Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs, just a half hour from Denver, is the home of some of Colorado's best rafting, and is easily accessed by our Idaho Springs outpost. Raft class III through V rapids on Clear Creek, paddling past the town of Idaho Springs and the site of Colorado’s first gold discovery.

Strike Gold with AVA

For a cliffside perspective of the Front Range, zipline or climb our Via Ferrata course from our Idaho Springs outpost, or compliment your rafting trip with an aerial adventure in a full day multi-adventure package! The area also offers numerous trails for hiking and biking, all within easy reach of the town's famous hot springs--perfect for soaking your muscles after a day of exploration.

Explore Idaho Springs

Top Trips

Idaho Springs has become a hidden gem for mountain recreation. Its convenient location, dramatic scenery, and some of the best mountain experiences in Colorado make it easy to spend the entire day exploring the outdoors. We offer whitewater rafting on the Clear Creek for all ages and ability levels, and thrilling Cliffside Zipline and Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata trips. We additionally provide adventure packages, so you can maximize your time and participate in multiple adventure experiences!

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  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. 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.

Idaho Springs Adventures

Idaho Springs Ziplining

AVA Rafting & Zipline is located in the heart of historic Idaho Springs, just 30 minutes from Denver, where our Cliffside Zipline course is built directly into the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain overlooking Chicago Creek. Your adventure begins downtown before boarding our iconic Safari Truck for a short ride up the mountain to the zipline course.

Once on the mountainside, you'll soar across multiple ziplines suspended high above steep granite cliffs, forested slopes, and scenic canyon views. Along the way, you'll navigate exciting aerial elements including a hanging bridge, log cross, jungle bridge, and dual race lines that let you challenge friends and family side-by-side. Every platform offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains while professional guides lead you through the course with expert instruction and encouragement.

Perfect for families, first-time zipliners, groups, and thrill seekers, our Idaho Springs zipline delivers a true Colorado mountain adventure unlike anything you'll find in the city.

Idaho Springs Via Ferrata

For an even bigger aerial challenge, AVA Rafting & Zipline offers the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, a unique assisted climbing adventure built into the dramatic cliffs above Chicago Creek. After arriving at the course, you'll clip into a continuous safety system and make your way across exposed rock faces using iron rungs, steel cables, bridges, and traverses designed to help you safely explore terrain that would otherwise require technical climbing experience.

As you move along the cliffside, you'll gain incredible views of Idaho Springs, the surrounding Rocky Mountains, and the creek winding through the canyon far below. The route combines elements of hiking, scrambling, climbing, and aerial adventure, creating a dynamic experience that keeps participants engaged from start to finish. To make the adventure even more exciting, portions of the course include rides on our cliffside zipline, allowing you to fly between sections of the mountain while taking in panoramic views of the canyon landscape.

The Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is one of the most unique outdoor adventures near Denver, offering an unforgettable way to experience Colorado's rugged mountain terrain from a completely different perspective.

Clear Creek Rafting

Experience the best of Colorado rafting just a short 30-minute drive from Denver on Clear Creek. Our Idaho Springs outpost provides convenient access to exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences for all skill levels and ages.

As you embark on your Clear Creek rafting journey, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Idaho Springs and its mining valley. Navigate exciting rapids, while immersing yourself in Colorado’s beautiful and historic landscape. Be sure to take your eyes off the river just long enough to keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Clear Creek Trips

For a family-friendly introduction to rafting, our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush takes you on a milder journey through splashy whitewater, offering a thrilling adventure suitable for all ages. You'll pass by the historic Argo Mine & Tunnel while navigating class III rapids.

For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 day trip is the perfect choice with steeper technical sections of class IV rapids, or take it to the next level on our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip, an introductory option to challenging class V whitewater. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for an intense and exciting adventure, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate option. This full-day advanced excursion covers 20 miles of non-stop thrills and unforgettable moments at every twist and turn!

Discover Idaho Springs

What to Know

The Closest River to Idaho Springs

Clear Creek runs right through Idaho Springs, and we offer class III - V rafting along with other adventures at our conveniently located outpost in town.

Clear Creek

The Closest Outpost to Idaho Springs

Our nearest outpost is located right in the town of Idaho Springs. Here, guests can also try out a zipline and Via Ferrata course.

Idaho Springs Outpost

Beginners and Families

We recommend our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip! This whitewater experience will still take you on the best of Clear Creek, while providing a milder introduction to rafting through gentler class III rapids.

Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting

Aerial Adventures

Take your Colorado adventure to new heights with AVA Rafting & Zipline aerial experiences, including ziplining and Via Ferrata courses built directly into the Rocky Mountains. From soaring across cliffside ziplines to climbing above rushing creeks and canyon walls, these adventures offer unforgettable views and adrenaline-filled fun for all experience levels.

Cliffside Zipline

Activities in the Area

AVA's Favorite Restaurants

Here are a few of our favorite places to find some delicious grub or a post-paddle beer.

Restaurants near Idaho Springs

Historic Downtown Idaho Springs

Take a stroll through historic downtown Idaho Springs and explore its charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Discover local artisans, browse unique boutiques, and sample delicious cuisine at one of the town's eateries. Don't miss attractions like the Argo Mill and Tunnel, where you can tour a historic gold mine and learn about Idaho Springs' mining heritage.

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St. Mary's Glacier

Embark on a scenic hike to St. Mary's Glacier, located just a short drive from Idaho Springs. This popular trail leads to a stunning alpine lake and glacier nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and crystal-clear waters as you hike to the glacier. The trail offers a moderate challenge suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

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Hot Springs

Relax and rejuvenate at the Indian Hot Springs, located just outside of Idaho Springs. These natural hot springs offer a tranquil retreat with geothermal mineral water pools, soothing soaking tubs, and therapeutic steam caves. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures or simply seeking relaxation amidst nature, the Indian Hot Springs provide a serene oasis for visitors to enjoy.

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Quick Facts

Idaho Springs Location

Idaho Springs is situated in the scenic Clear Creek Canyon, nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains. Its central location along Interstate 70, approximately 30 miles west of Denver, makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling from both the Denver metropolitan area and other mountain destinations

Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs History

Idaho Springs has a rich history dating back to the Colorado Gold Rush of the mid-19th century when gold was discovered in the area by George A. Jackson in 1859. This discovery led to a significant influx of prospectors and settlers, transforming Idaho Springs into a bustling mining town. The town thrived as a hub for gold and silver mining, with numerous mines operating in the surrounding mountains.

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Best Time to Raft

The best time to raft the Clear Creek in Idaho Springs is May through August. Thrill seekers will enjoy the higher water in May and June, while everyone will enjoy an escape from the heat later in the summer.

Current River Conditions

Idaho Springs Activites

Idaho Springs offers rafting, ziplining, and Via Ferrata adventures perfect for all ages 6 and up. Join us for a 1/3 day, half-day, or full-day adventure!

All Adventures

Explore Idaho 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.