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Denver & Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting

Run the River With AVA

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FIND YOUR COLORADO RAFTING ADVENTURE

Looking to experience one of the most thrilling adventures Colorado has to offer?  From serene floats to heart-racing Class V rapids, AVA’s Whitewater Rafting trips will have you rushing through the best of Colorado’s outdoors. We  offer a range of rafting trips suitable for all levels of adventurers, with convenient outposts at three Colorado locations. Our trips are fully customizable, with options for short excursions or overnight trips, and even package a Rafting adventure with a Zipline or Via Ferrata excursion for an epic Colorado experience! Our knowledgeable team will help you choose the perfect trip for your group, whether it’s a family outing, birthday celebration, or group outing. Don’t wait – book now for an unforgettable Colorado Whitewater Rafting adventure!

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OUR TRENDING WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIPS

  • RAFTING AND ZIPLINE

  • LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Brown’s Canyon Rafting & Zipline
    DURATION: Full Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 4
    RIVER RATING: Class III
    MINIMUM AGE: 7 years old
    PRICE: from $163 Ages 13+
    from $153 Ages 7-12

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  • RAFTING and VIA FERRATA

  • LOCATION: Idaho Springs, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Gold Rush Rafting & Via Ferrata
    DURATION: Full Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 5 (Intense)
    MINIMUM AGE: 12 years old
    PRICE: from $183

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  • SCENIC 1/2 DAY FLOAT TRIP

  • LOCATION: Kremmling, CO VIEW MAP
    ACTIVITIES: Whitewater Rafting Colorado
    DURATION: 1/2 Day
    DIFFICULTY: Level 2
    RIVER RATING: Class II
    MINIMUM AGE: 2 years old
    PRICE: from $69 Ages 13+
    from $64Ages 2-12

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What an AVA Whitewater Rafting Adventure Looks Like

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Why choose AVA for Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure

25 Years of AVA

For over 25 years, AVA Rafting & Zipline has set the standard for outdoor adventure in Colorado, providing unforgettable experiences to guests from around the world. Our commitment to safety, expertise, and outstanding customer service has allowed us to grow from a small team with just four boats on the Arkansas River to a top provider of diverse outdoor adventures at multiple locations. We are proud to have received several prestigious awards, including the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years, Outdoor's Best of the Rockies, and Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice for two consecutive years. Join us for a thrilling and unforgettable Whitewater Rafting adventure in the beautiful Colorado outdoors!

As Always, Safety first

When it comes to outdoor adventure, safety always comes first at AVA Rafting & Zipline. Our highly qualified guides are trained to anticipate and avoid outdoor emergencies, making them the safest part of your adventure. Guides undergo rigorous training that exceeds industry standards and legal requirements, ensuring that you are in good hands throughout your adventure. All of our guides are certified in CPR and First Aid and receive expert training in emergency preparedness. We provide our guides with curated first aid kits and rescue hardware and use high quality equipment that undergoes frequent inspection.

The Power of Passion

At AVA, a passion for the guest experience and the outdoors motivates us to provide exceptional recreation experiences on every trip, course, and climb. Our experienced guides prioritize both safety and respect, and are eager to impart their rafting knowledge with our guests, as well as share their love for Colorado's rivers and mountains. We believe that a whitewater rafting adventure with AVA will not only prove to be an exciting experience, but one which will leave you with a lasting appreciation for Colorado's magnificent outdoors and its ability to inspire and connect. Join us on the river today, as we explore some of the most magnificent landscapes in the West!

Your Whitewater Rafting Trip with AVA

Let AVA Rafting & Zipline be your guide to the perfect Colorado whitewater adventure! Our experienced team is here to help you choose the ideal trip, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter. We offer rafting trips on Colorado's most famous rivers, such as the Arkansas, Colorado, and Clear Creek, each with its own unique character, from half-day and full-day options to overnight trips, and through class II-V rapids. Our outposts are conveniently located just 1-2 hours from top Colorado destinations, so you can spend more time on the river and less time on the road. Our knowledgeable guides ensure that you are comfortable and prepared for your trip by introducing the basics before you hit the water. They'll go over paddle handling, navigation commands, and even swimming techniques, should you decide to take a dip!

