Colorado Springs has long been known as a “must-see” on Colorado travelers’ lists – and not just for all the great outdoor adventure and whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. Located East of the Pike National Forest, near Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, Cave of the Winds among other notable attractions, the area offers numerous opportunities to hike and explore the outdoors of central Colorado.
Pike’s Peak is one of Colorado’s many 14ers, yet one of the most accessible, as visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top, and the National Landmark of Garden of the Gods provides stunning views of the area’s rock formations and landmarks, framing Pikes Peak in the background. National Geographic also notes Colorado Spring’s Broadmoor Seven Falls on their list of international waterfalls for their stunning scenery and views.
As Colorado’s second largest city and home to three colleges, Colorado Springs also hosts historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, the Money Museum or the The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Colorado Springs also headquarters the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and offers tours for the public.
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting Colorado
DURATION: 1/2 Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (moderate)
RIVER RATING: Class III
MINIMUM AGE: 7 years old
PRICE: from $94 Ages 13+
from $89 Ages 7-12
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting Colorado
DURATION: 1/2 Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (intense)
RIVER RATING: Class IV
MINIMUM AGE: 15 years old
PRICE: from $104 Ages 15+
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting, Via Ferrata
DURATION: Full Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (intense)
RIVER RATING: Class IV
MINIMUM AGE: 15 years old
PRICE: from $238 Ages 15+
Our Granite Outpost, just north of Buena Vista, is the location closest to Colorado Springs with the most variety and is less than a two hour drive from Colorado Springs. Here you can choose from several Whitewater Rafting trips, including family friendly options through Browns Canyon, or more advanced whitewater on The Numbers. Make the most of your day and add a Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, or Horseback Riding adventure to your experience! Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Colorado Springs or seeking to elevate the excitement of your vacation, our adventure trips are the perfect addition to your Colorado trip.
Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Arkansas River, just an two hours away from Colorado Springs, Colorado at our Buena Vista outpost. AVA offers a variety of Whitewater Rafting experiences on this river, all including breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range nestled within the majestic Sawatch Range.
Experience the exhilaration of navigating the Browns Canyon National Monument with our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip trip. This intermediate whitewater adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty. Marvel at the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife as you conquer class III rapids. For those seeking a full-day adventure, we offer the Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns–an overnight trip where you can camp riverside and fall asleep under the stars.
Our Numbers 1/2 day trip will plunge you into more intense class IV rapids, as you navigate the most continuous whitewater rafting section on the Arkansas River. And for the most daring adventurers, our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion awaits. Start your day with a heart-pounding 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and prepare to conquer the steepest section of the Arkansas River, featuring exhilarating class V rapids.
Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 7 years old and up
Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, Horseback riding
Discover the thrill of Clear Creek, an hour and a half away from Colorado Springs at our Idaho Springs outpost. Clear Creek is renowned as one of the best rafting destinations near the Denver area, offering exhilarating experiences for all ages and skill levels. As you navigate the river, you’ll be treated to captivating Colorado views with the chance to encounter wildlife along the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs.
For a mild introduction to whitewater rafting suitable for all ages, our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush trip trip is the perfect choice. Rush through eleven exciting class III rapids and enjoy the adventure at a comfortable pace. If you’re ready for a slightly more challenging experience, opt for our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip. Conquer class IV rapids with steeper technical sections that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. For the ultimate thrill-seekers, our Phoenix trip awaits. Embark on a full-day advanced adventure spanning 20 miles, packed with non-stop excitement and intense rapids.
Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 6 years old and up
Duration: 1/3 day, 1/2 day, and Full Day
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata
If you are looking to make a day trip or stay close to Colorado Springs, then we recommend the following locations for even more outdoor adventures!
Located less then 2 hours from Colorado Springs. Activities:
Located about 2 hours from Colorado Springs. Activities:
Located about 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Activities:
Located 3 hours north of Colorado Springs. Activities: