Glenwood Springs
Known as Colorado's land of water, Glenwood Springs offers a plethora of nearby rafting opportunities from fun and splashy to intense whitewater. Shoshone rafting on the Upper Colorado River takes you through the majestic Glenwood Canyon, while the Arkansas River, about two hours away from Glenwood Springs, is easily accessible from our Buena Vista outpost and hosts a variety of whitewater rafting opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
Rush the Rapids with AVA
At the confluence of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River, Colorado Springs is a mecca for hiking, fishing, and hot springs. Visitors can easily access the iconic Hanging Lake trail, enjoy the world's largest mineral hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, and explore the caves and rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Glenwood Springs Whitewater Rafting
Top Trips
From our Buena Vista outpost, experience class III through V rafting on the Arkansas River, along with ziplining and Via Ferrata courses and nearby horseback riding and fly-fishing. Join us on the Upper Colorado River, from our Kremmling location, for mellow float trips, stand up paddleboarding, inflatable kayaking, fly fishing, and UTV rentals in one of Colorado's most rugged areas.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Cliffside Zipline Half Day
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown Idaho Springs before boarding our signature Safari Truck for a scenic ride up the mountain. From there, you'll soar across six exhilarating ziplines built directly into the rugged Rocky Mountain landscape above Chicago Creek.</p> As you travel from platform to platform, you'll fly past towering granite cliffs, forested slopes, and sweeping mountain views while tackling exciting aerial features including a hanging bridge, log cross, jungle bridge, and dual race line. This half-day adventure combines adrenaline, incredible scenery, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect Colorado mountain experience for first-time zipliners and thrill seekers alike.
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Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.
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Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Get your heart racing on one of Colorado's most unique aerial adventures. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata takes you high above Chicago Creek on a guided cliffside climbing experience built directly into the rugged mountains surrounding historic Idaho Springs. Clipped into a continuous safety system, you'll traverse exposed rock faces, cross suspended bridges, and navigate a series of exciting features while taking in sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains below.</p> Throughout the adventure, you'll move across dramatic granite cliffs overlooking the canyon and downtown Idaho Springs, experiencing terrain typically reserved for technical climbers. Combining hiking, climbing, and aerial elements, the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata delivers an unforgettable mountain adventure just 30 minutes from Denver.
Your AVA Glenwood Springs Adventure
Glenwood Springs Rafting
The closest rafting to Glenwood Springs is the Shoshone rafting trip, just outside of town on the Upper Colorado River's Shoshone Rapids. This milder class III whitewater rafting trip has a minimum age of 5 and takes you through the magnificent Glenwood Canyon. Visitors will experience stunning scenery, rapids such as the Man Eater, The Wall, and Tombstone, with plenty of time to relax and maybe even spot mountain goats!
Rafting the Arkansas River
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the Sawatch Range, as you embark on an unforgettable white-water rafting journey along the Arkansas River. Our Buena Vista outpost, 2 hours away from Glenwood Springs, provides access to this exciting waterway!
Arkansas River Trips
Join AVA at our Buena Vista outpost to experience one of Colorado's most scenic locations with unparalleled whitewater on the Arkansas River. Our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip takes you through the iconic Browns Canyon National Monument, as you navigate intermediate class III rapids. Marvel at the stunning granite canyon, soak in the panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley, and maybe even encounter wildlife that call this area home. To elevate your adventure, choose our 3/4 day Browns Canyon Express, full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler, or our 24 Hours in Browns trip–a unique adventure that combines rafting with riverside camping.
Adventure seekers will enjoy our Numbers 1/2 day trip, as you paddle the most continuous section of white-water rafting on the Arkansas River, featuring thrilling class IV rapids. And if you’re up for the ultimate adrenaline rush, don’t miss our Gauntlet-Pine Creek & the Numbers excursion. Paddle the steepest rapids in the state and the Arkansas River's infamous class V Pine Creek rapid.
THE COLORADO RIVER
The Colorado River, which spans across seven states and flows through the majestic Grand Canyon, is an iconic North American waterway. From the Continental Divide to the Gulf of California in Mexico, it represents a vital water source for millions of people, and AVA is honored to provide access to this magnificent river from our convenient Kremmling outpost, located one hour and 45 minutes from Glenwood Springs.
