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 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 [...]

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White water rafting in Colorado
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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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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Colorado Zipline Tours
Exciting & Active
Best for Families with Kids

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging [...]

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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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group paddling into oncoming waves
Thrilling & Very Active
Best for Thrill Seekers

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 [...]

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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

Stephanie B.2025-06-10

our guides Kale and Rex were absolutely amazing!!!! they made our trip worth every second!!!! Read More »

Paris C.2025-06-29

It was very cold I will say, but it also did rained and hailed​. So make sure to check the weather for that day! Though our guide Enrique, he definitely... Read More »

Zach N.2025-06-26

-bad customer service
-safety issues
-series of problems

I recently came with my 13 year old and a group of their school friends and families. The twelve... Read More »

Julie Miller2025-06-12

I took my husband and our three children ages 17, 13, and 12 and we had the experience of a lifetime. Parker was our guide and he was knowledgeable and professional, and has the best personality for what he’s doing. We booked the Browns Canyon Sizzler and we could not have been happier with our choice. We embarked on our adventure around 9am and were back at the outpost mid afternoon. Halfway through our float we stopped and had delicious fajitas prepared right there by the river by the guides. I’m so glad I decided to go with this company, we were not disappointed one bit. We definitely have AVA in mind the next time we come to Colorado, maybe I’ll try some zip-lining next time. Thanks for the awesome adventure!

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Paul McNulty2025-06-12

Did this 14 years ago and it was awesome. This time Unbelievable ! It is all about the guide. We probably sucked at paddling, but “stoke” made us feel we were great, had a good team, and rewarded us with attacking the challenge with fun. Worth every strike and amazing life experience. Thanks Stoke!

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Blake cochran2025-06-23

We did the rafting in the morning with Chad and Garrett and the via ferrata with Ella and Cody! It was a fabulous day of high adventure. All the guides were so experienced and safe. You could tell the attention to detail the company puts into their experiences, everything was so well thought out. I greatly appreciated the encouragement and support they gave for the scarier more adrenaline enduring portions of the via ferrata, I couldn't have done it without Ella! 5 stars all around! We will be sending people your way :)

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