Maximum Adrenaline

Rappel into the Gauntlet

On this full-day whitewater rafting adventure, we’ll get your adrenaline flowing beginning with a rappel into the Granite Gorge! You’ll meet your raft for The Gauntlet as you head out for rafting the Pine Creek & The Numbers section.

The Highlights Of Your Trip

Join us on one of the most intense whitewater rafting experiences in the state. Perfect for adrenaline seekers, more experienced rafters, or beginners looking for a challenge, this unique combination of rappelling and rafting won’t disappoint.

Book this trip

1

How much

Pricing

From $274

Ages 15+ 15% off
with promo SUMMERDAZE15

2

What's included

Activities

  • Rock Climbing
  • Rafting
3

Trip Length

Duration

Full day, includes lunch

4

How Hard

Difficulty

Maximum Adrenaline
5

Who can go

Minimum Age

15 years old & Up

What an AVA RAPPEL INTO THE GAUNTLET looks like

What to expect

On Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Group of rafters paddling through splashy white water on the Arkansas River.

Trip Overview

On this full-day adventure, we’ll get your adrenaline flowing from the start with a 75-foot rappel into the Granite Gorge. You’ll cruise down the cliff face, landing directly in your awaiting raft!

After this rappel, you’ll launch into the most advanced rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado. The gauntlet sections of the Arkansas River: Pine Creek and The Numbers represent some of the most intense rafting in the state. The Gauntlet is full of Class III-V rapids and is the steepest and most continuous whitewater on the Arkansas River.

AVA runs more guests down these sections of the Arkansas River than any other company in Colorado, so you’re in good hands with highly experienced and safe river guides! This trip is also optional without the rappel for those wishing to start directly on the river.

group rafting between rocks, as they hit the spray head on

Highlights

  • Start your day with a 75-foot rappel to your rafting waiting on the river
  • Features steepest rapid in the state of Colorado
  • Most advanced section of Arkansas River white water rafting
  • Full day advanced rafting
  • Approximately 12 miles of travel down river
  • Lunch included
  • Experienced raft guides
Crew carrying a raft toward the river.

Trip Itinerary

  • Meet at our Buena Vista Outpost
  • Gear up with your guide and head out to the rappel
  • Rappel down to your awaiting raft
  • Load up the raft & embark on the mighty Pine Creek section
  • Continue on to experience more intense whitewater
  • Enjoy lunch and refuel
  • Shuttle back to the outpost
  • View the photos from your trip
Oars up on the Arkansas River near Aspen, Colorado.

Included Gear and Packing List

All of your gear will be provided for your rafting excursion. This includes:

  • PFD
  • Wetsuit
  • Splash jacket
  • Helmet

WHAT TO BRING

  • Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs!
  • Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
  • Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
  • Cash to tip your raft guide

Trip Location

Rafters on smooth waters.

Buena Vista

40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211

If using Google Maps, ‘US 24 North’ is incorrect and will take you 10 miles south of us. Type in the address exactly as listed above to ensure correct directions.

On the hunt for a true mountain excursion?  Head to Buena Vista, Colorado to raft through a national monument on our Brown’s Canyon 1/2 day trip, fly above the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline, or Rock Climb the majestic Granite Gorge Cliffs, where views of the majestic Collegiate Peaks will take your breath away.

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

AVA Blog

three rafts on the upper colorado river with rocky cliffs on either side.

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