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Aspen, CO

Aspen is one of the best known spots in Colorado. People flock to the beautiful, historic town both winter and summer for the breathtaking views, recreation, restaurants, nightlife and culture. Although Aspen is a little harder to get to than some Colorado towns, it’s worth all the trouble. You’ll find endless opportunities for fun in this famous town.

Many visitors come for the whitewater rafting near Aspen. Some of the most scenic whitewater trips lie just over Independence Pass from Aspen on the Arkansas River. AVA’s Arkansas River rafting trips are for all ages and abilities, from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state. Favorites include the Browns Canyon Sizzler for a families with lunch on the river. For the more adventurous at heart, check out The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & the Numbers, the most advanced section on the entire Arkansas River.

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Aspen Rafting and Other Activities

Many visitors come for the whitewater rafting near Aspen. Some of the most scenic whitewater trips lie just over Independence Pass from Aspen on the Arkansas River. AVA’s Arkansas River rafting trips are for all ages and abilities, from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state. Favorites include the Browns Canyon Sizzler for a families with lunch on the river. For the more adventurous at heart, check out The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & the Numbers, the most advanced section on the entire Arkansas River.

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What is the closest rafting to Aspen?

The Arkansas River runs just southeast of Aspen over Independence Pass. The Arkansas provides first-class whitewater rafting and offers class III - V, so it is perfect for those ages 7+.

What is the closest zipline adventure to Aspen?

The closest zipline course to Aspen is in Granite, Colorado just about 1 hour away. Just over the pass, you can do multiple mountaintop ziplines that overlook the Arkansas River Valley.

What is the best rafting near Aspen?

The best rafting trips near Aspen are through the national monument Browns Canyon. This stretch of river on the Arkansas is filled with fun rapids and incredible canyon wall views and mountaintops in the distance.

When is the Aspen whitewater rafting season?

The rafting season in Aspen starts in late April and typically goes until September. Each year varies a bit, but you can usually guarantee rafting between May and July.

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Aspen Adventure Tips

Family-friendly rafting near Aspen

Rafting on the Arkansas River about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Aspen offers trips for ages 7+ as well as trips for ages 15+. Browns Canyon rafting is the great family-friendly rafting near Aspen.

Is it safe to go rafting near Aspen?

The Arkansas River near Aspen is the rafting center of Colorado and therefore, rafting companies and guides have very high safety standards to make sure you enjoy your trip!

How long is the average rafting trip near Aspen?

Rafting trips vary in length. A half day trip in typically takes about 4 hours of your time. A 3/4 day trip typically takes about 5 hours and a full day will take about 6 hours. However, the length of your trip is dependent on water levels.

What should you pack for a rafting trip near Aspen?

Pack shoes that will stay secured to your feet. Additionally, make sure to pack dry clothes to put on when you are done rafting and take off your wet-suit and splash jacket that your rafting company provides for you.

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Top Outdoor Activities Near Aspen, Colorado

  • Rafting near Aspen

    There are so many rafting options in Buena Vista you could do a different trip every day of the week. Buena Vista rafting trips are located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Aspen over Independence Pass. You can find class III through class V trips in Buena Vista. Learn more about rafting.

  • ZIPLINING NEAR ASPEN

    Ziplining in Granite, Colorado is an excellent activity to take in the unbelievable views of the mountains and river valley. The granite zipline course is incorporated into the mountain, so no platforms but instead hikes to each line. From Aspen you can get to Granite in just over an hour. Learn more about ziplining.

  • VIA FERRATA NEAR ASPEN

    Via ferrata is an adventure that includes assisted climbing and traversing across a cliff face over the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. Our granite course is just over 1 hour from Aspen and offers an exciting and safe adventure unlike anything else you can try.Learn more about via ferrata.

  • MORE ACTIVITIES NEAR ASPEN

    Other activities near Aspen include rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, cabins, and multi-day activities. If you are willing to venture a little farther then you can try SUP, kayak, fly fishing, guided hiking, hot air balloon rides, off-roading and more! Learn more about all of our activites.

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ACTIVITY OPTIONS BASED ON LOCATION

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES NEAR ASPEN

Buena Vista, Colorado about 1 hour southeast from Aspen

Activities:

  1. Arkansas River Rafting
  2. Mountain Top Ziplining
  3. Granite Via Ferrata
  4. Rock Climbing
  5. Overnight & Multi-day Adventures
  6. Horseback Riding
  7. Lodging: Cabins and Campsites

Breckenridge, Colorado is about 2 hours northeast of Aspen

Activities:

  1. Blue River Rafting
  2. Hot Air balloons

Idaho Springs, Colorado is located 2 hours and 40 minutes northeast of Aspen

Activities:

  • Clear Creek Canyon Rafting
  • Cliffside Ziplining
  • Mount Evans Via Ferrata

Kremmling, Colorado is located 2 hours and 40 minutes north of Aspen

Activities:

  1. Upper Colorado Rafting Trips
  2. Stand Up Padddle Boards
  3. Inflatable Kayaks
  4. Fly Fishing Trips
  5. River & Rafting Gear Rentals
  6. Off-Roading UTV Rentals
  7. Horseback riding
  8.  Guided Hiking
  9. Overnight and Multi-day Adventures

 

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Trips available near Aspen