Raft & Rock Climb Adventure

How a Package Works

A. First Activity

Embark on an extraordinary full-day journey and discover Colorado through two unique activities. At our Buena Vista location, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the Granite Gorge Cliffs right next to our Buena Vista outpost. After a thorough orientation on climbing, belaying, and how your equipment works, you’ll scale the Rocky Mountains on one of several top rope climbing courses. With two different routes available, your guide will lead your group on a climb best suited to all ability levels. This adventure provides the opportunity to take part in a fun adventure, learn climbing technique, and experience unparalleled Colorado views from above.

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B. Meal

After your first adventure, take a break to refuel during a well-deserved lunch break. Depending on your chosen trip, you will either need to pack a lunch, or your group will be able to go into town for lunch. Please consult your trip description for precise details. Your guide will ensure you stay informed about the schedule and meeting point for your next adventure.

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C. Second Activity

After lunch, gather with your guide to gear up for the next exciting segment of your Colorado outdoor adventure. We offer a couple of rafting trip choices for this section of your rafting and rock-climbing package, with all rafting trip options taking place on the iconic Arkansas River. Whether you choose milder whitewater or exhilarating class IV and V rapids, your group will enjoy an unforgettable trip. Under the expert guidance of our seasoned instructors, you’ll spend this portion of your day immersed in breathtaking scenery, as you navigate the twists and turns of the river.

We offer rafting and rock-climbing packages at our Buena Vista location.

*The order of activities may vary depending on your trip. Please check your booking for exact details.

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Explore Rafting + Rock Climbing Adventures

Why limit yourself to a single Colorado activity on any given day? If you’re trying to get as much adventure as possible into your vacation, package whitewater rafting and rock climbing together for the ultimate Colorado experience. Your experienced guides will coach you as you defy gravity on the crags and cliffs above the Arkansas River Valley. Then, you’ll splash your way down some of the best rapids in the country on the iconic Arkansas River. Options for all ability levels mean we can help you put together the perfect package for everyone in your party.

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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 [...]

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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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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 [...]

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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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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 [...]

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group smiling as they conquer the rapids
Maximum Adrenaline
Best for Adrenaline Junkies

The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & Numbers

Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  On this rafting adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek [...]

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Woman on zipline in Colorado.
Wild & High Exertion
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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Group of rafts paddling through Brown's Canyon on the Arkansas River
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for a Day of Excitement

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 [...]

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What to know about Raft + Rock Climbing Adventures

group smiling and laughing as they paddle down the Arkansas River

Best of Colorado

Why limit yourself to a single Colorado activity on any given day? If you’re trying to get as much adventure as possible into your vacation, package whitewater rafting and rock climbing together for the ultimate Colorado experience. Your experienced guides will coach you as you defy gravity on the crags and cliffs above the Arkansas River Valley. Then, you’ll splash your way down some of the best rapids in the country on the iconic Arkansas River. Options for all ability levels mean we can help you put together the perfect package for everyone in your party.

Your rock-climbing excursion begins at our Buena Vista Outpost, from where you will ascend the nearby Granite Gorge Cliffs. You will climb high above the Arkansas River Valley, gaining views of the 14,000-foot Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River below. The rafting portion of your trip will take you onto this majestic River, as you paddle some of Colorado’s bluest water. Raft through a National Monument on our Browns Canyon rafting and rock-climbing multi-adventure package or amp it up a notch with our Numbers rafting and rock-climbing experience. Either way, you will be treated to vibrant greenery and majestic rock formations.

Woman tying knots before rock climbing in Colorado

Options for Everyone

For the rock-climbing portion of your adventure, your group, with the help of your guide, will choose from two different climbing routes that cater to beginner or intermediate climbers. This adventure not only provides an exhilarating outside experience and stunning Colorado vistas, but also offers the chance for less experienced climbers to learn belaying, rappelling, and knot tying. With this multi-adventure package, your group can combine your rock-climbing experience with one of two half-day rafting trips: Browns Canyon rafting or the Numbers rafting. Both adventures take place on the Arkansas River, with Browns Canyon offering family-friendly class III rapids and the Numbers hosting an opportunity to splash through more advanced, class IV or V rapids. Either rafting adventure will have you on the edge of your seat!

Close up image of a man's chalked hands fixing ropes.

More Bang for Your Buck

A rafting and rock-climbing multi-adventure package guarantees an adventure-packed day outside along with the opportunity to save a few bucks. AVA is committed to increasing access to outdoor adventure, and we hope that more people can get outside and enjoy all Colorado has to offer. Because they are cheaper than booking individual trips, our multi-adventure packages offer a cost-effective means of experiencing multiple activities. Enjoy the convenience of two adventures at one location and seasoned guides who ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for all!

Rafters on smooth waters.

One Convenient Location

All rafting and rock-climbing packages are located at our Buena Vista outpost, just one hour from Summit County and Vail. This outpost is in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offering the chance to immerse yourself in one of the most unique and beautiful areas in the state. Nestled at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista boasts an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. With more 14ers than any other region in Colorado, it offers unparalleled opportunities for high-altitude exploration. The Continental Divide to the east and the Arkansas River flowing through town ensure a diverse array of mountain and river adventures. Whether your group intends to visit the Buena Vista area as a day trip or for a longer vacation, you will find plenty to do.

FAQs

With our rafting and rock-climbing packages, you can seamlessly immerse yourself in two thrilling adventures in just one day and explore both Colorado’s rivers and mountains. A multi-adventure package proves to be significantly more cost-effective than booking two separate trips, ensuring affordability and a well-coordinated, exciting day.

Upon confirming your chosen trip, please note that the sequence of adventures will be outlined on the booking engine. This arrangement is determined based on factors such as location, trip timing, and other logistical considerations, and unfortunately cannot be modified. No matter the order of your two adventures, we guarantee your group will have a remarkable experience!

We offer rafting and rock climbing packages at our Buena Vista outpost.

For the rafting segment of your adventure, please come prepared with appropriate footwear. We recommend water shoes or secure shoes that can withstand getting wet—please refrain from wearing flip-flops or Crocs. Additionally, we advise wearing quick-drying attire, applying sunscreen, and securing your sunglasses with a strap. As for your rock-climbing adventure, closed-toed shoes are mandatory. We also recommend wearing longer shorts or pants that can fit in your harness, and please avoid loose clothing, necklaces, or scarves. Please pack a lunch or be prepared to go into town for lunch.

Don't just take our word for it

Richard S.2024-08-13

We did a full day of tours with AVA. The morning we did The Numbers rafting. We had a great time. Everyone at the shop was very helpful and friendly. We... Read More »

Olivia G.2024-06-11

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... Read More »

Paige C.2024-08-29

An Absolute 10/10. We did a Full day Package, morning Via ferrata with Emma and Trey. It was so fun and they were awesome to hang out with! Then we did the... Read More »

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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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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