Denver
Denver provides the perfect opportunity to explore cultural attractions, markets, festivals, museums, and urban excitement while maintaining easy access to the best of Colorado’s outdoors.
MILE HIGH ADVENTURE AWAITS
The Mile High City offers opportunities to listen to live music and enjoy food from diverse restaurants and breweries. Cheer for the Rockies at Coors Field, explore the 16th Street Mall and Union Station, check out the Denver Botanic Gardens, and relax at one of the city’s numerous parks and green areas.
Explore Denver
Top Trips
Denver’s central location in Colorado also makes it easy to access mountain adventures without excessive travel time. Drive 30 minutes from the city, and you will find opportunities for Whitewater Rafting, biking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Denver is the perfect vacation for those wanting to experience the best of a vibrant city yet still explore Colorado’s natural beauty and scenery.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Idaho Springs, Colorado
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 [...]
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 [...]
Denver Whitewater Rafting
Our Idaho Springs outpost is just 30 minutes from Denver, making it easily accessible for a day trip! Here, you can experience Whitewater Rafting for all levels on the Clear Creek, which passes through historic Idaho Springs and offers the best Whitewater Rafting near Denver. At our Idaho Springs outpost, you can also maximize your adventure with a Ziplining and Via Ferrata experience, with the opportunity to combine the best of our Rafting and cliffside adventures in unique day trip packages!
Clear Creek Trips
As you paddle along Clear Creek, you’ll pass through the historic town of Idaho Springs and its picturesque mining valley. Immerse yourself in stunning Colorado views and keep an eye out for local wildlife, all while navigating thrilling rapids.
For a milder introduction to whitewater rafting, perfect for all ages, we recommend our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush trip. Rush through eleven thrilling class III rapids, finding adventure in a family-friendly experience. For those seeking a slightly more challenging experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip is ideal, as you rush through class IV rapids with steeper technical sections, and our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip provides an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids that will get your heart racing. For those craving intense thrills and exciting rapids, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate choice. This full-day advanced adventure spans 20 miles, offering non-stop excitement and thrilling moments at every turn!
Other Denver Adventures
At our Idaho Springs location, your group also has the opportunity to participate in a zipline or Via Ferrata adventure. Both of these aerial activities will get you high into the Rocky Mountains, providing an aerial view of historic Idaho Springs and the surrounding area.
Explore All Denver 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 [...]
Discover Denver
The Closest River to Denver
The Clear Creek runs through Idaho Springs and Golden Colorado, with rafting access just a half hour away in Idaho Springs.
The Closest Outpost to Denver
Our Idaho Springs location, a half hour from Denver, is the closest outpost to Denver and offers opportunities to try out rafting, ziplining, and a Via Ferrata course.
Thrill Seekers
Our Phoenix trip from our Idaho Springs outpost is a full day adventure through wild class V rapids. You will experience 20 miles on the river through the most advanced whitewater in the Denver area! Or try one of our advanced half-day trips on the Upper Clear Creek and Lower Canyon, and combine these rafting experiences with an exciting Via Ferrata course.
Family-Friendly
From our Idaho Springs outpost, our Clear Creek Gold Rush 1/3 Day trip provides a perfect opportunity for families and beginner rafters to have fun and learn the basics! This class III adventure allows those as young as 6 years old to get out on the water and experience the thrill of rafting. Package this rafting trip with a ziplining experience for a full day of multi-adventure fun.
Aerial Adventures
Our Idaho Springs outpost offers our Cliffside Zipline course, just 30 minutes from Denver! This course features 6 lines, including a jungle bridge, hanging bridge, and dual race line. Guests can also experience our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course. Climb into the cliffside above the Chicago Creek and Idaho Springs, clipping in and out of cables as you traverse bridges and iron rungs
Denver Parks and Gardens
Denver is home to numerous parks and gardens, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Visit City Park, the largest park in Denver, which features lakes, jogging trails, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world, as well as art installations and seasonal events.
Concerts and Festivals
Denver comes alive with outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months. Check out the lineup at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a world-famous outdoor venue set amidst stunning rock formations. From music concerts to film screenings and yoga sessions, Red Rocks offers a unique and unforgettable outdoor entertainment experience. Additionally, explore various street festivals, art walks, and cultural events happening throughout the city.
Biking
Denver boasts an extensive network of trails and bikeways, making it a paradise for cyclists of all levels. Rent a bike and explore the scenic Cherry Creek Trail or the South Platte River Trail, which wind through parks, neighborhoods, and downtown Denver. For a more challenging ride, head to the nearby foothills and explore trails in Golden or Boulder, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding landscapes.
Museums
Beat the heat and explore Denver’s museums and cultural attractions. Visit the Denver Art Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork spanning various cultures and time periods. Explore the History Colorado Center, where interactive exhibits and artifacts tell the story of Colorado’s rich history and heritage. Additionally, don’t miss the Denver Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium, both offering family-friendly entertainment and educational experiences.
Denver Location
Denver is the capital city of the state of Colorado and serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the region. Denver, located in Denver County, is centrally located in Colorado, nestled at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.
Denver History
Denver’s history traces back to the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century when it was founded as a mining town in 1858. Originally established as Denver City, it quickly grew into a supply hub for miners seeking fortune in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Over the years, Denver evolved into a major metropolitan area, serving as the state capital of Colorado and becoming a center for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation in the region.
Best Time to Raft
The best time to raft the Clear Creek near Denver is May through September.
Denver Trips
At our Idaho Springs outpost, we offer outdoor adventure trips for ages 6 and up. These include whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, and multi-adventure packages with 1/2 day and full day options available.
