Vail
Locals and guests in this quaint little town are spoiled with gorgeous surroundings and all the amenities of a bigger city. Winter brings skiing and boarding, yet summer offers endless sunny days and a chance to explore Colorado’s mountains and great outdoors. The White River National Forest and Gore Range surround the area, creating opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s trails.
Elevated Adventure with AVA
Vail’s central location serves as an ideal base for exploring all the best Colorado adventures, including Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, Fly Fishing, and more!
Our Trending Trips
Near Vail
Visitors to Vail are in a great location to access the best of summer’s mountain recreation. With easy day-trip options, you can choose from shorter 2-hour adventures or even overnight trips, ensuring there’s a perfect rafting experience for you. AVA offers trips on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek, with experiences ranging from family friendly options to wild adventures and choices catered to your entire party.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Vail Whitewater Rafting and Other Activities
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
What is the closest River to Raft near Vail?
THE ARKANSAS RIVER
Discover the awe-inspiring Arkansas River just one hour away at our Buena Vista outpost. Your river or mountain adventure will immerse you in breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Collegiate Peak Mountain Range nestled within the Sawatch Range.
Navigate the renowned Browns Canyon National Monument with our exhilarating Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip. This intermediate whitewater experience not only gets your heart pumping but also offers countless opportunities to appreciate the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and wildlife. If you’re seeking a full-day adventure, our Browns Canyon Sizzler will elevate your Arkansas River experience, and on our 24 Hours in Browns trip, you will explore Colorado day and night, camping under the starry sky.
For those craving more intense rapids, our Numbers 1/2 day trip will take you on an adrenaline-pumping experience, as you conquer class IV rapids and the most continuous whitewater on the Arkansas River. And for the most adventurous, don’t miss our Rappel into the Gauntlet excursion. You will begin your day with a thrilling 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and plunge directly into the Arkansas River’s steepest section on heart-pounding class V rapids.
Best time to raft: May – September
Ages: 7 years old and up
Duration: 1/2 day, full day, multiday
Other Activities: Zipline, Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, Horseback riding
THE COLORADO RIVER
Paddle the Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost, conveniently located just one hour from Vail. This mighty river serves as a lifeline to 36 million people and spans 7 states, carving through the majestic Grand Canyon on its way from the Continental Divide to Mexico’s Gulf of California
Immerse yourself in the beauty of this river with our scenic half and full day float trips. You additionally have the option to paddle an Inflatable Kayak and Stand up Paddleboard, tailoring your adventure to your group. As you meander through the awe-inspiring Gore Range, you’ll encounter gentle rapids, creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our float trips provide ample time to unwind, swim, and bask in the sun. For those seeking a more immersive experience, our overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip allows you to experience the Upper Colorado River by day and night. Additionally, we offer a range of Fly-Fishing opportunities, including Walk and Wade, Float, and Overnight trips, perfect for anglers looking to reel in the big ones, while exploring the best of Colorado’s rivers!
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
Discover the excitement of Clear Creek, located just one hour from Vail and easily accessible from our Idaho Springs outpost. Clear Creek offers unparalleled rafting experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it the top choice for rafting near the Denver area. As you journey along Clear Creek, you’ll be immersed in the rich history of Idaho Springs and its mining valley, while experiencing breathtaking Colorado views and local wildlife.
For a gentle introduction to whitewater rafting that’s perfect for all ages, our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip is an excellent choice, as you rush through eleven thrilling class III rapids, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. If you’re seeking a slightly more advanced experience, our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip will take you through class IV rapids, where you’ll navigate steeper and more 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 the most intense thrills and exhilarating rapids, our Phoenix trip is the ultimate choice. Embark on a full-day advanced journey covering 20 miles of non-stop excitement!
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
BLUE RIVER
Raft the The Blue River, located only a half hour from Vail in charming Silverthorne, Colorado. As a tributary of the renowned Colorado River, the Blue River presents an opportunity to raft amidst breathtaking views of the Gore Range and the iconic Quandary Peak. Embark on our exhilarating Blue River Express trip and navigate class III rapids on a 2 hour adventure perfect for all ages!
Best time to raft: May – July
Ages: 5 years old and up
Duration: 1/3 day
Other Activities: Biking
Mountaintop and Other Adventures Near Vail
FAMILY FRIENDLY WHITEWATER ADVENTURE
ADRENALINE RUSH RAPIDS
ZIPLINING NEAR VAIL
