Overnight Trips
Experience the best of Colorado by day and night, as you embark on an overnight rafting trip! These unique experiences allow everyone to get outside for multiple days on the water, camping under the stars, and time spent hanging out riverside with your group.
Your Overnight Adventure
AVA offers several options for overnight rafting in Colorado. Perfect for larger groups and families, overnight trips allow you to get out on the water and relax amidst beautiful Colorado scenery. We offer standard rafting overnights or mix it up and try one of our overnight fly-fishing trips!
On overnight trips, you will spend a day rafting, settle in for a delicious meal prepared by your guides, relax riverside, and camp under the stars, waking up for an exciting next day on the river. We’ll take care of meals, gear, and all the logistics… your only requirement is to make lasting memories!
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
What an Overnight Trip looks like
What to expect
On Your Overnight Trip
Our Guides, Your Safety
At AVA Rafting, we prioritize your safety above all else. As industry leaders in outdoor adventure, we have set the highest standards for expertise and safety. Our guides undergo rigorous training, surpassing both legal requirements and industry standards. You can trust that our CPR + First Aid certified guides are well-prepared for any situation and are equipped with first aid kits and top-of-the-line rescue gear on every overnight and rafting trip. Our highly qualified guides are trained to anticipate and prevent outdoor emergencies, ensuring that your adventure is both thrilling and safe.
Beyond just safety, our guides define AVA and will define your overnight experience. They uphold the highest standards of professionalism, teamwork, and respect; they are deeply passionate about what they do, seeking to share this passion with our guests and help you make lasting memories in the great outdoors.
25 Years of AVA Adventure
Since 1998, AVA Rafting & Zipline has been a leader and innovator within Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry. For 25 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing exceptional rafting and outdoor experiences, including our exciting overnight trips.
We believe that an overnight whitewater rafting adventure with AVA goes beyond just excitement; it represents an opportunity to connect with the great outdoors of Colorado, cultivate an appreciation for our state’s natural areas, and discover every nook and cranny of these incredible spaces.
Your Overnight Trip with AVA
AVA’s overnight trips allow you and your group to experience the best of Colorado whitewater alongside an incredible riverside camping experience. There is no better way to reconnect with family, friends, and nature than by paddling through beautiful river valleys and sleeping under the stars. On an overnight rafting trip with AVA, all food, overnight gear, and the adventure itself are included. The only thing you need is your personal belongings and a sleeping bag! We have several different whitewater camping trip opportunities, with varying levels of rafting and adventure, allowing all adventure seekers to take part in a thrilling overnight experience—even kids.
Our Adventure Tips
On your overnight adventure, we’ll cover the meals, camping equipment, and rafting gear; all you need to worry about is bringing your own sleeping bag, or you can rent one from us! Please remember to bring a change of clothes, toiletries, and anything else you might want for your overnight on the river. As Colorado weather can be unpredictable, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a raincoat. We also suggest packing sunscreen, lip balm, a water bottle, headlamp, hat, sunglasses, a small pillow, close-toed shoes, and other footwear for camp. While rafting, please wear secure shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and that will stay on your feet at all times!
How to Choose Your
Overnight Trip
Difficulty of your overnight rafting trip: When choosing an overnight trip, be sure to check the rapids classification, keeping in mind minimum age, swimming ability, and fitness levels of your group. Read more about how we rate rapids and rivers on our Rafting page.
Best time to raft: Water levels fluctuate based on Colorado snowmelt. High water usually occurs early to mid-June. Low flows are typically in late August. Minimum ages may be raised due to high water. Check our River Conditions page for updates on water levels for each river!
Length of multi-day trips: Trips and camping experiences can last anywhere from 2 days to 10 days. Most people underestimate how comfortable camping can be and how relaxed you will feel, unplugged and connected with nature.
Explore the AVA Landscape
Find us across Colorado! Use our handy map to determine the activities convenient to your destination.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mountaintop Zipline Half Day
Buena Vista, Colorado
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Idaho Springs, Colorado
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Photo Packages & Retail
At the end of your overnight trip, you will return to our outpost, where you have the opportunity to browse photos from your trip, along with other souvenirs and retail options. Your guides put in tremendous effort to ensure an unforgettable journey, so if you had a fantastic time, gratuities are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. We sincerely hope that your adventure with AVA becomes a highlight of your spring or summer. We aim to provide experiences that leave a lasting impact, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future for more incredible adventures!
Testimonials
FAQs
In addition to a change of clothes and toiletries for your overnight camping experience, we recommend bringing a few other items to maximize comfort on your overnight trip. These include sunscreen, lip balm, a water bottle, headlamp, hat, sunglasses, a small pillow, closed-toed shoes for rafting, and extra footwear to wear at camp. Please check your confirmation email for other details about your rafting and camping trip and what to bring.
Wearing layers and bringing options for warm days and cool nights will set you up for success on your overnight rafting experience. Don’t forget these necessities:
· Clothes/swimsuit under your wet suit
· Shorts/T-shirt
· Long Pants/Long Sleeve Shirt
· Rain jacket/Fleece Jacket
· Underwear/Extra socks
On an overnight rafting trip with AVA, all food, overnight gear, and the adventure itself are included. The only thing you need is an extra pair of clothes and a sleeping bag! We also have sleeping bags available for rent if you do not have one. We additionally provide wetsuits, PFDs, splash jackets, and all other rafting equipment.
Breakfast/ lunch/ dinner occurring during your rafting and camping trip will be prepared for you. Bring additional snacks and water. Adult beverages are welcome (NO GLASS). Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please check your individual trip for exact meal details.
You will be sleeping in tents with sleeping bags/ sleeping pads under the breathtaking Colorado stars! Sleeping bags are available for rent or you can bring your own.
No, there will not be showers on your camping experience, so expect to get a little dirty! It is unlikely that you will get muddy river water on your clothes or skin unless you roll around on the side of the riverbank. Although no showers will be available, it is recommended to bring along a bottle of biodegradable soap and a washcloth to wash off some grime while at camp. You can always opt for the good ole polar plunge into the river to wash off.
Everyone always wonders where you use the restroom while camping on the river. A groover system is used for solid waste, consisting of a toilet seat on a tripod stool (Typically an amazing view comes along with it!) As for liquid waste, you will be asked to pee on the ground or in the river a short distance away from camp. While on the river, rafters will be given a “poop kit” for mid-day needs.
Expect to wake up around 7:00am-7:30am to enjoy coffee/ hot beverages while your guide prepares a delicious breakfast for you. You will pack up camp and get back out on the river between 9:00am and 10:00am. You’ll spend the morning rafting then pull over riverside for lunch. Expect to be on the river until about 3:00pm-5:00pm. Feel free to bring some riverside games (Frisbees/Deck of Cards/ Fishing Poles) for entertainment while at camp. Dinner and dessert will be served around the campfire (Barring any fire restrictions)
You may encounter a variety of weather while on your overnight rafting trip. Expect periods of rain (heavy at times). River corridors tend to be windy so dress for it! The best way to prepare is to pack enough clothing to keep you warm and dry, on and off the river. Be ready for the weather to change drastically throughout your trip. As the saying goes in Colorado… “If you don’t like the weather, wait about 10 minutes!”