group smiling through spray as they paddle down the Arkansas River

Denver Whitewater Rafting

Looking for the best whitewater rafting near Denver? AVA offers top-rated rafting on Colorado’s most scenic rivers. From thrilling rapids to scenic floats, your perfect adventure starts here.

The Best Rafting Near Denver

Discover Denver’s top whitewater rafting destinations just a short drive from the city! AVA operates premier rafting trips on Clear Creek, the Arkansas River, and the Colorado River, each offering a unique blend of thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery. Clear Creek (Idaho Springs) – 30 Minutes from Denver. Arkansas River (Buena Vista) – 2 Hours from Denver. Colorado River (Kremmling) – 2 Hours from Denver. Beyond rafting, AVA offers ziplining and Via Ferrata courses, built directly into Colorado’s rugged cliffs, providing a true Rocky Mountain adventure experience.

Denver Colorado Rafting Trips

Whitewater Rafting Near Denver

White water rafting in Colorado
Exciting & Active
Most Popular - Great for Kids

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 [...]

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group paddling into oncoming waves
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.
Exciting & Active
Best for the ultimate Colorado experience

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 [...]

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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 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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Blue River Colorado Whitewater Rafting
Splashy & Moderate
Great for Families in Summit County

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 [...]

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Family-Friendly Rafting Near Denver

Clear Creek Gold Rush (Class II-III) – 30 minutes from Denver, perfect for first-timers and families. Upper Colorado Scenic Float (Class I-II) – A relaxing, scenic float ideal for kids and those seeking a mellow experience. Intermediate Rafting Trips Clear Creek Intermediate (Class III-IV) – Bigger splashes and stunning canyon scenery. Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River (Class III-IV) – Colorado’s most famous rafting section with fun rapids and granite rock formations. Advanced & High-Adrenaline Rafting Clear Creek Advanced (Class IV-V) – Steep drops, technical rapids, and nonstop action. The Numbers on the Arkansas River (Class IV-V) – One of the most thrilling rafting runs in the state. Our three outposts in Idaho Springs, Buena Vista, and Kremmling are within easy reach of Denver, Breckenridge, Vail, and more, making it easy to fit whitewater rafting into any itinerary!

Unbeatable Mountain Scenery

Behind every rapid and every climb is a chance to experience Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes. At AVA’s outposts, you’ll encounter stunning rivers and mountains, with each location offering a unique perspective on the Colorado experience. Stay closer to Denver and explore the Rocky Mountains where the Colorado Gold Rush began at our Idaho Springs outpost, or venture deeper into the mountains at our Buena Vista location. Here, you’ll discover crystal-clear water and the towering granite cliffs of the Arkansas River Valley. For those seeking rugged terrain, our Kremmling outpost features the Colorado River winding through a dramatic, remote landscape.

Your Complete Denver Itinerary

Whether your group is in Denver Colorado for one day or a few weeks, we want you to make the most of your time exploring the outdoors. Our trip locations make it easy to fit an adventure into any itinerary. For those looking to maximize their experience, our multi-adventure packages let you enjoy more than one thrilling activity in a single day at the same location. We encourage our guests to keep exploring beyond their rafting trip, as each of our outposts is conveniently located near additional outdoor adventures, dining experiences, and cultural attractions.

Rafters on smooth waters.

Buena Vista South Main

924 South Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211

924 South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211 is our rafting address. If you’re visiting for ziplining or via ferrata, make sure to use our 40579 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211 address.

Experience whitewater rafting in Buena Vista from AVA’s South Main outpost, located just steps from the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. With easy access to Browns Canyon and family-friendly river float trips and family-friendly float trips, this location puts you close to some of Colorado’s best rafting adventures while surrounded by the energy of South Main, the Surf Hotel, Eddyline Brewery, and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Whether you are looking for exciting rapids or a scenic day on the river, AVA’s Buena Vista rafting trips deliver the perfect Colorado adventure.

From our Buena Vista outpost, experience some of Colorado’s best outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. Located in the heart of South Main near the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, our outpost is the perfect starting point for a full day in the mountains. Looking to maximize your adventure? Our multi-adventure packages let you combine multiple activities into one unforgettable Colorado experience filled with scenic views, exciting action, and time on the river.

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

Climber on a Via Ferrata rope ladder.

Buena Vista – Gold Camp

40579 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 adventure? Head to Buena Vista, Colorado and experience AVA Rafting & Zipline’s aerial adventures at our Gold Camp outpost. Fly high above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline or take on the cliffs of the Granite Gorge with our guided Granite Via Ferrata. Surrounded by stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, Gold Camp offers an unforgettable Colorado mountain experience packed with excitement, scenery, and adventure.

AVA’s Buena Vista Gold Camp 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 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.

young group rafting in moab

Moab Rafting on the Colorado River

825 Kane Creek Blvd
Moab, UT 84532

Welcome to AVA’s newest outpost in Moab, your basecamp for rafting the Colorado River in Utah. Whether you’re picturing calm red rock canyons or adrenaline-pumping rapids, Moab delivers both.

We focus on two distinct, high-demand rafting experiences:

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.

Discounts up to 25% off on all AVA-run trips, including our brand-new Moab trips. Use promo code: SAVINGS26. Online only. Ends June 30, 2026.