Where Can I Raft in Colorado this Spring?

Where Can I Raft in Colorado this Spring?

Happy Spring, ya’ll! As our snow slowly melts, our rivers will begin to fill, the Colorado outdoor experience is shifting from skiing to rafting. It is almost time to throw your skis in storage and break out your paddles. If you do not have paddles, AVA Rafting & Zipline has you covered. We have three outposts running some of the best sections of whitewater in Colorado. Idaho Springs near Denver, Buena Vista, and Kremmling, Colorado is where you can find us. Starting in late April, we will begin gradually opening each location as the water begins to flow. Spring is a great time to go rafting, and AVA has many great options to do so!

On the Arkansas, one of the most sought-after whitewater in America, we raft several sections ranging from class III-V near the town of Buena Vista. Hints the name, Buena Vista is known for its beautiful scenery. Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks of Colorado, it truly is a sight to see, and what better way to see it than from the river. At this location we offer everything from half-day trips to full-day trips, even overnight trips. We offer meal options, camping, lodging rentals, and so much more. If you don’t want the fun to end at the river takeout, ask for a combo and include ziplining, via-ferrata mountaineering or horseback riding to your Colorado rafting adventure.

A group in a raft getting splashed while rafting through a rapid

Our Kremmling, Colorado location also has endless options of rafting and adventure. If you are looking for something a little more easy-going or a more scenic type of trip, the Upper Colorado River is the way to go. With class II rapids, this is a great family-friendly option if you have some young ones on your trip. Overnight trips are an amazing way to experience the breathtaking outdoors that Colorado has to offer. From bighorn sheep to bald eagles, you are almost always guaranteed views of wildlife here. Some other adventures we offer in Kremmling, are guided fly fishing tours, inflatable and standup paddleboard rentals, even UTV off-road rentals and horseback riding if you are looking for some dry adventures.

Two rafts floating down the Colorado River in the summer

I saved the best for last: Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado is the most thrilling of all. Located less than an hour from Denver and is also conveniently located right off I-70, this is your location if you are visiting the city. The Gold Rush section is a great family-friendly introduction to whitewater, while the Upper Clear Creek is a more challenging section, and if you are an experienced whitewater rafter looking for something really thrilling you should try the Lower Canyon section. Do all three sections on a Phoenix Full-day trip if you are feeling super adventurous. I am sure you have guessed by now that we offer more than just rafting at this location as well. At our Idaho Springs location, we have the Cliffside Zipline trip and the Via-Ferrata mountaineering excursion. Both can be combined with your rafting trip if you desire.

A yellow raft full of people in front of the Argo Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado

One of our greatest values at AVA is guest service and we strive to give our guests the best possible experience to create memories for you and your family. This Spring when you are done skiing and ready to get on the water, AVA has you covered. Gradually, each of our locations will open this Spring and as you know now, AVA offers so many ways to experience the beautiful outdoors of Colorado. Whichever part of Colorado you are visiting, AVA is sure to have adventure near you. You can always find more info about AVA and our excursions on our website coloradorafting.net or call us at 877-RAFTING.