Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata
On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs and the Chicago Creek on Via Ferrata course, a unique form of climbing with features built into the mountainside. You’ll then cool off over the course of 7 miles of moderate rapids on the historic Clear Creek.
The Highlights Of Your Trip
Join us for an action-packed day with this Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package at our Idaho Springs outpost. Your day will consist of splashing through class III rapids on our family-friendly Gold Rush Rafting trip and an exciting assisted climbing experience on our Mount Evans Via Ferrata course.
Minimum age: 12, minimum weight: 50 lbs., maximum weight: 250 lbs.
Book this trip
How much
Pricing
From $208
Ages 12+
What's included
Activities
- Via Ferrata
- Rafting
Trip Length
Duration
full day, no lunch
How Hard
Difficulty
Who can go
Minimum Age
12 years old & Up
What an AVA Gold Rush RAFTING + VIA FERRATA looks like
Trip Highlights
A. What to Expect
- A full day of excitement
- A unique mountaineering experience in the cliffside above our Idaho Springs outpost
- The chance to traverse up and across the cliffside with a combination of iron rungs, bars, bridges, ziplines and rappels
- Family friendly rafting on Clear Creek
- 7 miles of paddling excitement through 11 class III rapids
- The opportunity to raft through historic Idaho Springs and learn about the origin of Colorado’s first gold discovery
- Experienced raft and Via Ferrata guides
B. Trip Itinerary*
- Check-in and meet your guide at our Idaho Springs outpost
- Gear up for your Via Ferrata experience and take a short ride to the start of your adventure
- Traverse the mountainside using assisted climbing features on our Via Ferrata course
- Fly on ziplines, rappel, and make your way high above Idaho Springs!
- Return to our outpost and break for lunch- please pack a lunch or grab food in town
- Paddle the Clear Creek on our Gold Rush rafting trip
- Cover 7 miles and explore the historic mining valley
- Return to the outpost and view the photos from your trip
Express Option Available:
Our express trip option will send you directly into the next adventure-all gas, no breaks. This option is perfect for groups on a tighter schedule and for those who don’t need an hour between activities to refuel. Simply choose the express option when booking online.
*For some trips, the order of adventures may be switched. Please check your individual booking for exact details.
C. Who will love this trip?
- Groups looking for a full day of excitement on the water and on land
- Families with kids 12 and older
- Anyone hoping for a fun, convenient adventure within a half hour of Denver
What to expect
On Your Whitewater Rafting + Via Ferrata Adventure
A full day of excitement
Our Gold Rush Rafting and Via Ferrata full-day adventure package makes sure you get out on the water and in the trees in one day of excitement. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is a unique climbing experience that involves ascending up into the mountainside, across features built into the course. These include iron rungs, bars, and bridges, and you will also have the opportunity to fly on several lines from our zipline course!
Our Gold Rush rafting trip is one of our most family-friendly trips yet offers an exciting opportunity for everyone in your group to get out on the water. You’ll rush the rapids on our class III Gold Rush trip, splashing through the best of Clear Creek rafting.
Unparalleled Scenery
While traversing the rugged granite cliffsides, you’ll delight in panoramic views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, including the iconic peak of Mount Blue Sky. Take in vistas of Chicago Creek and the forests adorning the mountainside.
On your Clear Creek rafting adventure, you will also be captivated by views of the craggy Colorado landscape. As your raft floats by historic Idaho Springs, the site of Colorado’s first gold discovery, a touch of history will be added to your journey.
Included Gear & Packing List
All of your gear will be provided for your rafting and Via Ferrata excursions. This includes:
- PFD
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Helmet
- Via Ferrata Gear
- Gloves
WHAT TO BRING
- Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs! (Rafting)
- Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
- Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
- Closed toed-shoes (Via Ferrata)
- Pants or longer shorts that will fit in your Via Ferrata harness
- Lunch
- Cash to tip your raft & Via Ferrata guides!
Continue the Adventure
Whether you’re stopping by our Idaho Springs outpost for a day trip from Denver or planning an extended stay, there’s a wealth of activities to enjoy before or after your adventure.
- Indulge in a meal or drink at one of the area’s charming restaurants or breweries. Don’t miss favorites like Beau Jo’s Pizza or Tommyknocker Brewery.
- Immerse yourself in the region’s rich mining history with a tour at Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine
- Continue your outdoor exploration by venturing to St. Mary’s Glacier, Mount Blue Sky, or one of the many scenic hiking trails nearby.
- For a change of scenery, take a short 25-minute drive to Denver and discover the vibrant attractions of Colorado’s largest city.
Trip Location
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.
FAQs
The Via Ferrata is a physically demanding activity that includes a short hike, traversing, mountaineering, rappelling, ziplining, various cable bridges, and more. We recommend that those interested in the Via Ferrata tour are physically active, as this adventure requires upper body strength, balance, and endurance. You do not, however, need to have previous climbing experience.
Our Via Ferrata courses prioritize safety above all else and strictly adhere to established safety standards. Throughout the excursion, participants are securely connected to the cliffside via a harness and a reliable 2-cable system. As you navigate the course, you’ll continuously clip in and out of these cables, ensuring constant connection to the cliffside. It’s worth noting that the design prevents the possibility of simultaneously unclipping from both cables, providing an added layer of security throughout the adventure.
Please pack a lunch or grab lunch in Idaho Springs between adventures.
Related Packages
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
Spend your day venturing through the mountains on with this thrilling combo of activities! You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water [...]
Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata
Get your heart up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the [...]
Not sure yet? Here are some other activities
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 [...]
Upper Clear Creek Rafting + Zipline
Package a thrilling zipline tour with the Upper Clear Creek half-day rafting trip for an adventure of a lifetime! This full-day experience combines our [...]
Walk & Wade Fly Fishing Trip
Explore the incredible waters of the Upper Colorado River with a knowledgeable fishing guide. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first-time fishing or you’re [...]
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 [...]
Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package
Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado’s outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and [...]
Georgetown Loop Train Ride
Only 45 minutes from Denver, Colorado in Idaho Springs, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers an exciting and historical opportunity to experience Colorado history. Ride [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Polaris RZR Half Day UTV Rental
Embark on an exhilarating full-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kremmling, Colorado with our latest UTV rentals. With this half-day (4-hour) UTV rental, [...]
Upper Colorado 4 Hour Fly Fishing
Join AVA for a scenic fly-fishing excursion on the Upper Colorado River. Our 4- hour float trips are perfect for both novice and experienced [...]
1/2 Day Bike Rental
With our multiple bike options, you can choose from spraying up dirt on the trails, sending it downhill at Breckenridge Resort, or cruising the [...]
Rock Climb Half Day
Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while our guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors. Whether you’re looking to learn more [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day
Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want [...]
The Lower Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
This exciting full-day adventure experience combines rafting on the Lower Canyon portion of the Clear Creek with our thrilling Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata [...]
AVA Blog
Fall in Colorado 2024
Fall is the only time of year when Mother Nature changes her features so drastically, and what a sight it is! The entire state of […]
Our Experience Rafting Browns Canyon at High Water
Written by Rosa Canales, Copywriting Marketing Specialist Read more about our authors here. On June 19th, the AVA team joined up with OutThere Colorado to […]
What to Expect this 2024 Colorado Rafting Season
With rafting starting this weekend, we are stoked for another epic season of adventure! Our outposts in Buena Vista and Idaho Springs open for rafting […]