AVA's Whitewater Rafting Guide

Colorado's Whitewater Rivers

Experience the excitement of Colorado's iconic rivers with AVA Rafting & Zipline! Our easily accessible Clear Creek outpost in Idaho Springs offers both mild and wild Class II-V rapids set against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop. Looking for even more adventure? Our Buena Vista outpost on the Arkansas River, just a two-hour drive from Denver, has whitewater experiences for every level of thrill-seeker. For a peaceful journey, visit our Kremmling outpost two hours west of Denver, and take in the scenic views while enjoying paddleboarding and fly-fishing tours down the Colorado River. And for families and first-timers, the Blue River provides a fun and exciting whitewater excursion on a shorter adventure. All of our outposts are located just 1-2 hours from Denver, making it easy to join us for an unforgettable adventure.

River Classes + Difficulty Levels

At AVA, we offer six levels of rafting adventures that are tailored to your desired level of physical activity and difficulty. Rapids are classified according to their level of difficulty, ranging from class I– gentle and easy, to class V– extremely challenging and potentially hazardous. Our Level 1 and 2 adventures are suitable for all ages and require minimal physical exertion. Level 3 requires some physical effort and has age minimums of 5-10 years, while Level 4 guests must be willing to reach a slightly higher level of exertion and meet age minimums of 7-12 years. Level 5 is even more challenging and has age minimums of 12-15 years, and Level 6 is the most intense and requires guests to be highly physically active with a minimum age of 15 years. Choose your desired level of adventure, and hit the water with us!

Destinations

For an unforgettable and convenient Colorado whitewater rafting adventure, AVA has three primary outposts located in Idaho Springs, Kremmling, and Buena Vista. Our Idaho Springs outpost is just a 40-minute drive from Denver and offers thrilling day trips on Clear Creek, with our Kremmling outpost, 2 hours west of Denver, providing a more laid-back rafting experience. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, our Buena Vista outpost, located 2 hours southwest of Denver, offers every level of rafting available. Our centralized locations make it easy to access the best whitewater rafting in Colorado, no matter where you're staying. Whether you're headed to Denver, Aspen, Vail, Steamboat, Estes Park, CO Springs, or any other of Colorado's beautiful destinations, an adventure with AVA is the perfect addition to your trip!

Fine Tune Your Adventure

When planning your whitewater adventure with AVA Rafting, there are several important factors to consider beyond just the river and difficulty level. We offer a range of trip durations, from half-day to multi-day camping experiences, and special family-friendly rafting trips, with specific age minimums for each level of rapids. We additionally host a variety of adventure packages with opportunities to experience the best of the Colorado outdoors, including whitewater rafting combined with a ziplining, Via Ferrata, or rock climbing adventure! If you need help deciding which trip is right for you, please contact us anytime at 1-877-RAFTING to book your trip or receive recommendations based on your needs. Our expert team is always here to help you plan your adventure and make sure you have a memorable Colorado experience.

Rivers Information + Trips

  • Arkansas River Info & Whitewater Rafting Trips

    Our Buena Vista outpost, located in the heart of Colorado, is the ultimate starting point for exhilarating whitewater rafting tours on the renowned Arkansas River - a top-rated rafting destination in the state. The Arkansas River, with its famous Browns Canyon National Monument stretch, offers rafting experiences that cater to different skill levels, and its dam-controlled waters guarantee consistency year-round. You can choose from a variety of rafting options that range from half-day trips to overnight adventures, all designed to make your Colorado vacation unforgettable.

