Aspen, CO

With a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities and cultural options, Aspen is an ideal location to spend a weekend or longer vacation.

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!

 

Featured

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!

Person ziplining in Colorado.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Full Day of Family Fun

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 [...]

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Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

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 [...]

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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

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Nature Lovers

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 [...]

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Fun & Mellow
Best for Families & Couples

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 [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Immersion in Nature

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 [...]

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Fun & Mellow
Best for Packed Schedules

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 [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Exploring

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 [...]

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Leisurely
Best for All Ages and Abilities

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 [...]

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River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.
Maximum Adrenaline
Best for Adrenaline Junkies

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 [...]

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Fun & Mellow

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 [...]

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Discover Aspen

Oars up on the Arkansas River near Aspen, Colorado.

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.

Buena Vista Colorado Cabins

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.

Rafting Clear Creek.

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.

Girl raising paddle

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.

Woman on zipline in Colorado.

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!

Rocky Mountain National Park Backpacking Trips

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.

woman looking at art in museum

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 Colorado

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, Colorado

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.

lake view of aspen

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.

Rafters with oars up along the river.

Best time to Raft

The best time to raft the Arkansas River near Aspen is May through September.

 

Two people on horseback in the Arkansas River Valley, Colorado.

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.

Explore the AVA Landscape

Find us across Colorado! Use our handy map to determine the activities convenient to your destination.

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!

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.