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.

  • Closest rafting to Denver with beginner to expert rapids

    Historic mining town scenery and Rocky Mountain landscapes

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Denver Colorado Rafting Trips

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Whitewater Rafting Near Denver

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.  

  5. 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.

  6. 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.      

Planning a whitewater rafting trip from Denver?

AVA makes it easy with three convenient outposts and rafting routes within 30 to 90 minutes of the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day rafting trip or a full multi-day adventure, we have options that fit every schedule.

Day Trips from Denver: Choose Clear Creek for the closest white water rafting experience.
Weekend Getaways: Head to Buena Vista or Kremmling for bigger rapids and scenic overnight stays.
Road Trip Friendly: AVA’s rafting locations are easy to fit into a Colorado vacation itinerary, with nearby destinations like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen.

Wherever your adventure takes you, AVA ensures expert guides, top-tier safety gear, and unforgettable experiences.

Scenic & Thrilling White Water Rafting Near Denver

Whether you're new to rafting or a seasoned paddler, Colorado's rivers offer the perfect mix of adventure and scenery. Just minutes from Denver, our rafting trips range from gentle floats through breathtaking canyons to fast-paced rapids that challenge even the most experienced rafters.

Experience Denver’s Best Rafting

Looking for a quick outdoor escape? Our rafting trips near Denver provide easy access to the best whitewater in the state. Navigate Clear Creek’s exciting rapids or take a scenic trip down the Arkansas River, all within a short drive from the city.

Three Premier Rafting Outposts Near Denver

AVA’s rafting outposts in Idaho Springs, Buena Vista, and Kremmling offer easy access to Colorado’s best whitewater. Each location provides unique river experiences, from the adrenaline-pumping rapids of Clear Creek to the breathtaking scenery of the Arkansas and Colorado Rivers. No matter which outpost you choose, adventure is just a short drive away!

Adventure Destinations Close to Denver

  1. Idaho Springs

  2. Buena Vista

  3. Kremmling

  4. Vail

  5. Breckenridge

  6. Colorado Springs

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.

Testimonials

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Trip Date: July 16, 2024 | Adventure: Rafting | AVA Outpost: Idaho Springs, CO