STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Explore Steamboat with AVA

Steamboat Springs may be known for its powder and skiing opportunities, but it offers plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year! Nestled at 7,000 feet elevation, it is surrounded by Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge and Christie Peak.

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Near Steamboat Springs

With the Yampa River running through town, Steamboat Lake State Park, and Pearl Lake State Park, Steamboat boasts water activities in addition to mountain fun. Visitors can tube, fish, and boat, nearby rivers offer plenty of opportunities for Whitewater Rafting. The town also hosts geothermal hot springs for relaxing after your outdoor adventure.

Group on a Colorado float trip going at a relaxing pace.
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

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 [...]

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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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Exciting & Active
Best for More Action on Mellow Water

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 [...]

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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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Fun & Mellow
Best for Immersing Yourself in Fishing

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 [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Choose Your Own Adventure

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 [...]

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Steamboat Springs Whitewater Rafting and Other Activities

Our Kremmling Outpost is just 1 hour from Steamboat along Hwy 40 and is right on the way to Steamboat from I-70 or Winter Park. A Whitewater Rafting rafting trip on the famous Upper Colorado River makes for a fantastic stop! The Colorado River near Kremmling provides opportunities scenic float trips, allowing you to relax, soak in your beautiful surroundings, and connect with your family and friends. The Upper Colorado River also hosts great Fly Fishing, and we offer guided fishing trips from our outpost!

Our outpost at Idaho Springs, about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Steamboat, offers diverse Whitewater Rafting on the Clear Creek for all ages and ability levels. At our outpost, visitors can additionally try out a Cliffside Zipline and Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, or package multiple activities into a full day adventure!

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Maximum Adrenaline
Best for Adrenaline Junkies

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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Exciting & Active
Best for Land-Based Excitement

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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Overnight Rafting Trip in Colorado
Leisurely
Best Lodging on a Budget

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 [...]

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Leisurely
Best Basecamp Option

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 [...]

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Splashy & Moderate
Best for Experienced Rafters

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 [...]

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River rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado.
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Early Season Thrills

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 [...]

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What is the Closest River to Raft near Steamboat Springs?

THE COLORADO RIVER

The majestic Colorado River stretches across seven states, carving its way through the iconic Grand Canyon on its remarkable journey from the Continental Divide to the Gulf of California in Mexico. This vital water source serves as a lifeline for 36 million people, and AVA is honored to provide access to this extraordinary river from our Kremmling outpost, conveniently located just 40 minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park.

Relax and create unforgettable memories on the Colorado River with our scenic half-day and full-day float trips. In addition to traditional rafts, we offer the option to paddle an Inflatable Kayak or Stand up Paddleboard, allowing you and your group to customize your adventure to your preferences. As the river winds its way through the stunning Gore Range, you’ll encounter gentle rapids and have opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and unwind.

For an even more immersive experience, embark on our overnight24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip, where you can fully experience the beauty of the Upper Colorado River, day and night. And for fishing enthusiasts, we offer a range of Fly-Fishing opportunities, including Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight trips, allowing you to indulge in the scenic splendor of the river while honing your angling skills.

Best time to raft: May – October
Ages: 2 years old and up
Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday
Other Activities: Inflatable Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Fly Fishing, Gear Rentals

Clear Creek

Located 2 hours and 15 minutes from Steamboat Springs, Clear Creek offers unparalleled rafting experiences near the Denver area. Our Idaho Springs outpost provides convenient access to this remarkable river, making it an ideal stop on your way to Denver! Clear Creek is renowned for delivering the best rafting in the area, catering to all ages and skill levels. As you embark on your Clear Creek adventure, you’ll pass through the historic town of Idaho Springs, immersing yourself in its scenic mining valley while encountering local wildlife.

For those seeking a gentle introduction to whitewater rafting that’s perfect for all ages, our Clear Creek Gold Rush 1/3 day trip is the ideal choice, as you rush through eleven exhilarating class III rapids in a family friendly trip. For a increased challenge, try out our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 day trip. Navigate through steeper and more technical class IV rapids, pushing your boundaries on an exhilarating adventure. For those seeking an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids that will truly get your heart racing, our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip is the perfect choice. And for the most thrill, don’t miss our Phoenix trip—a full-day advanced adventure covering 20 adrenaline pumping miles!

Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 6 years old and up
Duration: 1/3 day, 1/2 day, and Full Day
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata

Other Outdoor Activities near Steamboat Springs

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Mountaintop Adventures near Steamboat Springs

Rafters on the Arkansas River.

FAMILY FRIENDLY RAFTING NEAR STEAMBOAT

The Upper Colorado is great for kids 2+ and perfect for a relaxing experience to take in the scenery and wildlife of Colorado. The Upper Colorado is a beautiful one hour drive from Steamboat Springs.

HIGH ADRENALINE RAFTING NEAR STEAMBOAT

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, choose our full day Phoenix trip from our Idaho Springs outpost. This adventure will take you over 20 miles of intense rapids on the Clear Creek!
Ziplining Near Denver Colorado

ZIPLINING NEAR STEAMBOAT

We offer an exciting Cliffside Zipline course 1.5 hours from Steamboat at our Idaho Springs outpost! Fly through the trees, race on our dual lines, and cross hanging bridges.
Climber on a Via Ferrata rope ladder.

VIA FERRATA NEAR STEAMBOAT?

We also offer an exciting Via Ferrata trip at our Idaho Springs outpost. Experience Colorado from a new angle, as you climb into the cliffside, over the Chicago Creek, and among the Rockies.