Denver

Some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado is conveniently located 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.

  1. 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 bridge, and log cross, with the entire family having a blast on this half-day adventure!  

  2. 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 cliffside in this unique assisted climbing experience, with views of the Rockies and the town of Idaho Springs present the entire way.

  3. 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 and the Chicago Creek on Via Ferrata course, a unique form of climbing with features built into the mountainside. You'll then cool off over the course of 7 miles of moderate rapids on the historic Clear Creek.

  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. 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 the Colorado River winds through the Gore Range and Mountain Ranchland.

  6. 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 to try something new or are seeking a little extra excitement or independence, the Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak trip is perfect for you!

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

What to Know

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

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.

Idaho Springs

Thrill Seekers

New to whitewater rafting? No problem. AVA Rafting & Zipline offers beginner-friendly rafting trips near Denver with professional guides who teach you everything you need to know before hitting the river. Whether you’re looking for a scenic float or exciting Class III rapids, our trips are designed to be fun, safe, and approachable for first-timers, families, and groups alike.

All Rafting Trips

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.

Gold Rush Rafting

Activities in the Area

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

Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata

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.

Visit the Botanic Gardens

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.

Visit Red Rocks

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.

View Denver Exhibits

Quick Facts

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.

More about Denver

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.

Learn About Denver's History

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.

Current River Conditions

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.

All Trips

Explore All Denver 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.

How far is the rafting from Denver?

Our Idaho Springs outpost is about 30 minutes from downtown Denver, making it the most convenient option for a day trip. You can be on the water and back in the city for dinner.

What's the closest river to Denver for white water rafting?

Clear Creek in Idaho Springs is the closest commercially guided white water rafting option to Denver. It offers a full range of difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly Class III to advanced Class V rapids.

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.

Can I do a half-day trip from Denver?

Yes! Our half-day trips are perfect for Denver visitors. With just 30 minutes of drive time, you can enjoy a thrilling 2-3 hour rafting experience without spending your entire day traveling.