Idaho Springs

Explore our Idaho Springs outpost for the most convenient and fun outdoor adventure opportunities to Denver. The area boasts whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, hiking and biking trails, along with the chance to learn about the area’s historical significance to Colorado’s gold rush.

The Gateway to Adventure

Idaho Springs, located just 30 minutes from Denver and within an hour of Boulder, Summit County, and Winter Park, is home to one of our AVA outposts. The Idaho Springs area offers the best Whitewater Rafting near Denver on the Clear Creek, and our outpost also hosts cliffside zipline and Via Ferrata courses. The area’s location near Mount Blue Sky, one of Colorado’s numerous 14ers, offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, and visitors can drive to the summit via the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway.

 

Explore Idaho Springs

Top Trips

From our Idaho Springs outpost, discover whitewater rafting on the Clear Creek for all ability levels, as well as ziplining and Via Ferrata trips. Combine a rafting trip with an aerial adventure in a full day multi-adventure package and explore the best of Colorado’s mountains and rivers.

Family on an AVA rafting trip.
Exciting & Active
Most Popular - Great for Kids

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 [...]

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Woman on our Upper Clear Creek Via Ferrata course.
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

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 [...]

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Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

Idaho Springs, Colorado
 

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Person on a Via Ferrata course.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for Cliffside Thrills

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 [...]

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Gold Rush rafting trip.
Exciting & Active
Best for Adventurers of All Ages

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 [...]

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River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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Explore Idaho Springs Adventures

 

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Man fly fishing in a Colorado river.
Fun & Mellow
Best for a Quick Fishing Experience

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 [...]

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Polaris RZR UTV at AVA site.
Splashy & Moderate
Best Mix of Activities

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 [...]

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River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Family Fun

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 [...]

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People driving a UTV on a half-day trip.
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Fun with Friends

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, [...]

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Polaris ready for a half-day adventure.
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Packed Schedules

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 [...]

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Fly fishing on an inflatable boat.
Splashy & Moderate

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 [...]

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Colorado Sunset Zipline
Exciting & Active
Best for Romantics & Stargazers

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 [...]

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Couple stopping to take in the view on bike adventure.
Fun & Mellow
Best for Cruising Town

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 [...]

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AVA's Idaho Springs Outpost

Clear Creek Rafting

From our Idaho Springs outpost, AVA offers rafting on the Clear Creek. Flowing right through the heart of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek is a ribbon of adventure. This river offers exciting whitewater rafting, with sections suitable for both families and adrenaline seekers. Our trips include 1/3 day, half-day, and full day adventures on class III through V rapids. Beyond the rapids, Clear Creek’s scenic beauty can be enjoyed by fishing along its banks, or by hiking and biking the trails that follow its course.

Clear Creek Trips

Idaho Springs Aerial Adventures

At our Idaho Springs outpost, we also offer exciting ziplining and Via Ferrata adventures. Climb high into the cliffside above our Idaho Springs outpost and soar on our 6 different ziplines or climb our Via Ferrata course. This assisted climbing opportunity takes you into the mountainside via iron rungs, bars, bridges, and ziplines. Both of our aerial courses are unique in that they are built directly into the cliffside rather than on raised platforms and allow you to truly experience the best of the Rocky Mountains.

Ziplining
Via Ferrata

More Idaho Springs Activities

Another favorite Idaho Springs activity is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Running between Georgetown and Silver Plume, this historic railroad winds its way through the mountains, offering stunning views of the countryside in a historic locomotive.

Train Rides

Other activities include:

  • Tour the historic Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine
  • Soak in the Indian Hot Springs
  • Hike Mount Blue Sky, St. Mary’s Glacier, or another favorite trail
  • Eat and drink at Beau Jo’s Pizza, Tommyknocker Brewery, or another favorite restaurant

FAQs