Whitewater Rafting
Run the River With AVA
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!
SEE ALL PACKAGESOUR TRENDING WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIPS
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 [...]
Clear Creek Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata
On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs [...]
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 [...]
What an AVA Whitewater Rafting Adventure Looks Like
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 + TIPS
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
Denver is one seriously fun metropolis, but drive just a few miles from the city and you’re suddenly surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks and some of the most stunning scenery imaginable. One of the best ways to take advantage of the great Colorado outdoors is to hit the river with some whitewater rafting and if you’re in Denver looking for your best rafting option, Clear Creek is where its at.
Clear Creek offers some of the absolute best whitewater rafting near Denver. Just 30 minutes west of Downtown, these trips are the perfect Denver whitewater rafting destination! Clear Creek in Idaho Springs has trips for everyone! From nonstop action on Class V rapids, to fun and splashy scenic trips; this river has it all.
The Numbers rafting offers narrow channels, steep drops, and technical maneuverings as you travel through boulder-strewn canyons within the gorgeous Arkansas River Valley, makes this rafting trip one to remember! With the snow-capped mountains of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance, the area’s picturesque views are sure to blow you away. You may also catch sight of some local wildlife like Big Horn sheep, deer, elk and tons of bird life.
The most advanced section on the Arkansas River begins in the little mountain town of Granite, which quickly fades away as you enter the exciting Granite Gorge. These Class III and IV rapids are merely a warm-up for what comes next. Get ready to paddle hard as you journey through the Rite of Passage, the gates of Pine Creek rafting, where the river narrows by half. Here you’ll encounter the most continuous rapids in the state. This is where Pine Creek rafting trips truly become an adventure – the river becomes a creek and its gradient drops an astounding 200 feet with a must-make crux move. Once you pass Pine Creek hole you’ll be spit right into Triple Drop Rapid. This half mile section is full of haystack waves. This roller coaster ride of a finish will be enjoyed by all. You’ll then regroup with the other boats and head into tombstone and several other small rapids as you make your way to the take out of Pine Creek. This take out is the put in for the Numbers. Guests should strongly consider doing this section too. The Gauntlet combines both Pine Creek and the Numbers into a full day rafting trip with a delicious chicken Fajita lunch at the end.
Conquer some of the most intense whitewater rafting near Denver on Upper Clear Creek! Starting high in the canyon, there’s just enough time to warm up before you drop into the first advanced rapid. Enjoy this steep, technical section that will keep your paddle moving! Choose from the Upper Clear Creek half-day trip or the Clear Creek Outer Limits ¾ Day. You can also combine rafting and zipline in one day with our Upper Clear Creek + Cliffside Zipline package.
Arkansas River – fantastic 24 hour to three-day rafting trips on the iconic Arkansas River. These are our most popular overnight trips, and once you’ve experienced one, you’ll understand why! Breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks, steep canyon walls, abundant wildlife, and exciting rapids are just a few of the thrills.
We’ll supply all the gear, you bring your sleeping bag and get ready to take in spectacular mountain scenery while paddling down the majestic Arkansas River.
This is a trip intended for serious paddlers only! Enjoy one of the most continuous sections of whitewater in Colorado a mere 30 minutes from Denver. Our Lower Canyon of Clear Creek trip is a half day advanced whitewater trip. You will rush through impressive scenery and an even more impressive gradient that drops 150 feet/mile through the canyon. The river trip starts off with a bang with the infamous Beavers, two steep drops that are sure to get your attention. In the canyon, the excitement is non-stop through rapids like Guide Ejector, Hell’s Corner, and Corkscrew.
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!
Packages
Whether you’re venturing around central Colorado or are spending some time in the Denver area, there are Rafting & Via Ferrata packages just a few steps away. Spend your day exploring the Arkansas River Valley in Buena Vista with this thrilling combo, or join us for an action-packed day battling the rapids of Clear Creek then traversing the cliffside above the historic town of Idaho Springs. These unique assisted rock climbing and mountain adventures will have your heart pounding, and when paired with the classic Colorado activity of whitewater rafting, you’ll be talking about your thrilling day for weeks.
You want to do it all. Whether you’re visiting Colorado from out of state or this is your backyard, it’s hard to choose how to spend your time in this adventure Mecca. White water rafting and ziplining in Colorado are two of the best choices to experience the mountains. A Rafting & Zipline Package saves you money and shows you the heart of Colorado while making the most of your precious time.
You want to do it all. Whether you’re visiting Colorado from out of state or this is your backyard, it’s hard to choose how to spend your time in this adventure Mecca. White water rafting and ziplining in Colorado are two of the best choices to experience the mountains. A Rafting & Zipline Package saves you money and shows you the heart of Colorado while making the most of your precious time.
You want to do it all. Whether you’re visiting Colorado from out of state or this is your backyard, it’s hard to choose how to spend your time in this adventure Mecca. White water rafting and ziplining in Colorado are two of the best choices to experience the mountains. A Rafting & Zipline Package saves you money and shows you the heart of Colorado while making the most of your precious time.
Why limit yourself to a single Colorado activity on any given day? If you’re trying to get as much adventure as possible into your vacation, package whitewater rafting and rock climbing together for the ultimate Colorado experience. Your experienced guides will coach you as you defy gravity on the crags and cliffs above the Arkansas River Valley. Then, you’ll splash your way down some of the best rapids in the country on the iconic Arkansas River. Options for all ability levels mean we can help you put together the perfect package for everyone in your party.
