Denver

Some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado is just 30 minutes from Denver! Clear Creek flows through Golden’s whitewater park and the town of Idaho Springs, with opportunities to float, kayak, and raft class III through V rapids, making it easy to escape the city and cool down for an afternoon or day on the water.

Mile High Adventure Awaits

Denver, Colorado provides the perfect opportunity to explore cultural attractions, markets, festivals, museums, and urban excitement while maintaining easy access to the best of Colorado’s outdoors. Join AVA at our Idaho Springs outpost a half hour from Denver for whitewater rafting, zipline, and Via Ferrata adventures!

Explore Denver

Top Trips

Denver’s central location in Colorado also makes it easy to access mountain adventures without excessive travel time. At our Idaho Springs location, and you will find whitewater rafting on class III through V rapids, ziplining, Via Ferrata, and the chance to combine adventures with a multi-adventure package.

Person on a Via Ferrata course.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for Cliffside Thrills

Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata

Get your heart up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the [...]

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view of woman climbing Via Ferrata through trees and shrubbery
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Full Day of Excitement

Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata

On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs [...]

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Woman smiling while traversing AVA's Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

Spend your day venturing through the mountains on with this thrilling combo of activities! You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water [...]

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Colorado Zipline Tours
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]

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Polaris RZR UTV with Colorado's fall leaves in the background.
Splashy & Moderate
Best Mix of Activities

Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package

Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and [...]

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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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Denver Whitewater Rafting

Denver Whitewater Rafting

Our Idaho Springs outpost is just 30 minutes from Denver, making it easily accessible for a day trip! Here, you can experience whitewater rafting for all levels on Clear Creek, which passes through historic Idaho Springs and offers the best whitewater rafting near Denver.

Clear Creek Trips

As you paddle along Clear Creek, you’ll pass through the historic town of Idaho Springs and its picturesque mining valley. Immerse yourself in stunning Colorado views and keep an eye out for local wildlife, all while navigating thrilling rapids.

For a milder introduction to whitewater rafting, perfect for all ages, we recommend our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush trip. Splash through eleven thrilling class III rapids, finding adventure in a family-friendly experience.

For those seeking a slightly more challenging experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip is ideal, as you rush through class IV rapids with steeper technical sections, and our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip provides an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids that will get your heart racing.

For those craving the highest level of intensity, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate choice. This full-day advanced adventure spans 20 miles, offering non-stop excitement and thrilling moments at every turn!

Other Denver Adventures

At our Idaho Springs location, your group also has the opportunity to participate in a zipline or Via Ferrata adventure. Both of these aerial activities will get you high into the Rocky Mountains, providing an aerial view of historic Idaho Springs and the surrounding area.

With the variety of adventures available we recommend combining your Clear Creek rafting experience with a zipline or Via Ferrata trip in a full day multi-adventure package.

Discover Denver

AVA water rafting trip

The Closest River to Denver

The Clear Creek runs through Idaho Springs and Golden Colorado, with rafting access just a half hour away in Idaho Springs.

clear creek rafting past the Idaho Springs waterwheel

The Closest Outpost to Denver

Our Idaho Springs location, a half hour from Denver, is the closest outpost to Denver and offers opportunities to try out rafting, ziplining, and a Via Ferrata course.

Rafters navigating intense whitewater and spray.

Thrill Seekers

Our Phoenix trip from our Idaho Springs outpost is a full day adventure through wild class V rapids. You will experience 20 miles on the river through the most advanced whitewater in the Denver area! Or try one of our advanced half-day trips on the Upper Clear Creek and Lower Canyon, and combine these rafting experiences with an exciting Via Ferrata course.

Rafters with oars up along the river.

Family-Friendly

From our Idaho Springs outpost, our Clear Creek Gold Rush 1/3 Day trip provides a perfect opportunity for families and beginner rafters to have fun and learn the basics! This class III adventure allows those as young as 6 years old to get out on the water and experience the thrill of rafting. Package this rafting trip with a ziplining experience for a full day of multi-adventure fun.

two girls ziplining through the trees in Colorado

Aerial Adventures

Our Idaho Springs outpost offers our Cliffside Zipline course, just 30 minutes from Denver! This course features 6 lines, including a jungle bridge, hanging bridge, and dual race line. Guests can also experience our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course. Climb into the cliffside above the Chicago Creek and Idaho Springs, clipping in and out of cables as you traverse bridges and iron rungs

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Hikes

Denver Parks and Gardens

Denver is home to numerous parks and gardens, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Visit City Park, the largest park in Denver, which features lakes, jogging trails, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world, as well as art installations and seasonal events.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Concerts and Festivals

Denver comes alive with outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months. Check out the lineup at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a world-famous outdoor venue set amidst stunning rock formations. From music concerts to film screenings and yoga sessions, Red Rocks offers a unique and unforgettable outdoor entertainment experience. Additionally, explore various street festivals, art walks, and cultural events happening throughout the city.

