Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is located only about 2 hours from some of the best whitewater rafting in the state and country on the Arkansas River. From mild and scenic to intense and exciting, the Arkansas offers a whitewater rafting experience for everyone. This river in the heart of the Rocky Mountains makes it easy to experience Colorado’s wildest most pristine areas. Clear Creek is also only about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, with rafting opportunities on class III-V rapids.
An Adventure for the Gods
Colorado Springs has long been known as a “must-see” on Colorado travelers’ lists, especially great outdoor adventure and whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs. Located east of the Pike National Forest, near Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and more the area offers numerous opportunities to hike and explore the outdoors of central Colorado.
Explore Colorado Springs
Top Trips
Colorado Springs offers exciting nearby opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, horseback riding adventures and more!
Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Zipline
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way [...]
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 Rafting+ Zipline
Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs [...]
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 [...]
Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip
Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful [...]
Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting
Arkansas River Rafting
Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Arkansas River, just an two hours away from Colorado Springs at our Buena Vista outpost. AVA offers a variety of whitewater rafting experiences on this river, all including breathtaking scenery of the Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the majestic Sawatch Range.
Navigate Browns Canyon National Monument with our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip trip. This intermediate whitewater adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty. Marvel at the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife as you conquer class III rapids. For those seeking a longer adventure, we offer the 3/4 day Browns Canyon Express, full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns–an overnight trip with riverside camping under the stars.
Our Numbers 1/2 day trip will plunge you into more intense class IV rapids, as you navigate the most continuous whitewater rafting section on the Arkansas River. And for the most daring adventurers, our full-day Gauntlet-Pine Creek & Numbers excursion awaits. Conquer the steepest section on the Arkansas River, including the infamous Pine Creek class V rapids.
Clear Creek Rafting
Clear Creek, an hour and 40 minutes away from Colorado Springs at our Idaho Springs outpost, is also renowned as one of the best rafting destinations near the Denver area. It offers exhilarating experiences for all ages and skill levels. As you navigate the river, you’ll be treated to captivating Colorado views with the chance to encounter wildlife along the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs.
For a mild introduction to whitewater rafting suitable for all ages, our 1/3 day Clear Creek Gold Rush trip trip is the perfect choice. Rush through eleven exciting class III rapids and enjoy the adventure at a comfortable pace. If you’re ready for a slightly more challenging experience, opt for our Upper Clear Creek or Lower Canyon 1/2 day trips. Conquer class IV rapids with steeper technical sections that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. For ultimate thrill-seekers, we offer our Phoenix trip. Embark on a full-day advanced adventure spanning 20 miles, packed with non-stop excitement and intense rapids.
Colorado Springs Aerial Adventures
Choose from two incredible zipline courses near Colorado Springs! Our Mountaintop Zipline is just 2 hours away in Buena Vista, Colorado, where you’ll soar high into the sky, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Collegiate Peaks and the stunning Arkansas River Valley. Our second zipline course is our Cliffside Zipline, 1 hour and 40 minutes away in Idaho Springs that offers a unique adventure into the mountainside above the Chicago Creek and the historic town.
Experience the thrill of our Granite Via Ferrata in Buena Vista and Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata in Idaho Springs locations. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating adventure as you climb high into the cliffsides, navigating through iron rungs, bars, and bridges, and even swing on several lines of our zipline courses!
Discover Colorado Springs
The Closest River to Colorado Springs
The Arkansas River is 2 hours from Colorado Springs and flows through some of the most natural areas in Colorado. Clear Creek is also only about 1 hour and 40 minutes away.
The Closest Outpost to Colorado Springs
Our Buena Vista outpost is 2 hours away, and our Idaho Springs outpost is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Colorado Springs.
Family-Friendly
Our Brown’s Canyon Half Day trip at our Buena Vista outpost offers a perfect introduction to Whitewater Rafting, as you navigate milder class III rapids through the scenic Brown’s Canyon National Monument
Thrill-Seekers
Choose our Rappel into the Gauntlet trip on Pine Creek and The Numbers sections of the Arkansas River from our Buena Vista outpost, and rappel into your awaiting raft where you sail across 12 miles of some of the most intense whitewater in the state
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landmark located in Colorado Springs, known for its towering red rock formations and scenic vistas. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and interpretive exhibits to learn about the area’s geological history and natural beauty. Don’t miss iconic rock formations such as Balanced Rock and the Gateway Rocks, which offer breathtaking photo opportunities against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Take a memorable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world. This historic train ride offers stunning panoramic views as it ascends through alpine forests and rugged terrain to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains, explore the Summit House, and even sample a famous Pikes Peak donut.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Explore one of America’s highest and most unique zoos at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Home to over 750 animals representing more than 170 species, this family-friendly attraction offers up-close encounters with giraffes, elephants, bears, and more. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits, feeding opportunities, and educational presentations while taking in stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a picturesque setting for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. The park features a network of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, allowing visitors to explore scenic canyons, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the Helen Hunt Falls Trail, which leads to a stunning 35-foot waterfall, and the Mt. Cutler Trail, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Colorado Springs location
Colorado Springs is located in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County, Colorado, in the central part of the state of Colorado.
Colorado Springs History
Colorado Springs has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1871 as a resort town, its early development was driven by the discovery of mineral springs believed to have medicinal properties. The city’s strategic location along the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad contributed to its growth, attracting settlers, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
Best Time to Raft
The best time to raft both the Arkansas River and Clear Creek is May through September. Thrill seekers will appreciate the higher water and more intense rafting in late May and June, while everyone will enjoy cooling down on the river in July and August.
Colorado Springs Adventures
The Colorado Springs area offers access to whitewater rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, rock-climbing, horseback riding, and more, with activities for ages 7 and older. Choose from half-day, full day, or multi day activities!
Explore Colorado Springs Adventures
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
Idaho Springs
431 Chicago Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Our Idaho Springs outpost offers beginner to advanced levels of whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, soar among the treetops on our Cliffside Zipline, or try our Via Ferrata course for an introduction to mountaineering. Enjoy an afternoon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and catch some incredible sights of historic Idaho Springs- the location of Colorado’s first gold discovery!
Our Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located near Denver, just 30 minutes west of downtown on I-70, and less than an hour from Summit County.
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.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek
Clear Creek runs from Loveland Pass through Golden and The Front Range and eventually joins up with the South Platte River. This river flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains directly west of Denver, following alongside I-70 and through the town of Idaho Springs, where the first gold was found in the late 1850s during the Colorado gold rush.
Located in an old mining valley in the Colorado Rockies, its proximity to Denver, Boulder, Summit County and Winter Park makes Clear Creek rafting an easily accessible favorite for locals and travelers alike. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Denver, our Idaho Springs outpost allows easy access to one of Colorado’s most well known rivers. Clear Creek runs through Idaho Spring’s historic mining valley, providing opportunities for scenic views and potential wildlife spotting, while flowing through fun and floaty rapids.
