Buena Vista

The Arkansas River flows right through the town of Buena Vista and offers some of the best rapids in the country. The pine creek section is one of the most intense areas on the river and in Colorado, with the famous class V pine creek rapid and triple drop section. The numbers portion of the Arkansas also packs 7 steep rapids in 7 miles, making for another adrenaline rush. The Browns Canyon section compliments this intensity with a splashy class III section through stunning Browns Canyon National Monument, with opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife.

World-Class Whitewater

Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks and 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. 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 world-class whitewater rafting, along with biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and more.

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Top Trips

With easy access from our Buena Vista outpost, Whitewater Rafting in Buena Vista has never been more convenient!  The powerful Arkansas River runs through the area, providing opportunities to for a diverse range of whitewater excursions. From family whitewater excursions to advanced rafting experiences, we cater to all abilities and interests. Our Buena Vista outpost also offers opportunities to maximize your Buena Vista adventure with additional options including Zipline, Via Ferrata, and Horseback Riding, allowing you to take your mountain vacation to new heights in the Arkansas River Valley!

  1. 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.  

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 the Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

  5. Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

    Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be the most incredible way to see the Arkansas River valley as you experience Colorado from a unique vantage point.  

  6. 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 III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside fajitas lunch.  

Buena Vista Whitewater Rafting

Buena Vista Rafting

Join us on an Arkansas River trip from our Buena Vista outpost, just 15 minutes north of the town of Buena Vista. Discover the stunning scenery of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range in the Sawatch Range as you navigate the rapids through one of Colorado’s most stunning locations on the Arkansas River.  

Whitewater Rafting Trips

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, our Arkansas River trips offer the perfect blend of excitement and scenery. On our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip, you will paddle through Browns Canyon National Monument on intermediate class III rapids, experiencing breathtaking views of the granite canyon, Arkansas River Valley, and its abundant wildlife. Take your adventure to the next level with our 3/4 day Browns Canyon Express, full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler, or 24 Hours in Browns, our overnight trip that lets you camp under the stars and wake up to the sounds of the river. If you’re seeking a more intense adventure in a beautiful location, our Numbers 1/2 day trip is the perfect choice. Get ready to tackle the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River, complete with exhilarating class IV rapids. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on our full-day Gauntlet-Pine Creek and the Numbers and tackle the Arkansas's steepest class V section, with our Rappel version of this trip launching you with a 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft.

Buena Vista Aerial Adventures

Our Buena Vista outpost also offers ziplining on our Mountaintop Zipline course! Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the trees, where you'll soar across 6 lines above the Arkansas River Valley. At this same location, you will be able to try out a unique adventure on our Granite Via Ferrata course. Climb high into the cliffside, traverse across iron rungs and cables, swing across several lines of our zipline course, and experience the highest freefall in Colorado at 78 feet! We also host rock climbing adventures at Granite Gorge Cliffs, just minutes from our Buena Vista outpost. Here, you can explore the cliffs on multiple different routes, as well as learn new climbing technique.

Discover Buena Vista

What to Know

The closest river to Buena Vista

The Arkansas River runs through the town of Buena Vista and is just a 5 minute shuttle from our Buena Vista outpost.

Arkansas River

The closest outpost to Buena Vista

Our Buena Vista outpost is only 15 minutes north of the town of Buena Vista.

Buena Vista Outpost

Adrenaline seekers

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with our Gauntlet – Pine Creek & the Numbers trip, featuring the most exhilarating whitewater on the Arkansas River. Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding journey through class V rapids with some of the most intense and steepest rapids in the state.

The Gauntlet Full Day

Family-friendly Fun

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 families with kids ages 7 +. Combine this with a zipline adventure for a full-day multi-adventure package the entire family will enjoy.

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

Activities in the Area

Fly-fishing

The Arkansas River is also renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast for trout in this scenic river, which is stocked with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Arkansas offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the sport of fly fishing.

Fly Fishing

Hiking Trails

Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, located just outside of Buena Vista. This wilderness area is home to numerous hiking trails that wind through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. Popular hikes include the trails to Mount Yale, Mount Princeton, and the Colorado Trail.

Hiking Trails

Hot Springs

Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Cottonwood Hot Springs, located just a short drive from Buena Vista. In a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains, Cottonwood Hot Springs offers a peaceful oasis where visitors can soak in therapeutic mineral waters while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. The hot springs feature several pools with varying temperatures.

Cottonwood Hot Springs

Mountain Biking

The Midland Hill Trails, located near Buena Vista, offer a network of mountain biking trails with stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding mountains. With trails suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, the Midland Hill Trails provide opportunities for exhilarating rides through diverse terrain.

Biking

Quick Facts

Buena Vista Location

Buena Vista, located in central Colorado's Chaffee County, is nestled at the base of the Collegiate Peaks and alongside the Arkansas River. It lies approximately midway between the cities of Salida and Leadville.

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Buena Vista History

Buena Vista was founded in 1879 as a mining and railroad town during the Colorado Silver Boom. The town's economy was initially driven by mining activities, particularly for gold, silver, and lead. Today, remnants of its mining heritage can be seen in the historic buildings and structures scattered throughout the town.

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Best Time to Raft

The best time to raft Buena Vista's Arkansas River is May through September.

Current River Conditions

Buena Vista Trips

In addition to whitewater rafting, Buena Vista hosts ziplining, Via Ferrata courses, rock climbing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and more with options for 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day trips.

All Adventures

Explore Buena Vista Adventures

Buena Vista Lodging

Our Buena Vista outpost is also home to cabin and campsites available for booking. Stay on site before or after your adventure so you can arrive on time, relax without extra hassle, and have more time to explore the area.

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FAQs

Where are you located?

AVA has locations across the state of Colorado. Our primary outposts are located in Idaho Springs, Kremmling, Buena Vista and Breckenridge. For more information on getting to your adventure with us, please visit our Getting Here page.

Is transportation to and from the outpost provided?

Transportation to the outpost is not included. You can enhance your experience and add our shuttle service as an additional offer during the booking process. If you add this transportation to your adventure, a private car will pick you up at your address and transport your group to our outpost, and our driver will be ready to take you home at the conclusion of your tour!

When is the best time to go rafting?

If you’re planning a vacation to Colorado you likely have a limited time window from which to choose – and that’s just fine. Depending on the type of challenge, length of time you want to be on the river, and the location you’ll be visiting, we have multiple options for beginner to advanced paddlers. The Best Time To Enjoy River Trips at AVA: Arkansas River: May – Sept Clear Creek: May – Sept Colorado River: May – Sept Blue River: June Dolores River: May – June Salt River: Late February – mid-May

When can I go ziplining?

You can zipline with AVA from March through November each year! The Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs near Denver will open the first weekend of March and stay open on a limited schedule through the end of November. The Mountaintop Zipline in Buena Vista will open between the end of April and early May and stay open through Labor Day. During the summer there are zipline trips hourly starting at 8:00am at both locations.