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 5 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!
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting Colorado
DURATION: 1/2 Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (intense)
RIVER RATING: Class IV
MINIMUM AGE: 15 years old
PRICE: from $104 Ages 15+
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Browns Canyon Rafting, Zipline
DURATION: Full Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (moderate)
RIVER RATING: Class III
MINIMUM AGE: 7 years old
PRICE: from $188 youth 7-12,
$208 ages 13+
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Browns Canyon Rafting, Via Ferrata
DURATION: Full Day
DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (intense)
RIVER RATING: Class III
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years old
PRICE: from $238
Whitewater Rafting trips from the mellow and mild to the wet and wild are all easy day-trips from Breckenridge. Choose from shorter, 2-hour adventures to overnight trips. AVA offers experiences on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek with a wide array of choices, allowing you to find the perfect river trip for you and your party. Breckenridge is also an ideal central location for all of our outdoor adventure opportunities, including Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, Fly Fishing, and more! Breckenridge is additionally the location for our Bike Rentals, allowing you to explore the paved paths and dirt trails of Summit County.
Located just an hour and 15 minutes away from Breckenridge, Colorado, our Buena Vista outpost provides access to the majestic Arkansas River. Rafters on this river will be treated to breathtaking scenery, including the impressive Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the Sawatch Range.
Experience the thrill of navigating the Browns Canyon National Monument with our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip . This intermediate whitewater adventure offers plenty of opportunities to admire the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife. For those looking for a full-day adventure, choose the Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns, our overnight trip where you can camp riverside and sleep under the stars.
If you’re seeking more intense rapids, our Numbers 1/2 day trip is perfect for you. Prepare to tackle the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River, featuring exhilarating class IV rapids. And for the most daring adventurers, our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion awaits. Begin the day with a thrilling 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and experience the adrenaline rush of conquering the Arkansas River’s steepest section, complete with heart-pumping class V rapids.
Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 7 years old and up
Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, Horseback riding
Flowing from the Continental Divide to Mexico’s Gulf of California, the Colorado River travels through 7 states and the Grand Canyon, providing water to 36 million people. AVA is lucky enough to have access to the Upper Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost, one hour from Breckenridge.
On the Colorado River, we offer scenic half and full day float trips with opportunities for Inflatable Kayak and Stand up Paddleboarding trips. Visitors experience a few gentle rapids, as this section flows through the Gore Range. Our float trips allow for plenty of time to relax, swim, and sunbathe on the river! We also run an overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip, where visitors have the opportunity to experience day and night on the beautiful Upper Colorado River, as well as our Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight Fly-Fishing trips!
Best time to raft: May – October
Ages: 2 years old and up
Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday
Other Activities: Inflatable Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Fly Fishing, Gear Rentals
Clear Creek is also located one hour from Breckenridge, with our outpost in Idaho Springs providing access to the river. Clear creek offers rafting for all ages and ability levels and represents the best rafting near the Denver area. Clear Creek travels through historic Idaho Springs and its mining valley, reaping stunning Colorado views and wildlife along the way.
For a milder introduction to whitewater rafting and trip perfect for all ages, choose our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip and rush through eleven class III rapids. Our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip will take you through slightly more advanced class IV rapids, while our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip provides an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids with steeper technical sections to get your heart racing. For those seeking intense thrills and exciting rapids, choose our Phoenix trip. This is a full day advanced trip with 20 miles of thrilling adventure and non-stop excitement!
Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 6 years old and up
Duration: 1/3 day, 1/2 day, and Full Day
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata
The Blue River is just a half hour from Breckenridge in Silverthorne, Colorado. This river is known for stunning Rocky Mountain Views, including the Gore Range and of Quandary Peak and is a tributary of the Colorado River. Raft the Blue River Express for an exciting and scenic trip on class III rapids!
Best time to raft: May – July
Ages: 5 years old and up
Duration: 1/3 day
Other Activities: Biking
If you are looking to make a day trip or stay close to Breckenridge then these locations will be the best options for you and your group.
Located 1 hours and 15 minutes southwest of Breckenridge. Activities:
Located 1 hour east of Breckenridge. Activities:
Located 1 hours north of Breckenridge. Activities:
Located 40 minutes east of Breckenridge. Activities: