Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is located only about 2 hours from some of the best whitewater rafting in the state and country on the Arkansas River. From mild and scenic to intense and exciting, the Arkansas offers a whitewater rafting experience for everyone. This river in the heart of the Rocky Mountains makes it easy to experience Colorado's wildest most pristine areas. Clear Creek is also only about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, with rafting opportunities on class III-V rapids.

An Adventure for the Gods

Colorado Springs has long been known as a “must-see” on Colorado travelers’ lists, especially great outdoor adventure and whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs.  Located east of the Pike National Forest, near Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and more the area offers numerous opportunities to hike and explore the outdoors of central Colorado.

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Top Trips

Colorado Springs offers exciting nearby opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding adventures and more!

  1. 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.

  2. The Numbers Half Day + Zipline

    Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way through nonstop whitewater on the Numbers Rafting section of the Arkansas River.

  3. 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!

  4. Gold Rush Rafting+ Zipline

      Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs outpost, paddle Clear Creek's best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.  

  5. 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.  

  6. Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip

    Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting

Arkansas River Rafting

Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Arkansas River, just an two hours away from Colorado Springs 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 within the majestic Sawatch Range.

Navigate 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 longer adventure, we offer the 3/4 day Browns Canyon Express, full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns–an overnight trip with riverside camping 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 full-day Gauntlet-Pine Creek & Numbers excursion awaits. Conquer the steepest section on the Arkansas River, including the infamous Pine Creek class V rapids.

Clear Creek Rafting

Clear Creek, an hour and 40 minutes away from Colorado Springs at our Idaho Springs outpost, is also renowned as one of the best rafting destinations near the Denver area. It offers 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 or Lower Canyon 1/2 day trips. Conquer class IV rapids with steeper technical sections that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. For ultimate thrill-seekers, we offer our Phoenix trip. Embark on a full-day advanced adventure spanning 20 miles, packed with non-stop excitement and intense rapids.

Colorado Springs Aerial Adventures

Choose from two incredible zipline courses near Colorado Springs! Our Mountaintop Zipline is just 2 hours away in Buena Vista, Colorado, where you'll soar high into the sky, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Collegiate Peaks and the stunning Arkansas River Valley. Our second zipline course is our Cliffside Zipline, 1 hour and 40 minutes away in Idaho Springs that offers a unique adventure into the mountainside above the Chicago Creek and the historic town. Experience the thrill of our Granite Via Ferrata in Buena Vista and Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata in Idaho Springs locations. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating adventure as you climb high into the cliffsides, navigating through iron rungs, bars, and bridges, and even swing on several lines of our zipline courses!

Discover Colorado Springs

What To Know

The Closest River to Colorado Springs

The Arkansas River is 2 hours from Colorado Springs and flows through some of the most natural areas in Colorado. Clear Creek is also only about 1 hour and 40 minutes away.

Arkansas River

The Closest Outpost to Colorado Springs

Our Buena Vista outpost is 2 hours away, and our Idaho Springs outpost is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Colorado Springs.

Idaho Springs Outpost

Family-Friendly

Our Brown's Canyon Half Day trip at our Buena Vista outpost offers a perfect introduction to Whitewater Rafting, as you navigate milder class III rapids through the scenic Brown's Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

Thrill-Seekers

Choose our Rappel into the Gauntlet trip on Pine Creek and The Numbers sections of the Arkansas River from our Buena Vista outpost, and rappel into your awaiting raft where you sail across 12 miles of some of the most intense whitewater in the state

Rappel into the Gauntlet

Activities in the Area

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landmark located in Colorado Springs, known for its towering red rock formations and scenic vistas. Visitors can explore the park's numerous hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and interpretive exhibits to learn about the area's geological history and natural beauty. Don't miss iconic rock formations such as Balanced Rock and the Gateway Rocks, which offer breathtaking photo opportunities against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.

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The Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Take a memorable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world. This historic train ride offers stunning panoramic views as it ascends through alpine forests and rugged terrain to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains, explore the Summit House, and even sample a famous Pikes Peak donut.

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Explore one of America's highest and most unique zoos at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Home to over 750 animals representing more than 170 species, this family-friendly attraction offers up-close encounters with giraffes, elephants, bears, and more. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits, feeding opportunities, and educational presentations while taking in stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

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North Cheyenne Cañon Park

North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a picturesque setting for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The park features a network of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, allowing visitors to explore scenic canyons, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the Helen Hunt Falls Trail, which leads to a stunning 35-foot waterfall, and the Mt. Cutler Trail, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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Quick Facts

Colorado Springs location

Colorado Springs is located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County, Colorado, in the central part of the state of Colorado.

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Colorado Springs History

Colorado Springs has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1871 as a resort town, its early development was driven by the discovery of mineral springs believed to have medicinal properties. The city's strategic location along the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad contributed to its growth, attracting settlers, entrepreneurs, and tourists.

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Best Time to Raft

The best time to raft both the Arkansas River and Clear Creek is May through September. Thrill seekers will appreciate the higher water and more intense rafting in late May and June, while everyone will enjoy cooling down on the river in July and August.

Current River Conditions

Colorado Springs Adventures

The Colorado Springs area offers access to whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock-climbing, horseback riding, and more, with activities for ages 7 and older. Choose from half-day, full day, or multi day activities!

All Adventures

Explore Colorado Springs Adventures

 

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.