Aspen
Colorado's most scenic whitewater rafting trips lie just over Independence Pass on the Arkansas River, about one hour from Aspen. AVA runs Arkansas River whitewater rafting trips from our Buena Vista outpost, approximately one and a half hours from Aspen. This area is perfect for all abilities and skill levels, with offerings from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state.
Adventure to New Heights
With a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities and cultural options, Aspen is an ideal location to spend a weekend or longer vacation. Although Aspen may be well known for its four ski mountains and winter snow sports, the mountain town’s location near some of the best whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure opportunities in Colorado makes for an exciting summer visit!
Featured
Aspen Trips
AVA runs Arkansas River whitewater rafting trips from our Buena Vista outpost, approximately one and a half hours from Aspen. This area is perfect for all abilities and skill levels, with offerings from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state. Whether this is your first time in Aspen or you’re looking to increase the thrill level of your vacation, add even more excitement to your mountain adventure with one of our zipline, Via Ferrata, or rock climbing trips, or combine an aerial adventure with rafting in a full-day multi-adventure package.
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Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the mighty Arkansas River.
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Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package
This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then rush the rapids on our Brown's Canyon whitewater adventure.
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The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This rafting and climbing experience will challenge all adrenaline seekers, as you tackle some of the most difficult whitewater in the country, as well as our heart-pounding Via Ferrata course.
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
Aspen's Closest Adventures
Our outpost in Buena Vista, Colorado offers access to the Arkansas River, just 1.5 hours from Aspen via Independence Pass. Rafters on this river will experience some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including views of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the Sawatch Range. This area in the Arkansas River Valley hosts unparalleled adventure opportunities, perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure. Raft on the Arkansas River, and climb into the Rocky Mountains with a cliffside adventure, including ziplining, Via Ferrata, and rock climbing. Just a short drive from our Buena Vista location, adventure seekers can also find horseback riding and fly-fishing opportunities.
Arkansas River Trips
Our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip will take you on ride through the Browns Canyon National Monument, allowing for plenty of opportunities to appreciate the impressive granite canyon, beautiful scenery, and wildlife along the way. Choose the Browns Canyon Express 3/4 day trip or the full day Browns Canyon Sizzler and turn this intermediate whitewater experience into a longer adventure. Our 24 Hours in Browns Canyon represents the ultimate overnight experience, complete with riverside camping under the stars. On our Numbers 1/2 day trip, you will navigate more intense class IV rapids on the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River. Last but not least, The Gauntlet full day trip will appeal to the most adventurous, as guests begin this excursion with an optional 75 foot rappel to a waiting raft, plunging into the Arkansas River’s steepest section and its thrilling class V rapids!
Aerial Aspen Activities
The Aspen area also provides opportunities for mountaintop adventures, in addition to rafting. Join us at our Buena Vista outpost for our Mountaintop Zipline, Granite Via Ferrata, or rock climbing trips. You'll climb high into the Rocky Mountains of this beautiful location, marveling at the Arkansas River and its lush valley below. Whether this is your first time in Aspen or you’re looking to increase the thrill level of your vacation, add even more excitement to your mountain adventure with one of our multi-adventure packages! You'll have the opportunity to combine two or more activities in one full day of adventure.
Aspen Adventure for all Levels
For adrenaline junkies, the Numbers and Pine Creek portions of the Arkansas River include class IV and V sections and some of the most intense and steepest rapids on the river and in Colorado. Our Buena Vista Granite Via Ferrata also allows adrenaline junkies the opportunity to experience a thrilling mountaineering experience complete with a 78-foot freefall! The Arkansas River also boasts scenic, calmer rapids perfect for families and those looking to enjoy the scenery. Raft through the impressive Brown’s Canyon National Monument on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This scenic trip through class III rapids is perfect for wildlife spotting and accommodates kids 7 and up. Then, look down on the valley from high up in the trees on a zipline experience that both kids and adults will love.
Explore All Aspen Adventures
Discover Aspen
Activities in the Area
Aerial adventures
Join us at our Buena Vista outpost in the scenic Arkansas River Valley for an opportunity to try out our ziplining, Via Ferrata, or rock climbing courses. These aerial adventures will get you high above the trees in the best of the Rocky Mountains and are an ideal way to explore the mountain environment. Combine these with a rafting adventure for a full day of outdoor excitement!
Maroon Bells Wilderness Area
The Maroon Bells Wilderness Area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Maroon Bells, two towering peaks reflected in Maroon Lake. There are numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering opportunities to explore the area's alpine meadows, forests, and lakes. Popular hikes include the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the Crater Lake Trail.
Aspen Art Museum
The Aspen Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Aspen. Admission is free, and the museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists from around the world. In addition to its galleries, the museum offers educational programs, lectures, and special events throughout the year.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Aspen area from above with a hot air balloon ride at Aspen Snowmass. Float gently over the Rocky Mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including forests, rivers, and mountain peaks.
Quick Facts
Aspen Location
Aspen is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. It sits at an elevation of approximately 7,900 feet above sea level.
Aspen History
Aspen was founded as a mining town in the late 19th century during the Colorado Silver Boom. It was named after the abundant aspen trees in the area.
Best time to Raft
The best time to raft the Arkansas River near Aspen is May through September.
Aspen Trips
Aspen offers activities including rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, and more with options for ages 7 and up. This includes 1/2 day, full day, multiday trip options.
Explore the AVA Landscape
Find us across Colorado! Use our handy map to determine the activities convenient to your destination.FAQs
Where is the closest rafting to Aspen?
The Arkansas River offers the closest rafting to Aspen with opportunities from family-friendly trips to exhilarating whitewater. Our Buena Vista outpost is 1.5 hours from Aspen with exciting rafting options on the Arkansas.
What outdoor adventure activities can I do near Aspen?
Our Buena Vista outpost hosts whitewater rafting, ziplining, a Via Ferrata course, and horseback riding.
What ages can participate in activities near Aspen?
We have rafting and other adventure opportunities near Aspen for all ages and levels. We offer rafting and ziplining for ages 7 and up, and ages 12 and up can participate in our Via Ferrata course.
How can I fit an outdoor adventure into my Aspen trip?
Because our Buena Vista outpost is about a 1.5 hour drive from Aspen, outdoor adventure can be an easy addition to your trip itinerary. This distance can easily be done in a day trip, or your group can choose to stay overnight in the Buena Vista area and maximize your time in the great outdoors. We offer cabins and camping on-site at our Buena Vista outpost, as well as our 24-hours in Browns overnight trip for the ultimate river experience.