Adventures of a Life time

For over 25 years, it has been our passion to guide people in exploring Colorado’s natural wonders.

We know Colorado and all her wild extremes — join us in discovering extraordinary adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime!

White Water Rafting

From exhilarating to heart pounding, there is no greater way to experience Colorado than through our guided rafting trips on some of Colorado’s most pristine rivers.

Why AVA?

  • 25 years in service
  • Your safety is our job
  • We set the bar high
  • We have the trip for you

Ziplining

AVA offers exciting Denver, CO ziplining trips at two locations: Idaho Springs, just 30 minutes from Denver, and Buena Vista, located in the Arkansas River Valley. Ziplining in either Colorado location is a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Via Ferrata and Rock Climbing

Join us for vertical adventure that both challenges and takes your breath away. Explore the Colorado mountains from new heights tailored to your skill level and take in the panoramic views!

Explore all our Colorado adventures

Make Colorado the destination of your next adventure, and let AVA be your Colorado guide! We have over 20 years of service in Colorado whitewater rafting and activities for everyone from first-timers to outdoor thrill-seekers.

Fly Fishing

Our fly fishing trips are perfect for beginners hoping to learn basic technique through more advanced anglers looking to discover Colorado’s best fishing spots! Join us on one of our overnight and multiple day fly fishing trips for a complete outdoor adventure experience.

Trending Trips for Everyone

Guest on the 78-foot free fall on AVA's Granite Via Ferrata course.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for thrill seekers

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 [...]

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group rafting on the upper colorado river
Fun & Mellow
Most Popular for All Ages & Abilities

Colorado Scenic Float-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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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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Rock climbing in the Colorado Mountains.
Heart Pounding
Best for a Full Day of Thrills

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 [...]

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A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.
Thrilling & Very Active
Best Value for Family Fun

Browns Canyon Express

Experience the best of the Arkansas River on this 3/4 day trip through class III rapids and the majestic Browns Canyon National Monument. You’ll [...]

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Don't just take our word for it

Olivia Karaszewski2024-06-12

We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena Vista, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Our guide, Todd, was absolutely amazing. His expertise and enthusiasm made the trip both thrilling and safe. We tackled class 4 rapids, and Todd’s guidance ensured we had an exhilarating and enjoyable time. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire tour was perfectly organized from start to finish. If you're looking for a top-notch rafting experience with skilled and friendly guides, look no further than AVA Rafting & Zipline. We can't wait to return for another adventure!

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Tracy Bass2024-08-28

We had a great and fun experience with AVA rafting company!! They did an amazing job from start to finish. The staff was professional, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time on the river. I highly recommend AVA for anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable rafting trip. Sean did an amazing job going over all the details of white water rafting before getting on the river. He was so fun and had so much energy. Oh yes, and his jokes were very funny! :-)
Aldon, our raft guide, was the best of the best!!! He made the trip so fun and so easy to get through the river!! Thank you Aldon!

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Sean Longsworth2024-08-20

We had an absolutely fantastic time with AVA Rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado. Although the morning started off a bit chilly and we were initially concerned, the team was incredibly well-prepared for everything. From the moment we arrived, we were given thorough safety instructions that were delivered in a jovial and relaxed manner, which helped ease any anxieties we had.

We were provided with wet suits and jackets that did a good job repelling water, although you do get wet—once we started paddling, the fun quickly overshadowed any worries about the cold. Our professional guide, who was from Chile, really made the trip special. His expertise and playful attitude, including some thrilling 360-degree turns, got everyone on our boat fully engaged and, yes, very wet! Our boat was definitely the most rambunctious, and it added to the overall excitement of the trip.

We highly recommend AVA Rafting, and we’re already planning to take on the more challenging scale 4 and 5 rapids on our next visit to Colorado!

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Cayden Jachyra2024-07-16

Had such a great time rafting browns canyon with our guide, Jordan. He was very clear and efficient when giving instructions, which made our trip go smoothly. We did class 3 rapids, and now Im itching to go back and do more intense ones! While it does take a bit to get down to the water after arriving at the outpost, the wait is definitely worth it. It was my favorite part of my trip to CO!

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Patrick Finn2024-08-09

Did the rafting (1/2 day Brown’s Canyon) and ziplining package Overall awesome experience - highly recommend.

Rafting Brown’s Canyon - First off, our river guide Sebastian was fabulous. It was very evident that he is very experienced on the water and he masterfully guided us through the class II and class III rapids while we shared a raft with a family with two younger kids. Definitely an exciting section of the river with lots of whitewater, but not crazy whitewater so great for an adventurous family or group. The trip itself took a little over 4 hours - about 25 minutes for the check in and getting geared up (helmet, PFD, optional splash jacket, and optional wet suit provided), about 20 minute ride to the river, about 2.5 hours on the river, then a 45 minute ride back. I’d also like to give kudos to the trip leader Will on smoothly handling all the safety/information talks while keeping things light and fun.

After a lunch break (you either bring lunch or you have time to go to Buena Vista to grab a bite), we headed off to our zipline adventure. Once again we had fantastic guides - Ernie and Torre. They brought lots of positive energy and fun to the experience. Overall, ziplining took just under 2 hours from gearing up, very short drive to the course followed by a short uphill hike to the first platform. We spent just under 90 minutes doing the 6 different ziplines that offered amazing views while zooming along the mountainside. You can take your phone (just secure it in a zipped pocket or backpack) for photos which is nice.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it is worth it in my view to do the cancellation guarantee. Weather is highly variable so we ended up twice changing our package date to make it work with our other plans. The office staff was super helpful and accommodating when I called to adjust plans.

Overall, we had an incredibly fun day with AVA. Besides having amazing experiences, we were very pleased with the high quality guides on each of our trips. And the price for our package (and their prices at their outpost for gear/clothing) is surprisingly reasonable.

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