About Colorado Zipline

WE’RE MORE THAN RAFTING. WE ARE THE OUTDOORS.

AVA Rafting & Zipline has offered rafting and other outdoor adventure experiences in Colorado since its inception in 1998. With a focus on the guest experience across all adventures, AVA hosts world-class whitewater rafting on multiple rivers, as well as ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, off-road rentals, train rides, and more.

Who We Are

AVA Rafting & Zipline seeks to foster positive outdoor experiences and memories through innovative outdoor adventure opportunities, with a dedication to safety and guest service flowing through every river, course, and line. With outposts in Buena Vista, Kremmling, and Idaho Springs, AVA offers adventures in some of Colorado’s wildest places, believing in the outdoors as a source of inspiration and connection. We hope that all participants leave their outdoor trip with an increased appreciation for these natural spaces, each other, and the thrill of the adventure experience.

BEST OF THE ROCKIES

We have been operating outdoor trips in the Rockies for more than 20 years, and we cannot wait to continue the adventures with you this summer!

Just a tad more bragging: AVA Rafting & Zipline is taking home the trophy for two categories in the Best of the Rockies contest held annually by Elevation Outdoors.  We got Best Whitewater Guide Service in the Rocky Mountains and our Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs won Best Adventure Park in the Rocky Mountains. Help us celebrate with an adventure!

Why Choose AVA

Guide and guests navigating river.

WE STRIVE TO BE THE BEST

AVA has established itself as a leader in the rafting and adventure outfitter business. From our guides and staff to outposts, equipment, trip offerings and level of service, we strive to set the bar at every turn.
Young boy giving a thumbs up during a waterwater rafting trip.

VALUE & QUALITY

Our goal is to provide you with a top notch experience every time! Wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, PFDs and paddles are included on your AVA-run rafting trip. We don’t feel you should have to pay extra to be safe and warm.
Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.

WE HAVE THE TRIP FOR YOU

We want to fit the trip to you, not fit you to the trip. With rafting on 8 rivers across the beautiful state of Colorado, 2 unique zipline courses, a via ferrata, horseback riding and more, AVA has the perfect adventure for you!
Elephant's Head wildflower blooming in Colorado.

DEDICATION TO NATURE

AVA strives to bring awareness & understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. Our Colorado vacations help instill appreciation for the natural environment while offering an adventurous and unique view of the Rocky Mountains.

Our Specialties

Not only do AVA guides go through three times the state required training, they also run more people on Class IV and V whitewater than any outfitter in Colorado. Our guides are highly experienced and many come work at AVA just because of our reputation for professional, Class V river running.

AVA runs more people on Class IV and V whitewater rafting trips than any outfitter in Colorado. AVA runs over 60% of all the rafters that go down Pine Creek, the only Class V section on the Arkansas River. Our guides are highly experienced and many come work at AVA just because of our reputation for professional, Class V river running. See all Advanced Rafting trips.

Our Rafting + Zipline packages, Rafting + Via Ferrata packages, all other combos offer max convenience as they all take place in one location. We have 2 zipline courses – our Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs and Mountaintop Zipline in Buena Vista – right where our rafting trips take place. This saves you time, effort and money and lets you focus on the most important thing: quality fun and adventure with your family and friends. See all Packages.

Things can change last minute. That’s why we offer a 90% refund to any guest who needs to cancel their adventure until 7pm the night before the trip date. Trip changes can also be made without any change fee until 7pm the night before. Trip changes after 7pm or day of will only result in a 15% change fee. If you do need to cancel your reservation after 7pm the night before the trip, we’ll give you an open credit equal to 85% of the total cost of your adventure.

Cancellation policy as outlined above only applies to those who did not opt out of the cancellation guarantee for a reduced total trip cost. View our full Cancellation Policy on our FAQ page.

Don't just take our word for it

Olivia G.2024-06-11

We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena... Read More »

Paige C.2024-08-29

An Absolute 10/10. We did a Full day Package, morning Via ferrata with Emma and Trey. It was so fun and they were awesome to hang out with! Then we did the... Read More »

Rayna N.2024-07-01

We went whitewater rafting and had the time of our lives. Dan was our guide, he was great! It was a wild ride for sure but I wouldn't change it and can't... Read More »

Olivia Karaszewski2024-06-12

We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena Vista, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Our guide, Todd, was absolutely amazing. His expertise and enthusiasm made the trip both thrilling and safe. We tackled class 4 rapids, and Todd’s guidance ensured we had an exhilarating and enjoyable time. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire tour was perfectly organized from start to finish. If you're looking for a top-notch rafting experience with skilled and friendly guides, look no further than AVA Rafting & Zipline. We can't wait to return for another adventure!

