Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado.

Buena Vista South Main

Located in the heart of Buena Vista’s vibrant South Main neighborhood, AVA’s South Main outpost places guests right in the center of the town’s outdoor culture and riverside energy. Just steps from the Arkansas River, this walkable adventure hub is surrounded by local favorites like the Surf Hotel and Eddyline Brewery, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax after a day on the water. South Main was intentionally designed around river life and whitewater culture, blending mountain town charm with modern amenities, gathering spaces, live music, restaurants, and direct river access.

The Best of the Rockies

Guests staying or adventuring at AVA’s South Main location are only a short walk from the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, one of Colorado’s most iconic river parks featuring kayak waves, surf features, riverside trails, beaches, and viewing areas along the Arkansas River. The neighborhood’s connection to the river creates a lively atmosphere throughout the summer, where kayakers, paddleboarders, rafters, and spectators gather daily to enjoy the action.

AVA’s South Main outpost combines convenient access to Colorado whitewater rafting with the energy of Buena Vista’s most dynamic riverfront district. Whether guests are grabbing a post-trip drink at Eddyline, staying riverside at the Surf Hotel, catching live music in South Main Town Square, or watching surfers ride the whitewater park waves, the area delivers a complete Colorado mountain town experience both on and off the river.

Explore Arkansas

Top Trips

From our Buena Vista outpost, experience some of Colorado’s best outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, horseback riding, and more. Located in the heart of South Main, our outpost is the perfect starting point for a full day in the mountains.

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 paddling straight into oncoming spray
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

Numbers 1/2 Day

Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking [...]

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group horseback riding through green shrubbery and Colorado mountains
Fun & Mellow
Best for Packed Schedules

Mt. Princeton 2 Hour Ride

The Arkansas Valley is lined with 15 14,000-foot peaks – the most in one concentration in Colorado – which makes for one of the [...]

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group smiling and laughing as they paddle down the Arkansas River
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Family Fun

Browns Canyon Sizzler

The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]

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Person ziplining through Colorado fall foliage
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Full Day of Family Fun

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 [...]

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rafting the browns canyon
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Excitement

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 [...]

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Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

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 [...]

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group horseback riding into sunset
Fun & Mellow
Best for Families & Couples

Mt. Princeton Sunset Ride

See why Colorado is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Being on horseback at sunset is a memory that will last forever. This two hour [...]

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Explore Buena Vista Adventures

 

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group rafting on the upper colorado river
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

Colorado Scenic Float-Half Day

This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as [...]

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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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woman paddling inflatable kayak
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Choose Your Own Adventure

Inflatable Kayaks Half Day

Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want [...]

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fisher towers in moab during golden hour
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab

If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]

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Colorado Zipline Tours
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown [...]

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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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Woman paddling stand up paddleboard
Exciting & Active
Best for More Action on Mellow Water

Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day

Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the [...]

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Guest on the 78-foot free fall on AVA's Granite Via Ferrata course.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for thrill seekers

Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite

Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]

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AVA's Buena Vista South Main Outpost

The Arkansas River

Our Buena Vista South Main outpost offers convenient access to the mighty Arkansas River. The Arkansas River, flowing through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its scenic beauty and thrilling whitewater adventures. As one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States, the Arkansas River provides excitement for adventurers of all skill levels. Our Arkansas River trips include rafting for all levels on class III through V rapids, with options for half-day, full-day, and overnight adventures.

Arkansas River Trips

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day: Our Most Popular Trip

AVA’s Browns Canyon Half Day rafting trip is our most popular whitewater adventure in Buena Vista and one of the best rafting experiences in Colorado. Perfect for first-time rafters, families, groups, and adventure seekers alike, this trip takes you through the heart of the nationally recognized Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River.

Enjoy an exciting mix of splashy Class III rapids, beautiful mountain scenery, granite canyon walls, and calmer stretches perfect for taking in the views. This half day trip offers the ideal balance of adrenaline and scenic floating, making it a favorite for guests looking to experience Colorado whitewater rafting without committing to a full day on the river.

Conveniently departing from our South Main Buena Vista outpost, the Browns Canyon Half Day trip is a must-do summer adventure for visitors exploring Buena Vista and the Arkansas River Valley.

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day + Ziplining

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

More Buena Vista Adventures

Additional opportunities near our Buena Vista outpost include horseback riding at Mount Princeton Stables and fly fishing at Ark Anglers. Both activities are family friendly with an opportunity to learn horseback riding and fishing technique and offer several types of trips.