    VIEW ARKANSAS RIVER TRIPS
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    CURRENT WATER LEVELS

  • Clear Creek Info & Whitewater Rafting Trips

    Clear Creek is one of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in Colorado due to its close proximity to Denver, only a quick 30-minute drive away. With its winding path through the stunning Rocky Mountain foothills, Clear Creek offers a variety of rapids and breathtaking scenery and flows through Idaho Springs, the historic town where the Gold Rush began. At AVA Rafting & Zipline, we offer rafting trips for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and you can even enhance your experience by booking packages on our Via Ferrata and Zipline courses.

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    CHECK OUR VIDEOS
    CURRENT WATER LEVELS

  • Colorado River Info & Whitewater Rafting Trips

    Experience the ultimate Colorado River adventure at AVA Rafting's Kremmling outpost on sections of the Upper Colorado River. Located just an hour from Breckenridge, this rafting location boasts stunning mountain views, exciting rapids, and gentle floats suitable for all ages. Our outpost offers a range of options to explore the river, from duckies and stand-up paddleboarding to guided fly fishing tours, floats, all-inclusive overnight trips, and gear rentals. Get ready to immerse yourself in nature and relax as you float on one of the most magnificent rivers in the United States!

    VIEW TRIPS
    CHECK OUR VIDEOS
    CURRENT WATER LEVELS

  • Blue River Info & Whitewater Rafting Trips

    A whitewater rafting trip on the on the Blue River is perfect who seek adventure off the beaten path. The Blue River runs through in Frisco, Keystone, and Breckenridge, and due to its higher altitude, snowpack and water levels must be just right to raft this river. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and an unforgettable rafting experience suitable for all levels of adventurers.

Rush into the Rapids

Your Packing List

On your AVA rafting adventure, we will provide you with all essential gear, including a wetsuit, splash jacket, life jacket, paddle, or helmet. All you need to bring is appropriate footwear that can get wet and will stay on your feet, along with quick-drying clothing like fleece. We also recommend waterproof sunscreen, secure sunglasses, and a towel. We'll take care of everything else, ensuring you're comfortable and safe during your Colorado river rafting experience.

Our watches are set to adventure

At AVA, we understand that time is valuable for all parties, and we kindly request that you arrive at your outpost 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time. This will ensure that your adventure starts on time, and that you have ample time to prepare for your trip. If you miss your trip, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available one; however, If that's not possible, you will receive an open credit worth 85% of your adventure's total cost, valid through the current season. Please make sure to sign your liability waiver beforehand and double-check your confirmation to ensure you're headed to the right outpost.

Riverside Requirements

When choosing a Colorado whitewater rafting excursion, it's important to take several factors into consideration. At AVA, we prioritize finding the ideal trip that matches your skill level and interests. We offer a wide range of options that vary in difficulty level, with specific age and weight restrictions in place to ensure your safety. If you're new to rafting or have young children, our Colorado River float trips are a great choice. For more adventurous outings, you'll want to assess your group's fitness level and ability to paddle together. Please give us a call at 1-877-RAFTING, and we will help you find the perfect trip for your group!

Leave Nothing but Memories

After your adventure with AVA, you will return to our outpost with your guide, where you can view and purchase photos of your trip, ensuring that you'll always have lasting memories of your experience! Our outpost also offers a range of apparel and souvenirs for sale. If you enjoyed your time with your guide, please consider leaving a review or tipping them as they appreciate the recognition. We hope your AVA experience will be a highlight of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you again on the water, cliffside, or up in the trees!

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Rafting Packages

With AVA’s adventure combos, you can pack plenty of activity into one day and get the most out of the Colorado outdoors!  For instance, start your morning off navigating some of the most popular whitewater in the state, and spend your afternoon zipping down the cliffside with our Raft + Zip package.  There are plenty of different packages to suit you and your group.  Save some money and book a day of adventure with AVA!

Rafting + Via Ferrata

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Rafting + Ziplining + Cabin

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Rafting + Ziplining + Camping

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Rafting + Zipline

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Rafting + Rock Climbing

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