Via Ferrata
View the Colorado Rockies on an unforgettable Via Ferrata adventure. Conquer towering cliffs, traverse dizzying heights, and experience the thrill of free-fall. Our exhilarating courses combine climbing, rappelling, ziplining, and suspension bridges for an adrenaline-packed journey. Under find your Colorado adventure:
Find your Colorado Via Ferrata Adventure
Meaning “Iron Path” in Italian, a Via Ferrata is a mountain route equipped with ladders, cables, and bridges for safe ascent. Born from the trenches of World War I, these iron pathways have evolved into thrilling outdoor adventures. From the towering Dolomites to the rugged Rockies, Via Ferratas offer a unique blend of challenge and exhilaration. No technical climbing experience? No problem! AVA’s guided Via Ferrata excursions on Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) and Granite Mountain provide the perfect introduction to this exhilarating sport.
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 AVA Via Ferrata Adventure looks like
What to expect
On Your Via Ferrata Adventure
Our Guides, Your Safety
At AVA, our guides are the heartbeat of our adventures, shaping not only AVA’s identity but your unique adventure. Passion motivates our guides as they impart their love for what they do, ensuring unparalleled adventure experiences across every course and climb. Because safety is our priority, we require our guides to complete extensive training hours that exceed industry standards, as they learn how to respond to and anticipate outdoor emergencies.
Via Ferrata guides undergo extensive belay and rappel training, are CPR and First-aid certified, and must lead under the supervision of an experienced guide before guiding their own trip. Additionally, AVA only uses harnesses, lanyards, and carabiners that have been regularly inspected, and guides receive safety training on all equipment. Before beginning a Via Ferrata course, AVA guides will show you the ropes, assist with gear, and answer any and all questions you may have!
25 Years of AVA Adventure
AVA Rafting & Zipline has provided unique outdoor adventure experiences in Colorado since 1998. AVA first opened its waters as a whitewater rafting company, launching our first Via Ferrata course in 2017 at our Idaho Springs outpost. In 2018, we expanded our Via Ferrata adventures to our Buena Vista location.
On both our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata and Granite Via Ferrata courses, be prepared to experience the Rocky Mountains from a completely new angle! You will traverse along the cliff face, climbing across ladders, rungs, cables, and bridges to navigate the mountainside. We provide all the gear needed for your trip besides footwear and clothing. You will be fitted with a harness, lanyards with secure clips, gloves, and a helmet. Our specialized two carabiner/ lanyard harness system ensures that you are always connected to the cliff face, as it is impossible to clip out of both carabiners simultaneously.
Your Via Ferrata Trip with AVA
Both our Via Ferrata courses in Idaho Springs and Buena Vista represent an exciting opportunity to climb and traverse Colorado’s mountainsides.
Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is just 30 minutes from Denver and one hour from Breckenridge. Suspend your disbelief as you view Idaho Springs and the Chicago Creek from mountaintop bridges and rappel 70 feet down the cliff face! You will even fly across 3 lines of our zipline course, experiencing the best of both aerial adventures.
Our granite course at our Buena Vista outpost is just one hour from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen and begins with a thrilling zipline to your starting point! You will ascend crags and rappel above the Arkansas River Valley, gaining magnificent views of the 14000+ foot Collegiate Peaks throughout the entire course. This course also includes our newest and most thrilling feature, the Flight Line: a stomach-dropping 78-foot freefall
Mountaintop Tips
Via Ferrata trips will run despite the weather, excluding high winds or lightning. Bring a raincoat and wear layers, as Colorado weather can change in the blink of an eye! You may bring a small backpack to carry water or any extra layers, but we recommend phones, wallets, and other valuables remain locked in your car. On all Via Ferrata trips, closed-toed shoes are required, and we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes that will not get in the way of any equipment. Please avoid wearing skirts, short shorts, jeans, and long necklaces, and hair shoulder length or longer should be tied back.
Because we want everyone to be able to make the most of their zipline experience, we ask that you please arrive at our outpost 15 minutes before your scheduled trip You do not need to be a rock climber or an alpinist to take on a Via Ferrata adventure, but there are some physical capabilities necessary to traverse the routes. Some sections of our Via Ferratas require that you climb iron rungs, much like a ladder. The adventure can also take up to 3.5 hours, so be sure that you are physically capable of keeping moving for that long. Please also ensure that everyone in your party meets the age and weight requirements.
Can’t decide which adventure to choose?
Too many options? Not sure where to start? We know, it’s a lot to choose from! To narrow down the list to a handful of trips that are just right for you, try our Adventure Compass, below, which will provide a customized set of recommendations.
Want a little extra bang for your buck? Try one of our adventure packages and combine Whitewater Rafting with Ziplining, a Via Ferrata, UTVs, or Rock Climbing. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry, our Adventure Specialists can help you create your own custom adventure package!
Adventure CompassExplore 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 and Retail
Upon concluding your adventure, join your guide back at our outpost where you can peruse snapshots from your journey! These photos are available for immediate purchase, as well as our collection of apparel and souvenirs. If your guide contributed to an unforgettable experience, please don’t hesitate to express your appreciation with a well-deserved commendation along with gratuities. We trust that your time with AVA will stand out as a highlight of your time in Colorado, and we can’t wait to see you back, cliffside or on the water!