Buena Vista

Our outpost, just north of Buena Vista, Colorado provides easy access to the best of the area’s outdoor adventures. Explore whitewater rafting, zipline, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, and more.

The Best of the Rockies

Known for its picturesque views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is an outdoor mecca, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The town itself exudes charm with its historic buildings, quaint shops, and restaurants.

Explore Arkansas

Top Trips

From our Buena Vista outpost, explore opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more! Our multi-adventure packages even allow you to combine multiple outdoor activities in one full day of fun.

group smiling through spray as they paddle down the Arkansas River
Exciting & Active
Best for Families & Groups

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 [...]

Learn More
group paddling straight into oncoming spray
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

Numbers 1/2 Day

Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking [...]

Learn More
Person ziplining through Colorado fall foliage
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Full Day of Family Fun

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 [...]

Learn More
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 [...]

Learn More
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 [...]

Learn More
Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be [...]

Learn More

Explore Buena Vista Adventures

 

  • Sort By

  • Sort By

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 [...]

Learn More
Woman ziplining in the Colorado mountains.
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be [...]

Learn More
Blue River Colorado Whitewater Rafting
Splashy & Moderate
Great for Families in Summit County

Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip

Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class II-III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you [...]

Learn More
Woman preparing to begin her rock climbing adventure.
Exciting & Active
Best for a Full Day of Excitement

Browns Canyon Half Day + Rock Climb

Rock climber with a spotter.
Heart Pounding
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

Learn More
A thrilling moment captured as a raft plunges down a steep drop, surrounded by cascading whitewater.
Exciting & Active
Best for the ultimate Colorado experience

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 [...]

Learn More
group smiling and laughing as they paddle down the Arkansas River
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Family Fun

Browns Canyon Sizzler

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 [...]

Learn More
Splashy & Moderate
Best for Multi-Generational Adventure

Scenic Float Full Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]

Learn More

AVA's Buena Vista Outpost

The Arkansas River

Our Buena Vista outpost offers convenient access to the mighty Arkansas River. The Arkansas River, flowing through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its scenic beauty and thrilling whitewater adventures. As one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States, the Arkansas River provides excitement for adventurers of all skill levels. Our Arkansas River trips include rafting for all levels on class III through V rapids, with options for half-day, full-day, and overnight adventures.

Arkansas River Trips

Buena Vista Aerial Adventures

We offer several aerial adventures at our Buena Vista outpost. Soar across 6 lines high above the breathtaking landscapes of the Arkansas River Valley on our Mountaintop Zipline course. On our unique Granite Via Ferrata, test your skills as you ascend the cliffside via iron rungs, bridges, and other features. This adventure includes several of our ziplines and a stomach dropping 78 foot freefall.

For those seeking a different kind of challenge, our rock climbing course at Granite Gorge Cliffs allows adventurers to climb high into the area’s mountains. Explore various routes and hone your climbing technique against the stunning backdrop of beautiful Buena Vista

Ziplining 
Via Ferrata
Rock Climbing

More Buena Vista Adventures

Additional opportunities near our Buena Vista outpost include horseback riding at Mount Princeton Stables and fly fishing at Ark Anglers. Both activities are family friendly with an opportunity to learn horseback riding and fishing technique and offer several types of trips.

Experience the best of Buena Vista with a multi-adventure package, and combine two unique activities in one full day of fun. Choose from rafting and ziplining, rafting and Via Ferrata, rafting and rock climbing, and rock climbing and ziplining, or build your own package with a custom adventure package. The opportunities to explore the best of the Colorado Rockies are endless!

Horseback Riding 
Fly-fishing
Multi-adventure Packages

Buena Vista lodging

At our Buena Vista outpost, we also host cabins and campsites for rent before or after your adventure. Sleep under the stars or in our cozy cabins and wake up refreshed for another day of exploring the outdoors.