Denver skyline and view of city park

Museums

Beat the heat and explore Denver’s museums and cultural attractions. Visit the Denver Art Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork spanning various cultures and time periods. Explore the History Colorado Center, where interactive exhibits and artifacts tell the story of Colorado’s rich history and heritage. Additionally, don’t miss the Denver Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium, both offering family-friendly entertainment and educational experiences.

lights across the street in downtown Denver

Denver Location

Denver is the capital city of the state of Colorado and serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the region. Denver, located in Denver County, is centrally located in Colorado, nestled at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

old black and white photo of miners

Denver History

Denver’s history traces back to the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century when it was founded as a mining town in 1858. Originally established as Denver City, it quickly grew into a supply hub for miners seeking fortune in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Over the years, Denver evolved into a major metropolitan area, serving as the state capital of Colorado and becoming a center for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation in the region.

Advanced Whitewater Rafting Tours

Best Time to Raft

The best time to raft the Clear Creek near Denver is May through August. Thrill seekers will enjoy the higher water levels of late May through June, while everyone will appreciate the chance to escape the heat in July and August.

View of Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Denver Trips

At our Idaho Springs outpost, we offer outdoor adventure trips for ages 6 and up. These include whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, and multi-adventure packages with 1/2 day and full day options available.

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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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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 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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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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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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group smiling as they conquer the rapids
Maximum Adrenaline
Best for Adrenaline Junkies

The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & Numbers

Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  On this rafting adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek [...]

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Woman on zipline in Colorado.
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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Group of rafts paddling through Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River
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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Rafting outside of Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs, CO

Idaho Springs, located just 30 minutes from Denver and within an hour of Boulder, Summit County and Winter Park, is home to one of our AVA outposts! Colorado’s first gold was discovered here, and it is said that the Gold Rush originated in Idaho Springs. Visitors can explore the areas rich history through tours of the Argo Mill and Tunnel and Phoenix Gold Mine and relax in the notable Indian Hot Springs. The town also boasts several unique and local restaurants you will want to check out after your outdoor adventure!

The Idaho Springs area offers the best Whitewater Rafting near Denver on the Clear Creek, and our outpost includes exciting cliffside Zipline and Via Ferrata tours. The area’s location near Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s numerous 14ers, offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, and visitors can drive to the summit via the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

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!

Oars up on a Colorado River.

Kremmling

1606 Park Avenue
Kremmling, CO 80459

Kremmling is the perfect destination for families looking for a mountain getaway. Our Upper Colorado River Scenic Float rafting trip welcomes adventurers as young as 2 years old on a half day or full day adventure on mellow Class II rapids. While in Kremmling, be sure to also try one of our Fly Fishing excursions or kick up dirt on our UTV Rentals!

You will find our Kremmling outpost just 45 minutes from Summit County and just under two hours from Denver.

Rafters on smooth waters.

Buena Vista

40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211

If using Google Maps, ‘US 24 North’ is incorrect and will take you 10 miles south of us. Type in the address exactly as listed above to ensure correct directions.

On the hunt for a true mountain excursion?  Head to Buena Vista, Colorado to raft through a national monument on our Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day trip, fly above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline, or Rock Climb the majestic Granite Gorge Cliffs, where views of the majestic Collegiate Peaks will take your breath away.

AVA’s Buena Vista Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.

Clear Creek rafting trip.

Clear Creek

Clear Creek

Clear Creek runs from Loveland Pass through Golden and The Front Range and eventually joins up with the South Platte River. This river flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains directly west of Denver, following alongside I-70 and through the town of Idaho Springs, where the first gold was found in the late 1850s during the Colorado gold rush.

Located in an old mining valley in the Colorado Rockies, its proximity to Denver, Boulder, Summit County and Winter Park makes Clear Creek rafting an easily accessible favorite for locals and travelers alike. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Denver, our Idaho Springs outpost allows easy access to one of Colorado’s most well known rivers. Clear Creek runs through Idaho Spring’s historic mining valley, providing opportunities for scenic views and potential wildlife spotting, while flowing through fun and floaty rapids.

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.

Rafters navigating intense whitewater and spray.

Colorado River

Kremmling, Colorado

The Colorado River, a spectacular force of nature, is the lifeblood of the American West. Meandering over 1,450 miles from the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the deserts of Mexico, this river passes through five U.S. states and eleven National Parks. As one of the longest rivers in the United States, it has etched some of the world’s most awe-inspiring features into the earth, including the Grand Canyon.

Along its course, the Colorado River represents a vital water source for millions of people and agricultural areas, as well as supports a rich diversity of wildlife. It also serves as a recreational paradise, offering world-class opportunities for white-water Rafting, Fishing, and Camping, and its rich and enduring history makes the Colorado River a crucial aspect of the landscape of the western United States.

The Colorado River offers rafting numerous opportunities for Whitewater Rafting amidst the backdrop of stunning scenery. From fun float trips appropriate for ages 2 and up to challenging, pulse-pounding rides, the Colorado River has river trips for everyone. Join AVA in Kremmling, Colorado for a trip down this mighty river, where the area’s mellower waters make it the perfect destination for river adventure, with activities including Rafting, Fly-Fishing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding.