Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has long been known as a “must-see” on Colorado travelers’ lists – and not just for all the great outdoor adventure and whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. Located East of the Pike National Forest, near Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, Cave of the Winds among other notable attractions, the area offers numerous opportunities to hike and explore the outdoors of central Colorado.
An Adventure for the Gods
Pike’s Peak is one of Colorado’s many 14ers, yet one of the most accessible, as visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top, and the National Landmark of Garden of the Gods provides stunning views of the area’s rock formations and landmarks, framing Pikes Peak in the background. National Geographic also notes Colorado Spring’s Broadmoor Seven Falls on their list of international waterfalls for their stunning scenery and views.
As Colorado’s second-largest city and home to three colleges, Colorado Springs also hosts historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, the Money Museum, or the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Colorado Springs also headquarters the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and offers tours for the public.
Explore Colorado Springs
Top Trips
Colorado Springs offers exciting nearby opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding adventures and more!
The Numbers Half Day + Zipline
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
Your AVA Colorado Springs Adventure
Arkansas River Rafting
Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Arkansas River, just an two hours away from Colorado Springs, Colorado at our Buena Vista outpost. AVA offers a variety of Whitewater Rafting experiences on this river, all including breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range nestled within the majestic Sawatch Range.
Experience the exhilaration of navigating the Browns Canyon National Monument with our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip trip. This intermediate whitewater adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty. Marvel at the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife as you conquer class III rapids. For those seeking a full-day adventure, we offer the Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns–an overnight trip where you can camp riverside and fall asleep under the stars.
Our Numbers 1/2 day trip will plunge you into more intense class IV rapids, as you navigate the most continuous whitewater rafting section on the Arkansas River. And for the most daring adventurers, our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion awaits. Start your day with a heart-pounding 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and prepare to conquer the steepest section of the Arkansas River, featuring exhilarating class V rapids.
Clear Creek Rafting
The Clear Creek, an hour and a half away from Colorado Springs at our Idaho Springs outpost, is also renowned as one of the best rafting destinations near the Denver area. It offers exhilarating experiences for all ages and skill levels. As you navigate the river, you’ll be treated to captivating Colorado views with the chance to encounter wildlife along the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs.
For a mild introduction to whitewater rafting suitable for all ages, our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush trip trip is the perfect choice. Rush through eleven exciting class III rapids and enjoy the adventure at a comfortable pace. If you’re ready for a slightly more challenging experience, opt for our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip. Conquer class IV rapids with steeper technical sections that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. For the ultimate thrill-seekers, our Phoenix trip awaits. Embark on a full-day advanced adventure spanning 20 miles, packed with non-stop excitement and intense rapids.
Colorado Springs Aerial Adventures
Choose from two incredible zipline courses near Colorado Springs! The first course is located 2 hours away in Buena Vista, Colorado, where you’ll soar high into the sky, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Collegiate Peaks and the stunning Arkansas River Valley. Our second zipline course is 1.5 hours away, nestled in Idaho Springs, offering a unique adventure built into the mountainside above the Chicago Creek and the historic town.
Experience the thrill of our Via Ferrata courses at both our Buena Vista and Idaho Springs locations. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating adventure as you climb high into the cliffsides, navigating through iron rungs, bars, and bridges, and even swing on several lines of our zipline courses!
Discover Colorado Springs
The Closest River to Colorado Springs
The Arkansas River, 2 hours away from Colorado Springs, is the closest river. The Clear Creek is also only 2.5 hours away.
The Closest Outpost to Colorado Springs
Our Buena Vista outpost is 2 hours away and is the nearest outpost to Colorado Springs. Our Idaho Springs outpost is about 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs.
Family-Friendly
Our Brown’s Canyon Half Day trip at our Buena Vista outpost offers a perfect introduction to Whitewater Rafting, as you navigate milder class III rapids through the scenic Brown’s Canyon National Monument
Thrill-Seekers
Choose our Rappel into the Gauntlet trip on Pine Creek and The Numbers sections of the Arkansas River from our Buena Vista outpost, and rappel into your awaiting raft where you sail across 12 miles of some of the most intense whitewater in the state
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landmark located in Colorado Springs, known for its towering red rock formations and scenic vistas. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and interpretive exhibits to learn about the area’s geological history and natural beauty. Don’t miss iconic rock formations such as Balanced Rock and the Gateway Rocks, which offer breathtaking photo opportunities against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Take a memorable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world. This historic train ride offers stunning panoramic views as it ascends through alpine forests and rugged terrain to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains, explore the Summit House, and even sample a famous Pikes Peak donut.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Explore one of America’s highest and most unique zoos at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Home to over 750 animals representing more than 170 species, this family-friendly attraction offers up-close encounters with giraffes, elephants, bears, and more. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits, feeding opportunities, and educational presentations while taking in stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a picturesque setting for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The park features a network of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, allowing visitors to explore scenic canyons, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the Helen Hunt Falls Trail, which leads to a stunning 35-foot waterfall, and the Mt. Cutler Trail, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Colorado Springs location
Colorado Springs is located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County, Colorado, in the central part of the state of Colorado.
Colorado Springs History
Colorado Springs has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1871 as a resort town, its early development was driven by the discovery of mineral springs believed to have medicinal properties. The city’s strategic location along the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad contributed to its growth, attracting settlers, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
Best Time to Raft
The best time to raft both the Arkansas River and Clear Creek is May through September.
Colorado Springs Adventures
The Colorado Springs area offers access to whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock-climbing, horseback riding, and more, with activities for ages 7 and older. Choose from half-day, full day, or multi day activities!
Explore Colorado Springs Adventures
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
