Ziplining

AVA’s guides define who we are, just as much as they define your adventure experience. Guides love what they do and seek to share this passion with our guests. They strive to deliver the best adventure experiences to you and your family across every zip course and line. We prioritize your safety above all else, requiring our guides to complete training hours that exceed industry standards.

Zip guides undergo extensive belay and rappel training, are CPR and First aid certified, and can quickly anticipate and respond to outdoor emergencies. Additionally, AVA guides receive training in all safety equipment, with AVA using harnesses, lanyards, and carabiners that have been regularly inspected and tested. Before beginning a zipline course, AVA guides will show you the ropes, assist with gear, and lead a basic zipline skills lesson “on the ground” to make sure you’re ready to hit the trees!

Since 1998, AVA Rafting & Zipline has been committed to providing the best outdoor adventure experiences in Colorado. AVA first opened its doors as a whitewater rafting company in Buena Vista, where we launched our first 7-line zipline course in 2011. In 2012, we expanded our zipline adventures to our newly opened Idaho Springs outpost with an exciting 6-line cliffside course.

On both zipline courses, you will come as close as you can to flying across the forest, soaring through some of the best scenery Colorado has to offer. Because our AVA zipline courses are built into the mountainsides, a truck will deliver you to the top of the trail, where you will hike short distances between the different lines. We provide all the gear needed for your trip besides footwear and clothing. You will be fitted with a seat and chest harness, a trolley system, two lanyards with secure clips, gloves, and a helmet. This equipment is very similar to what is used for rock climbing, but specifically designed for a zipline course.

Both our zipline courses in Idaho Springs and Buena Vista offer a thrilling opportunity to fly through the best of Colorado’s outdoors.
Our Idaho Springs zipline is just 30 minutes from Denver and one hour from Breckenridge. This course offers 6 lines of zipline adventure over the beautiful Chicago Creek. Ride through historical Idaho Springs on our “zip truck” before you ascend up the mountain to hit the trail. The course includes big drops and scenic zigzags as you work your way down the mountainside, complete with a dual race line, jungle bridge, and log cross!

Our mountaintop zipline at our Buena Vista outpost is one hour from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen. Here, we offer 6 ziplines, including a 900-foot dual race line, swinging log bridge, and hanging log staircase. Your stomach will drop as you fly across 3,500 feet of cable. At this location in the heart of the Rockies, high-flying fun and incredible views of the Collegiate Peaks and Arkansas River await!

Zipline trips will still run in slightly adverse conditions. The only time trips are canceled is due to high winds or lightning. Dress in layers and bring a raincoat as unexpected afternoon storms can occur in Colorado. On all our zipline trips, closed-toed shoes are a must! Comfortable clothing is recommended, and please avoid any loose clothing (scarves/ long necklaces), as well as skirts, short shorts, and jean shorts. You may bring a small backpack to carry water or any extra layers, but we recommend leaving phones, wallets, and other valuables locked in your car to avoid losing anything.

Because we want everyone to be able to make the most of their zipline experience, we ask that you please arrive at our outpost 15 minutes before your scheduled trip. Zipline tours are designed for use by participants of average physical condition and in reasonably good health. The hiking section of the courses is usually comparable to walking up four flights of stairs. Please make sure that everyone in your party meets the age and weight requirements.