Aspen, CO
AVA runs thrilling ziplining trips from our Buena Vista outpost, approximately one and a half hours from Aspen. Feel the thrill of Colorado’s most scenic ziplining trails as you glide over mountain peaks and forests.
Adventure to New Heights
Colorado locals and tourists alike flock to Aspen in both winter and summer for the breathtaking views, recreation opportunities, restaurants, and nightlife. Although Aspen may be well known for its four ski mountains and winter snow sports, the mountain town’s location near some of the best whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure opportunities in Colorado makes for an exciting summer visit!
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Aspen Trips
AVA runs Arkansas River whitewater rafting trips from our Buena Vista outpost, approximately one and a half hours from Aspen. This area is perfect for all abilities and skill levels, with offerings from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state. Whether this is your first time in Aspen or you’re looking to increase the thrill level of your vacation, add even more excitement to your mountain adventure with one of our adventure trips or full-day packages!
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 [...]
Your AVA ASPEN Adventure
Aspen Rafting
Some of the most scenic Whitewater Rafting trips lie just over Independence Pass on the Arkansas River, about one hour from Aspen. AVA runs Arkansas River whitewater rafting trips from our Buena Vista outpost, approximately one and a half hours from Aspen. This area is perfect for all abilities and skill levels, with offerings from family whitewater trips to the most advanced rafting in the state.
Arkansas River Trips
Our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip will take you on ride through the Browns Canyon National Monument, allowing for plenty of opportunities to appreciate the impressive granite canyon, beautiful scenery, and wildlife along the way. Choose the Browns Canyon Sizzler and turn this intermediate whitewater experience into a full day adventure or 24 Hours in Browns: our overnight experience, where participants camp riverside, under the stars.
On our Numbers 1/2 day trip, you will navigate more intense class IV rapids on the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River. Last but not least, Rappel into the Gauntlet will appeal to the most adventurous, as visitors begin this full-day excursion with a 75 foot rappel to a waiting raft, plunging into the Arkansas River’s steepest section and its thrilling class V rapids!
Other Aspen Activities
The Aspen area also provides opportunities for Zipline, Via Ferrata, and Horseback Riding adventures. Whether this is your first time in Aspen or you’re looking to increase the thrill level of your vacation, add even more excitement to your mountain adventure with one of our adventure trips or full day packages!
Explore All Aspen Adventures
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Mountaintop Zipline Half Day
Buena Vista, Colorado
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Clear Creek Gold Rush + Zipline Package
Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Discover Aspen
The closest river to Aspen
The majestic Arkansas River is located 1 hour from Aspen, with our outpost in Buena Vista, Colorado. Rafters on this river will experience some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including views of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the Sawatch Range.
The closest outpost to Aspen
Our Buena Vista outpost is about one and a half hours from Aspen. Perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure, this area in the Arkansas River Vally hosts unparalleled rafting on the Arkansas River, along with mountaintop adventures, including ziplining, Via Ferrata, and rock climbing.
For adrenaline junkies
The Numbers and Pine Creek portions of the Arkansas River include class IV and V sections and some of the most intense and steepest rapids on the river and in Colorado. Our Buena Vista Via Ferrata also allows adrenaline junkies the opportunity to experience a thrilling mountaineering experience complete with a 78-foot freefall.
Family-friendly opportunities
The Arkansas River also boasts scenic, calmer rapids perfect for families and those looking to enjoy the scenery. Raft through the impressive Brown’s Canyon National Monument on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This scenic trip through class III rapids is perfect for wildlife spotting and accommodates kids 7 and up. Then, look down on the valley from high up in the trees on a zipline experience that both kids and adults will love.
Aerial adventures
Join us at our Buena Vista outpost in the scenic Arkansas River Valley for an opportunity to try out our ziplining, Via Ferrata, or rock climbing courses. These aerial adventures will get you high above the trees in the best of the Rocky Mountains and are an ideal way to explore the mountain environment. Combine these with a rafting adventure for a full day of outdoor excitement!
Maroon Bells Wilderness Area
The Maroon Bells Wilderness Area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Maroon Bells, two towering peaks reflected in Maroon Lake. There are numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering opportunities to explore the area’s alpine meadows, forests, and lakes. Popular hikes include the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the Crater Lake Trail.
Aspen Art Museum
The Aspen Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Aspen. Admission is free, and the museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists from around the world. In addition to its galleries, the museum offers educational programs, lectures, and special events throughout the year.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Aspen area from above with a hot air balloon ride at Aspen Snowmass. Float gently over the Rocky Mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including forests, rivers, and mountain peaks.
Aspen Location
Aspen is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. It sits at an elevation of approximately 7,900 feet above sea level.
Aspen History
Aspen was founded as a mining town in the late 19th century during the Colorado Silver Boom. It was named after the abundant aspen trees in the area.
Best time to Raft
The best time to raft the Arkansas River near Aspen is May through September.
Aspen Trips
Aspen offers activities including rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, and more with options for ages 7 and up. This includes 1/2 day, full day, multiday trip options.
FAQs
The Arkansas River offers the closest rafting to Aspen with opportunities from family-friendly trips to exhilarating whitewater. Our Buena Vista outpost is 1.5 hours from Aspen with exciting rafting options on the Arkansas.
Our Buena Vista outpost hosts whitewater rafting, ziplining, a Via Ferrata course, and horseback riding.
We have rafting and other adventure opportunities near Aspen for all ages and levels. We offer rafting and ziplining for ages 7 and up, and ages 12 and up can participate in our Via Ferrata course.
Because our Buena Vista outpost is about a 1.5 hour drive from Aspen, outdoor adventure can be an easy addition to your trip itinerary. This distance can easily be done in a day trip, or your group can choose to stay overnight in the Buena Vista area and maximize your time in the great outdoors. We offer cabins and camping on-site at our Buena Vista outpost, as well as our 24-hours in Browns overnight trip for the ultimate river experience.