Our lodging accommodations are within easy access of the Colorado Trail, river and lake fishing spots, and other hiking trails. All cabins include furniture for four guests, and campsites host a spacious area for one large tent or two smaller ones.

Lodging

Image of Maroon Bells Lake in Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen

Aspen, CO

Colorado locals and tourists alike flock to Aspen in both winter and summer for the breathtaking views, recreation opportunities, restaurants, nightlife and culture. Although Aspen may be well known for its four ski mountains and winter snow sports, the mountain town’s location near some of the best whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure opportunities in Colorado makes for an exciting summer visit!

The former silver-mining town of Aspen additionally offers ample opportunities to explore the area’s history and culture. Catch a headline show at Belly Up, Aspen’s 500 person concert space, or check out a show at the Aspen Theatre, making sure to save time for sampling the area’s restaurants, most with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying a warm summer night.

Blue River near Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, CO 80424

The magic of summer in the mountains comes alive in Breckenridge, Colorado. Located within Summit County, Breckenridge offers skiing and snowboarding, alongside plenty of opportunities for winter sports, yet the temperate summer weather and high alpine environment transform Breckenridge into a mecca for summer adventure. Breckenridge, Colorado is the place to visit if you are looking for a hip mountain town with access to the best outdoor adventures the Colorado mountains have to offer. Best of all, you’ll find Whitewater Rafting trips near Breckenridge on 4 different rivers!

In summer, Breckenridge hosts several festivals, a vibrant downtown arts scene, and numerous high alpine adventures. Its downtown Main Street includes numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, and people flock from across Summit County and Colorado to try Breckenridge’s diverse food scene. The town also offers cultural and arts opportunities, including open galleries, arts classes, and multiple museums. Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains, the town’s rich history, or its unique food scene, Breckenridge has a plethora of diverse adventure opportunities for all!

Image of Buena Vista, Colorado.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista, CO 81211

Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista, Colorado sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation, with more 14ers than in any other area in Colorado. The area also hosts the Continental Divide to the east, and the Arkansas River flows through the town, providing opportunities for both mountain and river adventures.

The town of Buena Vista dates back to 1880 and originally gained prominence for its mining and railroad industries. Today, many people visit Buena Vista for its namesake – to take in its “Beautiful views” and experience some of Colorado’s best outdoors. The area offers hiking, biking, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, and numerous other opportunities to explore the outdoors. Buena Vista is also well known for its local hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic and even medicinal qualities!

Our AVA outpost is located just 15 minutes north of Buena Vista, providing easy access to the best of the area’s outdoor adventures.

Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, CO

Located at the intersection of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, Glenwood Springs is known for its connection to water and is said to host the world’s largest natural medicinal hot sulfur springs pool. Constructed in 1890, Glenwood became known as the “Spa in the Rockies” and attracted the likes of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, infamous gangster Al Capone and world famous “Doc” Holiday.

Glenwood Springs is also close to the starting point of many popular hiking trails like Hanging Lake and Grizzly Creek. The areas colorful history and scenic beauty lure millions of travelers from all over the world each year. The town also hosts the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and the Riviera Supper Club & Piano Bar, which provide opportunities for comedy and entertainment alongside stellar restaurants and breweries.

Vail Valley in the summertime.

Vail

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.

The town of Vail has much to offer itself, including a variety of lodging and dining options, along with arts and culture opportunities. Catch a show at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, check out Vail’s festival schedule, or stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens!

Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado.

Arkansas River

40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211

The Arkansas River in Colorado begins in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and Buena Vista and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s most notable natural landmarks and waterways and offers some of North America’s most popular whitewater stretches. Here you’ll find everything from the wild and challenging section of Pine Creek near Granite, CO, to the thrilling and scenic family-friendly rapids of Browns Canyon near Buena Vista, to the towering rock walls of the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. With every class of whitewater available and great Colorado rafting for families with young kids, groups and adrenaline junkies, Arkansas River rafting truly has something for everyone.

FAQs