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. Also worth considering, AVA’s Kremmling adventures on the Upper Colorado River offer some of the most reliable rafting conditions throughout the season and are perfect for guests looking for a more scenic and relaxing river experience. The Upper Colorado is known for its consistent flows, beautiful canyon scenery, abundant wildlife, and calmer waters, making it an excellent choice for families, first-time rafters, inflatable kayaks, and scenic float trips.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

    Spend your day venturing through the mountains on with this thrilling combo of activities! You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water and land, as you rush class IV rapids on the Upper Clear Creek and climb high into the cliffside on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course.  

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

  6. Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip

    Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

Explore Idaho Springs Adventures

 

AVA's Idaho Springs Outpost

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. Ziplining Via Ferrata

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. Clear Creek Trips

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. Train Rides Other activities include:

Why Pick AVA and our Idaho Springs Outpost?

Adventure Starts in the Heart of Idaho Springs

AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is located right on historic Main Street, making it one of the most convenient and exciting rafting destinations in Colorado. Just a short drive from Denver, our location places guests within walking distance of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and the charm of downtown Idaho Springs before or after their adventure.

Walk Straight to the River

One of the biggest advantages of rafting with AVA in Idaho Springs is our direct walk-to-put-in access for select trips. In rafting, the “put-in” is the location where guides launch the boats and guests begin their trip on the river. While many rafting companies require guests to shuttle to remote river access points, AVA’s outpost sits right next to the Clear Creek put-in for our popular Gold Rush rafting trip. That means less time loading buses and more time enjoying the river.

Our unique setup gives guests the best of both worlds: a full-service rafting outpost with gear, check-in, changing areas, and amenities, plus immediate access to the river just steps away.

Safari Truck Transportation Experience

For adventures requiring transportation, guests ride in AVA’s custom Safari Trucks between the outpost and trip locations. These open-air adventure vehicles add to the excitement before you even reach the river, creating a true Colorado mountain experience from start to finish. The scenic drive through Idaho Springs and Clear Creek Canyon becomes part of the adventure itself.

Colorado’s Original Mountainside Aerial Adventure

Beyond rafting, AVA Idaho Springs is also home to one of Colorado’s most exciting aerial adventure experiences. Guests can soar through the mountains on our zipline courses, navigate elevated challenge elements, and experience incredible Rocky Mountain scenery from above. Combined with rafting on Clear Creek, these adventures make Idaho Springs one of the top destinations in Colorado for multi-adventure outdoor experiences.

FAQs

Where is the AVA Idaho Springs outpost located?

AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located on historic Main Street in downtown Idaho Springs, just minutes from Interstate 70 and less than an hour from Denver. Our location makes it easy to combine whitewater rafting and outdoor adventures with local restaurants, breweries, and shopping.

What does “walk-to-put-in” mean?

The “put-in” is the location where rafting trips begin and boats are launched into the river. One major advantage of AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is that our Gold Rush rafting trip launches just steps from the outpost itself. Instead of taking a long shuttle ride to the river, guests can walk directly from check-in to the rafting put-in, saving time and getting on the water faster.

Why is AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost unique?

AVA offers the convenience of a full-service rafting outpost combined with direct river access. Many rafting companies either meet guests at remote river access points with limited amenities or require long shuttle rides before the trip begins. AVA’s location provides the best of both worlds with gear outfitting, changing areas, guides, and immediate proximity to the river.

Can I combine rafting with other adventures?

Yes. AVA Idaho Springs offers multi-adventure packages that combine rafting with ziplining and aerial adventures for a full day of outdoor fun in the Rocky Mountains.

How close is the outpost to Denver?

AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is located less than an hour from Denver, making it one of the closest whitewater rafting destinations to the city and a perfect option for day trips and weekend adventures.