Read More »
Tracy Bass2024-08-28

We had a great and fun experience with AVA rafting company!! They did an amazing job from start to finish. The staff was professional, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time on the river. I highly recommend AVA for anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable rafting trip. Sean did an amazing job going over all the details of white water rafting before getting on the river. He was so fun and had so much energy. Oh yes, and his jokes were very funny! :-)
Aldon, our raft guide, was the best of the best!!! He made the trip so fun and so easy to get through the river!! Thank you Aldon!

Read More »
Sean Longsworth2024-08-20

We had an absolutely fantastic time with AVA Rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado. Although the morning started off a bit chilly and we were initially concerned, the team was incredibly well-prepared for everything. From the moment we arrived, we were given thorough safety instructions that were delivered in a jovial and relaxed manner, which helped ease any anxieties we had.

We were provided with wet suits and jackets that did a good job repelling water, although you do get wet—once we started paddling, the fun quickly overshadowed any worries about the cold. Our professional guide, who was from Chile, really made the trip special. His expertise and playful attitude, including some thrilling 360-degree turns, got everyone on our boat fully engaged and, yes, very wet! Our boat was definitely the most rambunctious, and it added to the overall excitement of the trip.

We highly recommend AVA Rafting, and we’re already planning to take on the more challenging scale 4 and 5 rapids on our next visit to Colorado!

Read More »

Your guide is not only a trained adventure professional, but also an expert in providing the highest level of guest service. Their goal is to give you a personal experience while ensuring you get all the highlights of tour you’ve signed up for. Chances are, your guide will be the most memorable part of your visit.

Tour guide rafting with a group.

Safety is at the core of everything we do, and we’re taking steps to create a safe adventure long before you show up at our outpost. From equipment to training to making sure we get you on the right trip for your ability level, we’re committed to taking care of your safety so you can focus on the fun.

Group of women following a rock climbing adventure.

Our goal at AVA is to help you create the memories of a lifetime. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or enjoying an annual vacation, we will help you cherish the time you spend with us and your friends and family.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

24 Hours in Browns Canyon

Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country as you paddle and camp in the heart of Colorado’s Rockies.

Polaris RZR UTV at AVA site.

Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package

Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and Scenic Float adventure package!

 

Polaris RZR Full Day UTV Rental

Experience an adrenaline-filled full-day adventure through the awe-inspiring terrain of Kremmling, Colorado with our new UTV rentals. This full-day (8 hour) UTV rental will give you all the time you need to explore the vast off-road trail system around Kremmling with either the Polaris RZR or the Polaris RZR Turbo.

People driving a UTV on a half-day trip.

Polaris RZR Half Day UTV Rental

Embark on an exhilarating full-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kremmling, Colorado with our latest UTV rentals. With this half-day (4-hour) UTV rental, you’ll have ample time to delve into the expansive off-road trail network surrounding Kremmling, choosing between the Polaris RZR or the Polaris RZR Turbo for your adventure.

Polaris ready for a half-day adventure.

Polaris RZR 2 Hour UTV Rental

Our UTV rentals offer an unforgettable opportunity to adventure through the stunning scenery of Kremmling, Colorado. Our 2-hour UTV rental offers a shorter introduction to off-roading and a chance to explore the trail system around Kremmling.

Couple stopping to take in the view on bike adventure.

1/2 Day Bike Rental

Spending some time in the sun with two wheels under you can really help slow time, and give you a chance to enjoy your day out and about. Of course, chasing the thrill of mountain biking isn’t so bad of an option either.

Full Day Bike Rental

A full day exploring Breckenridge by bike, whether via the thrill of single track or cruising the many rec paths both in town and in the surrounding area, is the perfect mountain adventure. Scenic views, interesting detours, and sunny skies abound.

 

Multiday Bike Rental

Skip the car and use a bike to navigate town for the entire vacation! Or, get out and explore everything that Colorado’s many bike paths have to offer whether single track or paved bike path.

Fly fishing on an inflatable boat.

2 Day Overnight Fishing Trip

The 2 days overnight fly fishing trip combines float and wade fly fishing and camping to create the quintessential Colorado adventure. We’ll provide the meals and gear, you just bring that fishing license and a sleeping bag (we can also provide you with one for a small fee)! A camping fishing trip allows you to cover more river miles, meaning you will wake up to a fresh, new section of river each day with different fishing prospects ripe for exploring.

