3 days, 2 nights, Class III.We realize that "fun" is sometimes defined by less than a hair-raising experience. Put life's stress on hold and join us overnight on the Arkansas River for a three-day, two-night trip through the Narrows and Brown's Canyon. A great balance between whitewater fun and incredible scenery with the details arranged by us! Hearty meals are included and prepared fresh by your guides as you relax riverside. The only thing you need to bring is a sleeping bag. Minimum age 5 yrs/50 lbs. (AVA reserves the right to change age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Intermediate Class III, Overnight.This is an excellent weekend getaway. This trip is our Brown's Canyon Sizzler trip set up as an overnight. You'll arrive mid-afternoon the first day, raft into Browns Canyon, camp and have dinner in the canyon. A gear raft with all of your personal gear and provisions for the overnight will accompany you. You'll awake to a delicious breakfast, then paddle out mid-morning through Class III whitewater fun. You'll be back at your car around noon the second day. All necessary provisions except sleeping bags are provided.
Combine and save! Enjoy the best of our 24 Hours in Brown's Canyon overnight rafting trip and the best of our 1/2-day ziplining tour! This is a fantastic weekend getaway. Start the morning with one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures - ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 43-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Break for a gourmet box lunch to refuel, then hit the river!This trip is our Brown's Canyon Sizzler trip set up as an overnight. You'll arrive mid-afternoon the first day, raft into Browns Canyon, camp and have dinner in the canyon. A gear raft with all of your personal gear and provisions for the overnight will accompany you. You'll awake to a delicious breakfast, then paddle out mid-morning through Class III whitewater fun. You'll be back at your car early-mid afternoon the second day.Minimum age 10, minimum weight 50 lbs.
Get DRIVING DIRECTIONS for this trip.
This trip offers something for everyone! Enjoy wildlife, serenity, and natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. You'll have plenty of time to take in historic cabins, scenic waterfalls, and steep canyon walls towering over 100' above your head. Bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered Colroado river otter are often seen on this fun section of the river. Radium hot springs offers an additional chance for relaxation while Jump Rock and Little Jump Rock will get your heart racing as you leap off the cliffs into the water. After arriving at camp, you'll have plenty of time for hiking, fishing, fossil hunting, or just relaxing beside the river while your guides prepare a delicious and hearty dinner. After a good night's sleep and filling breakfast, you'll be ready to head back out to the river for a morning of more fun and relaxation.Rapids on the Upper Colorado are Class II and great for all ages and ability levels. Minimum weight 30 lbs.
3 days, 2 nights, Advanced+ Class V.The ultimate overnight experience in Colorado! Your first two days are full of Class III whitewater fun. The first night you'll camp in the majestic and remote Brown's Canyon while your guides prepare a gourmet dinner for you. Hiking and fishing options abound at camp, or just relax under the stars.
Wake up to a delicious breakfast and raft the rest of the canyon through rapids like Zoom Flume, the Seven Stairs and Seidel's Suckhole. Halfway through the day, take a break as your guides prepare a riverside lunch for you. After Lunch you'll jump into Inflatable Kayaks (duckies) and paddle them to the take out. At the end of your second day on the river, we'll pick you up and drive you further north upstream to another riverside camp. But wait--the fun's not over! Spend the remainder of the afternoon rock climbing and rappelling riverside in Granite Gorge. No experience necessary; we'll teach you all you need to know.
On the third morning, after a hearty breakfast, prepare to run the most exhilarating whitewater on the Arkansas, the Class IV & V Pine Creek and the Numbers-also known as "The Gauntlet!" But first you'll rappel from your camp down into Granite Gorge, where you'll meet your rafts for this incredible day.
This trip provides the perfect progression from intermediate to the most advanced whitewater. We take care of all the details; all you need to bring is your sleeping bag. Minimum age 15 yrs. (AVA reserves the right to change age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Meals included:
Enjoy a gentle Family Float trip on the Arkansas River while taking in the stunning Colorado scenery. This Class I & II float is intended for families with young children or those looking for just a taste of whitewater rafting. While floating past lush Cottonwood groves and rugged rocky cliffs you could encounter falcons, eagles and a variety of other wildlife. This relaxing float through Swallows Canyon is sure to be a treat!
Intermediate Class III.Only minutes from Summit County! Two miles of continuous whitewater punctuated with breathtaking views of the Gore Range. A great family trip. The Blue River has a very short season, so check for availability.
Get DRIVING DIRECTIONS to this trip's meeting location.
Combine and save! Enjoy the best of Brown's Canyon and the best of our rock climbing in one convenient package! Learn the basics of climbing or expand your skills, and then experience the best of Colorado whitewater. We'll start out the morning going over belaying and rappelling. Whether you want to learn more about the sport of rock climbing so you can do it on your own or you just want to try it for the first time and experience the thrill of climbing, our programs are perfect for you. After a short break, it's time to hit the river! Excellent rafting for all ages and experience levels, Brown's Canyon delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and the majestic quality of a granite canyon. Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs.
Intermediate Class III, 3/4 dayRaft the nation's favorite stretch of river; go 16 miles through the famous Brown's Canyon. Supreme rafting for all ages and experience levels, this trip delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and the majestic quality of a granite canyon. Rouse your spirit in rapids like Zoom Flume, Pinball and many others. Minimum age 7 yrs/50 lbs.
