, with scenic drives through wildlife-rich valleys and majestic mountain passes adding to the journey.
Why AVA is Your Gateway to Colorado’s Best Summer Adventures?
When you picture your dream Colorado summer adventure, you probably imagine stunning scenery, heart-racing thrills, and a team of professionals who make everything seamless from start to finish. That’s exactly what AVA delivers. For over two decades, AVA has been leading guests into Colorado’s most spectacular landscapes, combining expert guiding with top-notch equipment and personalized service. Whether you’re brand new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned explorer, AVA has crafted experiences to fit your pace, comfort level, and adrenaline appetite.
Another reason AVA is the go-to for Colorado summer activities? Convenience and variety. With multiple outposts strategically located near Denver, Summit County, and across the high country, you can choose adventures that fit into your travel schedule, whether that’s a quick half-day outing or a multi-day trip that immerses you in the Rockies. Plus, AVA makes planning easy by offering combo packages, lodging recommendations, and even transportation options to ensure your trip is stress-free.
Here’s a closer look at AVA’s six signature adventures:
- Whitewater Rafting Colorado – Suitable for all ages and difficulty levels, from gentle family floats to heart-pounding rapids.
- Ziplining – Soar high above alpine landscapes with breathtaking views.
- Via Ferrata – Experience Colorado’s fastest-growing climbing adventure on routes at Granite and Mount Blue Sky.
- Rock Climbing – Tackle iconic Colorado formations with professional guidance.
- Fly Fishing – Cast in pristine waters teeming with trout and surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Off-Roading – Explore rugged mountain terrain on thrilling ATV trails.
Outpost Spotlights – Which Colorado Base is Right for You?
With three distinct outposts, AVA makes it easy to find your perfect launch point for a Colorado summer adventure. Each base offers its own personality, scenery, and signature activities, so choosing the right one depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
Buena Vista – The Remote, Stunning Classic
If your vision of Colorado outdoor activities includes big mountain views, charming small-town vibes, and access to some of the best whitewater in the country, Buena Vista delivers. Here you’ll find the legendary Arkansas River, home to Browns Canyon National Monument, a mix of thrilling rapids and jaw-dropping granite cliffs. It’s also where AVA operates the Granite Via Ferrata, a route that combines vertical climbing and traverses with panoramic alpine vistas. Add in Colorado rock climbing and off-roading options, and Buena Vista becomes a multi-sport paradise. Getting there from Summit County is part of the magic: the drive takes you over alpine passes and through valleys teeming with wildlife.
Kremmling – Scenic & Family-Friendly
Kremmling is perfect if your ideal Colorado summer is slower-paced but still filled with adventure. The Upper Colorado River runs calm here, making it an excellent choice for family floats, fishing trips, or just soaking in riverside scenery. Wildlife is abundant (think bald eagles, deer, and bighorn sheep) and the nearby fly fishing Colorado waters are top-rated. Its quieter atmosphere makes it a great base for multi-generational groups or anyone seeking a break from busier tourist hubs.
Idaho Springs – Quick Adventure from Denver
For those short on time but big on Colorado family adventures, Idaho Springs is your go-to. Located less than an hour from Denver, this outpost offers access to Clear Creek’s action-packed rapids, the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, and Colorado ziplining over rugged canyons. It’s ideal for first-time adventurers or anyone wanting a quick but unforgettable taste of a Colorado summer without committing to a full day on the road.
Whitewater Rafting – From Family Floats to Heart-Pounding Rapids
Colorado summer means prime rafting season from May through September, with something for everyone.
- Buena Vista: Tackle the thrilling Browns Canyon and the challenging Numbers section of the Arkansas River rafting or enjoy calmer floats.
- Kremmling: Perfect for families, the Upper Colorado River here offers peaceful scenery and abundant wildlife.
- Idaho Springs: Clear Creek rafting is a playground for thrill-seekers craving exciting rapids close to the city.
Each location promises breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and unique river features that make Colorado summer rafting unforgettable.
Ziplining – Soar Over Alpine Landscapes
Feel the rush as you zip across towering canyons and alpine forests. AVA’s zipline courses in Buena Vista and Idaho Springs combine thrilling heights and speeds with stunning mountain vistas. Safety is paramount, with trained guides ensuring a secure and fun experience. For maximum excitement, try pairing your zipline adventure with rafting for a full day of Colorado summer exhilaration.
Via Ferrata – Colorado’s Fastest-Growing Adventure
Via Ferrata is a unique climbing experience that uses steel cables and ladders fixed to rock faces, letting you scale mountains with the safety of a harness system. It’s no surprise Colorado summer adventurers are flocking to it! AVA offers two of the best routes: the Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite near Buena Vista and the Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata near Idaho Springs, the closest option to Denver. These routes deliver epic exposure and breathtaking panoramas while ensuring safe, guided climbs.
Rock Climbing – Iconic Colorado Crags
For climbers seeking classic Colorado rock faces, Buena Vista offers granite cliffs with guided climbs tailored to all skill levels. Idaho Springs provides closer-to-Denver crags for quick adrenaline fixes. AVA ensures every climber receives expert instruction and quality gear, making your rock climbing adventure both safe and unforgettable during your Colorado summer trip.
Fly Fishing – Cast in Crystal-Clear Waters
Kremmling is home to Gold Medal waters perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts, surrounded by wild meadows and mountain views. Buena Vista’s alpine streams and Browns Canyon also offer rich fishing grounds. AVA’s guided fly fishing trips cater to beginners and experts alike, with chances to spot local wildlife along peaceful riverbanks.
Off-Roading – Explore Remote Mountain Terrain
Take the road less traveled with AVA’s Colorado off-roading adventures. Buena Vista boasts high-mountain trails bursting with wildflowers and panoramic views, while Kremmling’s gentler dirt roads lead you deep into wilderness areas perfect for exploring. Seasonal accessibility varies, so plan accordingly to experience these scenic drives and overlooks as part of your Colorado summer activities.
Scenic Journeys – Getting to Your Adventure is Half the Fun
The drive itself is an adventure. From Summit County to Buena Vista, enjoy alpine passes, winding river valleys, and frequent wildlife sightings. Summit County to Kremmling showcases open meadows, sparkling mountain lakes, and historic towns. Colorado summer’s natural beauty invites you to stop often and soak in the views.
Planning Your Colorado Summer Adventure with AVA
For the best experience, visit between May and September for rafting and late spring through fall for Via Ferrata and other activities. Consider bundling multiple adventures into multi-day trips to truly explore the richness of Colorado summer. Each AVA outpost offers lodging, dining, and travel tips to make your trip seamless and memorable.
Safety & Sustainability
AVA prioritizes safety across all activities with expert guides and equipment checks. They also champion Leave No Trace principles to protect Colorado’s pristine environment for future summers.
Book Your Colorado Summer Adventure
Don’t wait! Peak summer weekends fill quickly! Book your Colorado outdoor summer adventure with AVA today and discover why so many return season after season for these unforgettable outdoor experiences.
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!