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.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata
Get your heart up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the [...]
Clear Creek Gold Rush + Zipline Package
Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs [...]
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 [...]
AVA's Idaho Springs Outpost
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.
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.
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.
Other activities include:
- Tour the historic Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine
- Soak in the Indian Hot Springs
- Hike Mount Blue Sky, St. Mary’s Glacier, or another favorite trail
- Eat and drink at Beau Jo’s Pizza, Tommyknocker Brewery, or another favorite restaurant
Explore All Idaho Springs Adventures
Mt. Princeton Sunset Ride
See why Colorado is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Being on horseback at sunset is a memory that will last forever. This two hour [...]
Mt. Princeton 2 Hour Ride
The Arkansas Valley is lined with 15 14,000-foot peaks – the most in one concentration in Colorado – which makes for one of the [...]
Georgetown Loop Train Ride
Only 45 minutes from Denver, Colorado in Idaho Springs, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers an exciting and historical opportunity to experience Colorado history. Ride [...]
Campsites
Spend an evening under the Arkansas Valley stars at AVA’s Buena Vista campground. Located at the base of several 14,000-foot peaks, access to the [...]
Cabins
Our rental cabins at our Buena Vista outpost offer unparalleled access to outdoor activities! Stay with us before or after your adventure and wake [...]
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of adventure with Gift Certificates from AVA Rafting & Zipline! We get it – it’s just so easy to send another [...]
Browns Canyon Express + Zipline Package
A day packed with adventure, this package brings you the best family whitewater rafting in Colorado combined with a hot, hearty lunch and an [...]
FAQs
Idaho Springs is just 30 minutes west of Denver along I-70, making it a convenient mountain escape. AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is the perfect spot to kick off a ziplining, rafting, or Via Ferrata adventure.
AVA runs adventures in Idaho Springs year-round, but the best time for ziplining and rafting is from spring through fall. Winter visitors can explore the area’s snowy landscapes before heading to nearby ski resorts.
Yes! After an adventure with AVA, refuel at local favorites like Beau Jo’s Pizza, Tommyknocker Brewery, or one of the cozy cafes in town.
Absolutely! AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is less than an hour from Denver, making it an ideal spot for a quick outdoor getaway. Whether you’re spending a few hours ziplining or making a full day of rafting and climbing, it’s the perfect adventure destination.
For AVA’s ziplining and Via Ferrata, wear comfortable layers and closed-toe shoes. If you’re rafting with AVA, bring a change of clothes, water shoes, and sunscreen for a comfortable trip.
Idaho Springs is a hub for outdoor adventure with AVA, offering ziplining, whitewater rafting, and Via Ferrata climbing. Beyond AVA’s excursions, you can explore scenic hikes, soak in hot springs, or tour the historic Argo Gold Mine.