Colorado River Trips
Explore The Colorado River with our scenic half-day and full-day float trips, and even choose from a variety of options including rafts, inflatable kayaks, or stand up paddleboards. Drift along the river as it winds through the stunning Gore Range, encountering gentle rapids that create a soothing and enjoyable journey. Our float trips offer opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and unwind amidst the tranquility of the river. To experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors, day and night, embark on our overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip. Fishing enthusiasts will also enjoy our range of Fly-Fishing opportunities, including Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight trips. Experience the serenity of the river while honing your fishing skills and learning the best fishing spots on one of Colorado’s most renowned rivers!
Discover Glenwood Springs
What to Know
The Closest River to Glenwood Springs
The closest river to Glenwood Springs is the Colorado River in the town of Glenwood Springs. AVA also offers easy access to the Colorado River 1 hour and 45 minutes away in Kremmling, Colorado. The iconic Arkansas River is also only 2 hours away from Glenwood Springs.
Colorado RiverThe Closest Outpost to Glenwood Springs
AVA's closest outpost to Glenwood Springs is our Kremmling location, offering Colorado River activities along with exciting UTV rentals. We also recommend visiting our Buena Vista outpost, 2 hours away, for rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, fly-fishing, and horseback riding experiences.
Buena Vista OutpostFamily-Friendly
Our half day float trip from our Kremmling outpost provides a great opportunity for families, with ages 2 and up able to raft! Spend time relaxing, paddling, swimming, and sunbathing on the Upper Colorado River.
Colorado Scenic Float-Half DayDuckie & Kayak Adventures
Just a short drive from Glenwood Springs, the Upper Colorado River offers the perfect setting for AVA duckie adventures. Paddle your own craft through splashy rapids, relaxing stretches of river, and scenic canyon landscapes for a fun and active Colorado experience perfect for beginners and adventure seekers alike.
Learn More About DuckiesActivities in the Area
Aerial Adventures
At our Buena Vista outpost 2 hours away, we offer ziplining and Via Ferrata adventures. Fly through the trees and over the stunning Arkansas River Valley across 7 lines on our exciting Mountaintop Zipline course. On our Via Ferrata, climb high into the cliffside, traverse across iron rungs and cables, and swing on several lines of our zipline course. and even experience our 78 foot controlled freefall!
Buena Vista ActivitiesGlenwood Hot Springs
Relax and unwind in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. The pool's natural mineral waters are rich in healthful minerals, offering therapeutic benefits and a soothing experience for visitors. Whether you're looking to soak in the warm waters, swim laps, or enjoy the water slides and splash zones, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool provides a refreshing escape.
Learn MoreGlenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Adventure at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, an amusement park perched atop Iron Mountain overlooking Glenwood Springs. Ride the thrilling Glenwood Canyon Flyer swing ride, soar above the canyon on the Cliffhanger roller coaster, or explore the stunning caverns on a guided cave tour.
Learn MoreHanging Lake
Hike to the breathtaking Hanging Lake, a stunning turquoise-colored lake nestled in Glenwood Canyon. The trail to Hanging Lake is approximately 2.8 miles round-trip and features a series of switchbacks and bridges, offering panoramic views of the canyon and waterfalls along the way. Once at Hanging Lake, marvel at the crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations, and take in the serene beauty of this natural wonder.
Learn MoreQuick Facts
Glenwood Springs Location
Glenwood Springs, in Garfield County, is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in western Colorado, situated along the Colorado River and surrounded by towering peaks and scenic canyons. Its central location in the state makes it easily accessible from major cities such as Denver and Grand Junction, as well as popular mountain destinations like Aspen and Vail.
Learn MoreGlenwood Springs History
Glenwood Springs has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was founded as a resort town centered around its natural hot springs. The area's therapeutic waters attracted early settlers and tourists seeking health and relaxation, leading to the development of hotels, bathhouses, and recreational facilities/
Learn MoreBest Time to Raft
The best time to raft the Colorado River is May through October, with the Arkansas offering optimal conditions May through August.
Current River ConditionsGlenwood Springs Activities
The Glenwood Springs area offers access to numerous activities including rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock-climbing, and more, with options for ages 2 and up! We offer 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day adventure options.
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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.