Vail
Vail's central location makes it easy to access Colorado's best and varied whitewater rafting experiences. The Arkansas River, Colorado River, and Clear Creek, and Blue River are all about an hour or less from Vail and offer whitewater rafting on class II-V rapids, as well as exposure to Colorado's most scenic and pristine areas.
Elevated Adventure with AVA
Vail’s central location serves as an ideal base for exploring all the best Colorado adventures, including Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, Fly Fishing, and more! The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.
Our Trending Trips
Near Vail
Visitors to Vail are in a great location to access the best of summer’s mountain recreation. With easy day-trip options, you can choose from shorter 2-hour adventures or even overnight trips, ensuring there’s a perfect rafting experience for you. AVA offers trips on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek, with experiences ranging from family friendly options to wild adventures for your entire party.
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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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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.
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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 rafting and climbing experience will challenge all adrenaline seekers, as you tackle some of the most difficult whitewater in the country, as well as our heart-pounding Via Ferrata course.
Vail Whitewater Rafting Trips
The Arkansas River
Discover the awe-inspiring Arkansas River just one hour away at our Buena Vista outpost. Your river or mountain adventure will immerse you in breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Collegiate Peak Mountain Range nestled within the Sawatch Range.
Arkansas River Rafting
Navigate the renowned Browns Canyon National Monument with our exhilarating Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip. This intermediate whitewater experience not only gets your heart pumping but also offers countless opportunities to appreciate the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and wildlife. If you’re seeking a longer adventure, our 3/4 day Browns Canyon Express and full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler trips will elevate your Arkansas River experience, and on our 24 Hours in Browns trip, you will explore Colorado day and night, as you camp under the starry sky. For those craving more intense rapids, our Numbers 1/2 day trip will take you on an adrenaline-pumping experience, as you conquer class IV rapids and the most continuous whitewater on the Arkansas River. And for the most adventurous, don’t miss our Gauntlet-Pine Creek & the Numbers excursion, a full-day ride through the Arkansas River’s steepest section and heart-pounding class V rapids.
The Colorado River
Paddle the Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost, conveniently located just one hour from Vail. This mighty river serves as a lifeline to 36 million people and spans 7 states, carving through the majestic Grand Canyon on its way from the Continental Divide to Mexico’s Gulf of California and is a mecca for whitewater rafting and recreational opportunities.
Colorado River Rafting
Immerse yourself in the beauty of this river with our scenic half and full day float trips. You additionally have the option to paddle an Inflatable Kayak or Stand up Paddleboard, tailoring your adventure to your group. As you meander through the awe-inspiring Gore Range, you’ll encounter gentle rapids, creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our float trips provide ample time to unwind, swim, and bask in the sun. For those seeking a more immersive experience, our overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip allows you to experience the Upper Colorado River by day and night. Additionally, we offer a range of Fly-Fishing opportunities, including Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight trips, perfect for anglers looking to reel in the big ones, while exploring the best of Colorado’s rivers!
Clear Creek
Discover the excitement of Clear Creek, located just one hour from Vail and easily accessible from our Idaho Springs outpost. Clear Creek offers unparalleled rafting experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it the top choice for rafting near the Denver area. As you journey along Clear Creek, you’ll be immersed in the rich history of Idaho Springs and its mining valley, while experiencing breathtaking Colorado views and local wildlife.
Clear Creek Rafting
For a gentle introduction to whitewater rafting that’s perfect for all ages, our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip is an excellent choice, as you rush through eleven thrilling class III rapids, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. If you’re seeking a slightly more advanced experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip will take you through class IV rapids, where you’ll navigate steeper and more 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 most intense thrills and exhilarating rapids, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate choice. Embark on a full-day advanced journey covering 20 miles of non-stop excitement!
BLUE RIVER
Raft the the Blue River, located only a half hour from Vail in charming Silverthorne, Colorado. As a tributary of the renowned Colorado River, the Blue River presents an opportunity to raft amidst breathtaking views of the Gore Range and the iconic Quandary Peak. Embark on our exhilarating Blue River Express trip and navigate class III rapids on a 2 hour adventure perfect for all ages!
Discover Vail
What to Know
The Closest River to Vail
The Blue River is the closest, just a half hour from Vail; however, this beautiful river does not run all the time. The Arkansas River, Colorado River, and Clear Creek are all only about 1 hour from Vail!
Blue River RaftingThe Closest Outpost to Vail
AVA's outposts in Buena Vista, Kremmling, and Idaho Springs are all about 1 hour from Vail, with opportunities for rafting, aerial, and other adventures.
Buena VistaFamily-Friendly Rafting
High Adrenaline Rafting
Activities in the Area
Ziplining near Vail
Via Ferrata near Vail
We also offer an one of a kind Granite Via Ferrata course at our Buena Vista outpost. Traverse the cliff face, climbing across iron rungs and bars, and experience our stomach dropping 78 foot controlled freefall!
Colorado Via Ferrata – GraniteBetty Ford Alpine Gardens
Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America, located in the heart of Vail. These beautifully landscaped gardens showcase a wide variety of alpine and high-altitude plants from around the world and include themed gardens.
Learn MoreBiking Vail Mountain
Vail Resort offers an extensive network of biking trails suitable for all skill levels. In the summer, the ski slopes transform into lush, scenic pathways with exciting downhill riding for all levels.
Learn MoreQuick Facts
Vail Location
Vail is located in Eagle County in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Nestled within the White River National Forest, Vail is approximately 100 miles west of Denver.
Learn MoreVail's History
The town of Vail was established in conjunction with the opening of the Vail Ski Resort in 1962. Incorporated in 1966, the town has since grown into a thriving community, known for its European-inspired charm, picturesque setting, vibrant arts scene, and wide range of recreational activities available year-round.
Learn MoreBest Time to Raft
The best time to raft Clear Creek and the Arkansas River is May through August, with the Colorado running strong into October. The Blue River has a narrower window of May through July or August, dependent on conditions.
Current River ConditionsVail Adventures
Due to its central location, Vail is an ideal starting point for all of Colorado's outdoor activities. Explore whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and UTV rentals, all within about an hour from Vail!
All AdventuresVail Whitewater Rafting and Other Activities
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.