group leaning away from raft as they navigate around the rocky river corner
Thrilling & Very Active

Browns Canyon Half Day + Zipline Package

This multi-adventure package will keep you energized and smiling the entire day, as you fly through the trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then rush the rapids on our Brown’s Canyon whitewater adventure.

The Highlights Of Your Trip

You’ll begin your epic full-day of adventure with the wind in your hair, soaring on our 6-line zipline course. Experience the Arkansas River Valley from above, with views of the Collegiate Peaks Mountain Range the entire way. You’ll then spend the next half of the day cooling off on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip, as you navigate intermediate rapids while paddling through Brown’s Canyon National Monument.

Minimum age: 7, minimum weight: 50 lbs., maximum weight: 250 lbs.

Book this trip

1

How much

Pricing

From $199

Adult 13+

From $184

Ages 7-12

2

What's included

Activities

  • Rafting
  • Ziplining
3

Trip Length

Duration

full day, no lunch

4

How Hard

Difficulty

Thrilling & Very Active
5

Who can go

Minimum Age

7 years old & Up

Trip Highlights

A. 2026 Expectations

The Arkansas River is officially flowing for the 2026 season, and Browns Canyon is shaping up for a fun year on the water. With this year’s Colorado snowpack, flows are coming in at more manageable and technical levels compared to some recent high-water seasons, making it an awesome time for families, first-timers, and experienced paddlers alike. Trips on other sections of the Arkansas are also available to book, and our team will keep you updated on current river conditions and any trip options as your adventure gets closer.

2026 River Conditions

B. What to Expect

  • A full day of adventure
  • Half-day zipline tour on our Mountaintop Zipline course
  • Fly across 6 ziplines over the Arkansas River Valley
  • Experience our natural zipline course with platforms built directly into the cliffside
  • Raft approximately 9-10 miles through Browns Canyon National Monument
  • Paddle through class III rapids, with notable rapids including Zoom, Flume, and Pinball
  • Experienced raft and zip guides

C. Trip Itinerary*

  • Arrive at our Buena Vista outpost, where you will meet your guide and gear up for your zipline adventure
  • Ride up to our 6-line zipline course above our outpost
  • Zip through the trees with high-flying excitement for everyone in your party
  • Return to our outpost and break for lunch – please pack a lunch to enjoy between adventures.
  • Meet up with your raft guide and get ready for your whitewater adventure
  • Navigate class III whitewater, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!
  • Return to our outpost and check out your trip photos

*For some trips, the order of adventures may be switched. Please check your individual booking for exact details.

D. Who will love this trip?

  • Families looking for exciting activities everyone can participate in
  • Groups hoping to try two completely different outdoor experiences
  • Nature lovers looking to explore more of Colorado’s rivers and mountains
  • Groups with kids at least 7 years old

What to expect

On Your Whitewater Rafting + Zipline Adventure

Ziplining in Colorado.

A full day of excitement

Both our Mountaintop Zipline course and Browns Canyon rafting trip are exciting adventures for all ages. Start your adventure with a pulse-pounding zipline tour, flying from cliff to cliff. You’ll journey high into the mountainside, conquering six ziplines and getting to race your group on our 900-foot dual race line.

Next up is your afternoon rafting trip through Browns Canyon. Perfect for beginner through advanced rafters, this trip features family-level whitewater, and your crew will work together to navigate these exciting rapids of the iconic Arkansas River.

View of lake and flowers on the bank in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Unparalleled Scenery

Our zipline tour carries you through densely wooded areas and over rocky cliffs and crags. You will be amazed at how beautiful the snow-capped mountain peaks and Arkansas River are from this aerial view! Unlike courses built on raised platforms, our Mountaintop Zipline is seamlessly woven into the Colorado Rockies, offering a unique chance to adventure in the mountains.

On your rafting adventure, you will be mesmerized by the stunning blue waters of the Arkansas River, while the majestic granite walls of Browns Canyon rise on the banks. Keep a lookout for wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep, eagles, and trout that add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.

row of helmets hanging on string

Included Gear & Packing List

All of your gear will be provided for your rafting and zipline excursions. This includes:

  • PFD
  • Wetsuit
  • Splash jacket
  • Helmet
  • Zipline harness
  • Gloves

WHAT TO BRING

  • Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs! (Rafting)
  • Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
  • Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
  • Closed toed-shoes (Ziplining)
  • Longer pants or shorts that will fit in your zipline harness
  • Lunch
  • Cash to tip your raft & zip guides!
Mountain bike rentals in Colorado at AVA.

Continue the Adventure

Buena Vista and its surrounding area offers plenty to keep you entertained for a weekend or evening trip.

  • Stay at one of our cabins or scenic campsites and wake up refreshed for another day of adventure
  • Continue to explore outdoors with opportunities for hiking, biking, fly-fishing, or horseback riding
  • We know you’re hungry after your full day of adventure! Sample cuisine at one of Buena Vista’s many restaurants or breweries
  • Unwind and rejuvenate at the nearby Cottonwood Hot Springs or Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Trip Location

Rafters on smooth waters.

Buena Vista South Main

924 South Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211

924 South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211 is our rafting address. If you’re visiting for ziplining or via ferrata, make sure to use our 40579 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211 address.

Experience whitewater rafting in Buena Vista from AVA’s South Main outpost, located just steps from the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. With easy access to Browns Canyon and family-friendly float trips, this location puts you close to some of Colorado’s best rafting adventures while surrounded by the energy of South Main, the Surf Hotel, Eddyline Brewery, and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Whether you are looking for exciting rapids or a scenic day on the river, AVA’s Buena Vista rafting trips deliver the perfect Colorado adventure.

From our Buena Vista outpost, experience some of Colorado’s best outdoor adventures with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. Located in the heart of South Main near the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, our outpost is the perfect starting point for a full day in the mountains. Looking to maximize your adventure? Our multi-adventure packages let you combine multiple activities into one unforgettable Colorado experience filled with scenic views, exciting action, and time on the river.

AVA’s Buena Vista Gold Coast Outpost is located just over an hour from Summit County and under two and a half hours from Denver, Colorado.

FAQs

Yes, please bring a lunch to enjoy between adventures.

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Discounts up to 30% off on all AVA-run trips, including our brand-new Moab trips. Use promo code: SAVINGS26. Online only. Ends June 2, 2026.