Man fly fishing in a Colorado river.

Walk & Wade Fly Fishing Trip

Explore the incredible waters of the Upper Colorado River with a knowledgeable fishing guide. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first-time fishing or you’re a seasoned angler, this trip is fit for all levels of experience.

 

 

Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.

The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This rafting and climbing experience will challenge all adrenaline seekers, as you tackle some of the most difficult whitewater in the country, as well as our heart-pounding Via Ferrata course.

Guest on the 80-foot free fall.

Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite

Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above the Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

The Lower Canyon 1/2 Day Rafting + Via Ferrata

This exciting full-day adventure experience combines rafting on the Lower Canyon portion of the Clear Creek with our thrilling Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata adventure. Get your heart rate up as you ascend the cliffside, and keep the adrenaline up with rafting on this section of class IV and V rapids.

Woman on our Upper Clear Creek Via Ferrata course.

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 and land, as you rush class IV rapids on the Upper Clear Creek and climb high into the cliffside on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course.

 

Overnight Rafting Trip in Colorado

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 Colorado Trail and several other hiking trails is literally out our back door.

 

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 up refreshed, ready for another day of rafting, climbing, or exploring.

 

Raft Rentals & Packages

Do you have experience rafting the Colorado River? That’s perfect because we have all the rafts and gear you need to build a righteous rafting trip this season. Our full day and overnight packages come fully loaded with everything you need to enjoy some time floating down the river.

 

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

Dowd Chute

The Eagle River, just minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, is the home of Dowd Chute, which offers some of the most thrilling and intense rafting in Colorado.

Family on an AVA rafting trip.

Lower Eagle

The Eagle River whitewater rafting experience offers a variety of paddling for all levels of boating, and the Lower Eagle is the perfect Colorado family rafting experience.

Family on an AVA rafting trip.

Shoshone

Shoshone Rapids half day takes you through Colorado’s amazing Glenwood Canyon, which is just outside of Glenwood Springs. A must-see destination for any Colorado visitor, the 1,500 foot canyon walls tower above you as you raft down this Class III river trip.

 

Family on an AVA rafting trip.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day

Wanting to experience the Royal Gorge from a different perspective? After your day of rafting, take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad, where you’ll have a chance to relax as you admire the river, the bridge, and the granite cliffs of the Royal Gorge.

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 on the original steam-powered or diesel-powered locomotive through Georgetown, learning about Colorado’s rich mining history and enjoying stunning scenery just outside Denver.

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 ride allows you to see the vistas that make the Arkansas Valley so renowned for its scenery.

Mt. Princeton Waterfall Ride

Ride along the scenic Browns Creek approximately 2 hours, taking in beautiful views of waterfalls along the way. The Arkansas Valley holds the most 14,000-foot peaks of anywhere in Colorado; this stunning scenery makes it one of the best places to experience a horseback ride.

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 most scenic locations for a Colorado horseback ride. You’ll get views of Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Ht. Harvard and Mt. Antero on this ride.

 

Upper Colorado 4 Hour Fly Fishing Trip

Join AVA for a scenic fly-fishing excursion on the Upper Colorado River. Our 4- hour float trips are perfect for both novice and experienced anglers and present an opportunity to both fish and relax!

Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Half Day Fly Fishing

The perfect introduction to fly fishing. Get an orientation and test your skills on the iconic Arkansas River in central Colorado.

Arkansas Valley Never-Ever Full Day Fly Fishing

Come discover the magnetism of fly fishing in Colorado! Endless riffles, runs, pools, and overhanging brush – the Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s major waterways, great for Colorado river fishing.

Person on a Via Ferrata course.

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 cliffside in this unique assisted climbing experience, with views of the Rockies and the town of Idaho Springs present the entire way.

Colorado Sunset Zipline

Starlight & Full Moon Zipline Adventure

Join AVA for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures – ziplining! The Starlight Zipline Adventure is exactly what it sounds like – AVA’s Cliffside zipline course after dark. Meet our guides at the Idaho Springs office just 30 minutes outside of Denver. They’ll give you all the instructions in the light but the trip really gets exciting once the sun goes down. We’ll use glowsticks and headlamps to supplement the stars and moon. Our Starlight Zipline Adventure is a great way to experience the beauty of the Rockies with an evening thrill! You’ll find big mountain views for miles, a beautiful short hike, and exciting drops with zooming lines through the treetops.

Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.

Mountaintop Zipline Half Day

Buena Vista, Colorado

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

Idaho Springs, Colorado

 

Rafters with oars up along the river.

Dolores River 3 Day

This 47-mile run is full of intermediate Class III rapids with one easily scouted Class IV+ rapid thrown in to keep everyone on their toes. Tawny canyon walls are interspersed with tall Ponderosa pines. Box Elders soon appear as the canyon walls begin to back off from the river banks.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day

Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the Colorado River. You’ll stand up or kneel on a large, surfboard-shaped board and steer with a long paddle as you navigate down the river. Prepare yourself for falling into the water, as it’s highly likely that you’ll go for a swim!

 

Group on a Colorado float trip going at a relaxing pace.

Colorado Float Trips – Scenic Half Day

This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as the Colorado River winds through the Gore Range and Mountain Ranchland.

Family on an AVA rafting trip.

Scenic Float Full Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing section of the Colorado River that is inviting to all ages, encountering a few small class II rapids, as you wind through the Gore Range and mountain ranch land.

Inflatable Kayaks Half Day

Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want to try something new or are seeking a little extra excitement or independence, the Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak trip is perfect for you!

24 Hours on the Upper Colorado

This trip offers something for everyone! Enjoy wildlife, serenity, and natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. You’ll have plenty of time to take in historic cabins, scenic waterfalls, and steep canyon walls towering over 100′ above your head. Bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered Colorado river otter are often seen on this fun section of the river.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

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 scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

The Lower Canyon on Clear Creek

Adrenaline seekers will love the Lower Canyon portion of Clear Creek, with opportunities to raft class IV and V rapids. This is a unique opportunity to explore some of the best whitewater in the state within a short distance of Denver.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

Phoenix Full Day

Experience Clear Creek’s best whitewater on our Phoenix, full-day advanced trip, only 30 minutes from Denver. The nonstop action on this Clear Creek river rafting trip will provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for all thrill seekers.

 

Family on an AVA rafting trip.

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 adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.

Rafters enjoying their Colorado River trip.

Numbers 1/2 Day

Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.

River rafting group with oars up for group photo.

Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

 

Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.

 

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip

Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you as you paddle down one of Colorado’s lesser known yet quintessential rivers.

 

 

 

Zipline Half Day + Rock Climb Half Day

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors of the Arkansas River Valley with a rock climb + zipline package! This multi-adventure package offers the opportunity to combine two unique aerial adventures in one full day of high-flying fun.

Rock climber with a spotter.

The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb

Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas River on our Numbers rafting trip and climb into the cliffside on our rock-climbing adventure.

 

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

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.

Person ziplining in Colorado.

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.

Royal Gorge Half Day

The Royal Gorge ½ Day Trip offers a thrilling whitewater adventure on the Arkansas River that is sure to excite everyone from experienced rafters to adventurous and fit first-timers. This Colorado experience features 1,100-foot canyon walls as you immerse yourself in continuous Class III to Class V white water.

 

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

Royal Gorge Full Day

Spend a day in the scenic Royal Gorge! One of the most renowned white water rafting trips in Colorado, this section will take you down into the 1100-foot deep gorge, where you’ll battle continuous III-V rapids.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

The Gauntlet White Water Rafting – Pine Creek & Numbers

Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  On this full day rafting adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek and Numbers sections of this exciting river, rushing through class III-V rapids under towering peaks and through Colorado’s most natural areas.

River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.

Browns Canyon Sizzler Full Day

The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class III rapids on the Arkansas River, complete with a riverside deli style lunch.

 

Girl Scout on a Via Ferrata course.

Rock Climb Half Day

Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while our guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors. Whether you’re looking to learn more about rock climbing or trying it for the first time this is a perfect trip for you!

Find your perfect destination

We specialize in creating unforgettable outdoor experiences in Colorado, and we take pride in giving you the best adventure possible.

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Our Partners

Leave No Trace

We partner with the Center for Outdoor Ethics to Leave No Trace in our beloved public lands, and embody the leave no trace mission in our daily operations.

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THE COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

We work with the Colorado Tourism Office to bring you the best recreational activities that Colorado has to offer.

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THIS IS IDAHO SPRINGS

We partner with the historic town of Idaho Springs to bring more people into Clear Creek county to enjoy the outdoors. We are honored to have won the Best of Idaho Springs rafting company in 2019!

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