Idaho Springs
Explore our Idaho Springs outpost for the most convenient and fun outdoor adventure opportunities to Denver. The area boasts whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, hiking and biking trails, along with the chance to learn about the area’s historical significance to Colorado’s gold rush.
The Gateway to Adventure
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. The Idaho Springs area offers the best Whitewater Rafting near Denver on the Clear Creek, and our outpost also hosts cliffside zipline and Via Ferrata courses. The area’s location near Mount Blue Sky, one of Colorado’s numerous 14ers, offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, and visitors can drive to the summit via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway.
Explore Idaho Springs
Top Trips
From our Idaho Springs outpost, discover whitewater rafting on the Clear Creek for all ability levels, as well as ziplining and Via Ferrata trips. Combine a rafting trip with an aerial adventure in a full day multi-adventure package and explore the best of Colorado’s mountains and rivers.
Explore Idaho Springs Adventures
The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]
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 [...]
Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip
Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class II-III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas [...]
24 Hours in Browns Canyon
Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country [...]
Browns Canyon Sizzler
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]
Scenic Float Full Day
Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]
AVA's Idaho Springs Outpost
Clear Creek Rafting
From our Idaho Springs outpost, AVA offers rafting on the Clear Creek. Flowing right through the heart of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek is a ribbon of adventure. This river offers exciting whitewater rafting, with sections suitable for both families and adrenaline seekers. Our trips include 1/3 day, half-day, and full day adventures on class III through V rapids. Beyond the rapids, Clear Creek’s scenic beauty can be enjoyed by fishing along its banks, or by hiking and biking the trails that follow its course.
Idaho Springs Aerial Adventures
At our Idaho Springs outpost, we also offer exciting ziplining and Via Ferrata adventures. Climb high into the cliffside above our Idaho Springs outpost and soar on our 6 different ziplines or climb our Via Ferrata course. This assisted climbing opportunity takes you into the mountainside via iron rungs, bars, bridges, and ziplines. Both of our aerial courses are unique in that they are built directly into the cliffside rather than on raised platforms and allow you to truly experience the best of the Rocky Mountains.
More Idaho Springs Activities
Another favorite Idaho Springs activity is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Running between Georgetown and Silver Plume, this historic railroad winds its way through the mountains, offering stunning views of the countryside in a historic locomotive.
Other activities include:
- Tour the historic Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine
- Soak in the Indian Hot Springs
- Hike Mount Blue Sky, St. Mary’s Glacier, or another favorite trail
- Eat and drink at Beau Jo’s Pizza, Tommyknocker Brewery, or another favorite restaurant
Denver
Denver, CO
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. The Mile High City offers opportunities to listen to live music and enjoy food from diverse restaurants and breweries. Cheer for the Rockies at Coors Field, explore the 16th Street Mall and Union Station, check out the Denver Botanic Gardens, and relax at one of the city’s numerous parks and green areas. The nearby area also includes Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks amphitheater, as well as Golden, Colorado: Colorado’s first capital and the home of Coors brewing.
Denver’s central location in Colorado also makes it easy to access mountain adventures without excessive travel time. Drive 30 minutes from the city, and you will find opportunities for Whitewater Rafting, biking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Denver is the perfect vacation for those wanting to experience the best of a vibrant city yet still explore Colorado’s natural beauty and scenery.
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!
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
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.
Estes Park
Estes Park, CO
Surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park and only an hour and a half outside of Denver, Estes Park boasts a variety of outdoor activities and attractions with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Most notably, Rocky Mountain National Park offers hiking and wildlife spotting, and visitors can drive the Trail Ridge Road from Estes to Grand Lake with views of the park and the Continental Divide Trail. In the warmer months, opportunities also abound for Whitewater Rafting, Rock Climbing, and Stand-up Paddleboarding.
The town of Estes additionally hosts Lake Estes, with opportunities for boating, fishing, or relaxing. After your outdoor adventure, be sure to check out one of Estes’s restaurants, breweries, or distilleries, or visit a festival or outdoor concert.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses some of the nation’s best peaks, lakes, wildflowers, reservoirs, and wildlife and includes a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. With over 300 miles of trail systems, Rocky Mountain National Park has incredible hikes for all levels from flatter scenic walks to multi-day back packing trips. Landscapes in the park vary greatly and include towering mountains, alpine tundra, crystal clear lakes, meadows, and evergreens, and provide the ecosystem for multiple endangered species.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers wilderness camping under the stars, and there are additional accommodations in the surrounding communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park. Although hiking may be the most common past time, it is not the only adventure you can find in the Rocky Mountain National Park area. From our Kremmling outpost, 40 minutes from the park, we offer Whitewater Rafting and Fly Fishing trips on the scenic Upper Colorado River, along with SUP and Inflatable Kayak trips and rentals.
Vail
Vail
Locals and guests in this quaint little town are spoiled with gorgeous surroundings and all the amenities of a bigger city. Winter brings skiing and boarding, yet summer offers endless sunny days and a chance to explore Colorado’s mountains and great outdoors. The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.
The town of Vail has much to offer itself, including a variety of lodging and dining options, along with arts and culture opportunities. Catch a show at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, check out Vail’s festival schedule, or stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens!
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.