Experience the best of Buena Vista with a multi-adventure package, and combine two unique activities in one full day of fun. Choose from rafting and ziplining, rafting and Via Ferrata, rafting and rock climbing, and rock climbing and ziplining, or build your own package with a custom adventure package. The opportunities to explore the best of the Colorado Rockies are endless!

Horseback Riding 
Fly-fishing
Multi-adventure Packages

Buena Vista lodging

At our Buena Vista outpost, we also host cabins and campsites for rent before or after your adventure. Sleep under the stars or in our cozy cabins and wake up refreshed for another day of exploring the outdoors.

Our lodging accommodations are within easy access of the Colorado Trail, river and lake fishing spots, and other hiking trails. All cabins include furniture for four guests, and campsites host a spacious area for one large tent or two smaller ones.

Lodging

Image of Maroon Bells Lake in Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen

Aspen, CO

Colorado locals and tourists alike flock to Aspen in both winter and summer for the breathtaking views, recreation opportunities, restaurants, nightlife and culture. 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!

The former silver-mining town of Aspen additionally offers ample opportunities to explore the area’s history and culture. Catch a headline show at Belly Up, Aspen’s 500 person concert space, or check out a show at the Aspen Theatre, making sure to save time for sampling the area’s restaurants, most with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying a warm summer night.

Blue River near Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO 80424

The magic of summer in the mountains comes alive in Breckenridge, Colorado. Located within Summit County, Breckenridge offers skiing and snowboarding, alongside plenty of opportunities for winter sports, yet the temperate summer weather and high alpine environment transform Breckenridge into a mecca for summer adventure. Breckenridge, Colorado is the place to visit if you are looking for a hip mountain town with access to the best outdoor adventures the Colorado mountains have to offer. Best of all, you’ll find Whitewater Rafting trips near Breckenridge on 4 different rivers!

In summer, Breckenridge hosts several festivals, a vibrant downtown arts scene, and numerous high alpine adventures. Its downtown Main Street includes numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, and people flock from across Summit County and Colorado to try Breckenridge’s diverse food scene. The town also offers cultural and arts opportunities, including open galleries, arts classes, and multiple museums. Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains, the town’s rich history, or its unique food scene, Breckenridge has a plethora of diverse adventure opportunities for all!

Image of Buena Vista, Colorado.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista, CO 81211

Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista, Colorado sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation, with more 14ers than in any other area in Colorado. The area also hosts the Continental Divide to the east, and the Arkansas River flows through the town, providing opportunities for both mountain and river adventures.

The town of Buena Vista dates back to 1880 and originally gained prominence for its mining and railroad industries. Today, many people visit Buena Vista for its namesake – to take in its “Beautiful views” and experience some of Colorado’s best outdoors. The area offers hiking, biking, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, and numerous other opportunities to explore the outdoors. Buena Vista is also well known for its local hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic and even medicinal qualities!

Our AVA outpost is located just 15 minutes north of Buena Vista, providing easy access to the best of the area’s outdoor adventures.

Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, CO

Located at the intersection of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, Glenwood Springs is known for its connection to water and is said to host the world’s largest natural medicinal hot sulfur springs pool. Constructed in 1890, Glenwood became known as the “Spa in the Rockies” and attracted the likes of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, infamous gangster Al Capone and world famous “Doc” Holiday.

Glenwood Springs is also close to the starting point of many popular hiking trails like Hanging Lake and Grizzly Creek. The areas colorful history and scenic beauty lure millions of travelers from all over the world each year. The town also hosts the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and the Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar, which provide opportunities for comedy and entertainment alongside stellar restaurants and breweries.

Vail Valley in the summertime.

Vail

Vail

Locals and guests in this quaint little town are spoiled with gorgeous surroundings and all the amenities of a bigger city. Winter brings skiing and boarding, yet summer offers endless sunny days and a chance to explore Colorado’s mountains and great outdoors. The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.

The town of Vail has much to offer itself, including a variety of lodging and dining options, along with arts and culture opportunities. Catch a show at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, check out Vail’s festival schedule, or stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens!

Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado.

Arkansas River

40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211

The Arkansas River in Colorado begins in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and Buena Vista and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s most notable natural landmarks and waterways and offers some of North America’s most popular whitewater stretches. Here you’ll find everything from the wild and challenging section of Pine Creek near Granite, CO, to the thrilling and scenic family-friendly rapids of Browns Canyon near Buena Vista, to the towering rock walls of the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. With every class of whitewater available and great Colorado rafting for families with young kids, groups and adrenaline junkies, Arkansas River rafting truly has something for everyone.

FAQs

Discounts up to 25% off on all AVA-run trips, including our brand-new Moab trips. Use promo code: SAVINGS26. Online only. Ends June 16, 2026.