Intermediate Class III, 1/2 day. Raft the nation's favorite stretch of river, 10 miles through Brown's Canyon. Excellent rafting for all ages and experience levels, this trip delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and the majestic quality of a granite canyon. Blast through rapids like Zoom Flume and Pinball. This trip goes fewer miles than our Brown's Canyon Express trip. Minimum age7 yrs/50 lbs. (AVA reserves the right to change age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Combine and save! Enjoy the best of Brown's Canyon with the best of our ziplining in one action-packed day! Start the morning with America's favorite stretch of whitewater. A great section for all ages and experience levels, Brown's Canyon delivers a mix of exhilarating whitewater and stunning scenery. Take a moment to catch your breath, then get ready for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures - ziplining! Our zipline course is integrated into the wooded and craggy surroundings of our mountainous 43-acre Gold Camp property. Take in the views of snow-capped peaks and the Arkansas River as you zip from cliff to cliff between the pine and aspen trees. Minimum age 10, minimum weight 75 lbs. maximum weight 250 lbs.
Our full day Brown's Canyon trip is an awesome adventure for anyone! Combining the best of the Arkansas River valley - awesome whitewater and spectacular scenery - we launch in view of snow-capped peaks, drifting through some of the most dazzling mountain river country on Earth. We're thrilled by the fantastic rapids and granite walls of Brown's Canyon, including The Seven Stairs, Zoom Flume, Canyon Doors, and Seidel's Suckhole! Be prepared for an extravaganza of sightseeing and adventure enhanced with our signature sizzling fajita riverside lunch included midday! Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs.Get DRIVING DIRECTIONS for this trip.
Our whirlwind introduction to Clear Creek whitewater! This trip packs in eleven Class III rapids in just one-third of a day as your raft tumbles its way through a small scenic gorge on the Creek. We recommend the Clear Creek Beginner for all ability levels and for travelers on a schedule! Minimum 6 years & 50 lbs*.
Combine and save! Enjoy the best of Clear Creek's beginner section and the thrill of zip lining in one action-packed day. Get ready for a whirlwind introduction to whitewater just 30 minutes outside of Denver! This trip packs in eleven Class III rapids as your raft tumbles its way through a small scenic gorge on the Creek. The perfect option for all ability levels! Next, you'll head up to our zip line course, perched above our Idaho Springs office. You'll enjoy a scenic nature hike to get to the start of the course, then take on six zips of varying length through the trees and cliffs before crossing over Chicago Creek for an exhilarating finish! Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs, maximum weight 250 lbs.
*Some packages may start with the zip line portion first, followed by the rafting portion.
Conquer the most intense whitewater on Clear Creek! Starting high in the canyon, there's just enough time to warm up before you drop into the first class IV rapid. You will encounter 30 major rapids on this 8-mile trip dropping an incredible 1,300 vertical feet. This continuous, steep, technical section will keep your paddle moving and your heart thumping as your crash through pulsing, Class IV rapids such as Phoenix, Nomad, Falls Creek, and Outer Limits. This is a physically demanding trip requiring good physical condition and a minimum age of 15*.
Intermediate Class III.Only minutes from Summit County! Two miles of continuous whitewater punctuated with breathtaking views of the Gore Range. A great family trip.
Our full day Brown's Canyon trip is an awesome adventure for anyone! Combining the best of the Arkansas River valley - awesome whitewater and spectacular scenery - we launch in view of snow-capped peaks, drifting through some of the most dazzling mountain river country on Earth. We're thrilled by the fantastic rapids and granite walls of Brown's Canyon, including The Seven Stairs, Zoom Flume, Canyon Doors, and Seidel's Suckhole! Be prepared for an extravaganza of sightseeing and adventure enhanced with our signature sizzling fajita riverside lunch included midday!
Completed in 1884, this spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad was considered an engineering marvel for its time. The thriving mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume lie two miles apart in a steep, narrow mountain canyon. To connect them, the railroad's builders designed a "corkscrew" route that traveled twice the distance, slowly gaining more than 600 feet in elevation. It included horseshoe curves, grades of up to 4%, and four bridges across Clear Creek, including the massive Devil's Gate High Bridge. Today, the Georgetown Loop Railroad brings Colorado history to life in a fun adventure that will thrill the entire family!
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a gift certificate from Arkansas Valley Adventures!
To purchase a Gift Certificate:
Gift certificates are sold in increments of $50.00. When purchasing, please enter party size as the number of $50 gift certificates you would like to buy. For example, if you enter a party size of 2, you will be purchasing 2 gift certificates at $50 each for $100 total.
Please enter today's date as the date you would like to purchase.
You do not need to know which trip the gift certificate will be for. The recipient of the gift certificates must call AVA and make a reservation. The gift certificate will be valid at any time during our season.
After your purchase: You will receive an email confirmation that also shows your credit card charges (for your records). You will then receive a second email with the actual gift certificate attached as a pdf file within two business days of your purchase. You can print this off or leave it in an electronic format.
Intermediate Class II & III, 1/3 dayThis beautiful remote gorge begins up in the little mountain town of Granite, Colorado. This trip is great for people on a schedule or who are just looking for a quick introduction to whitewater rafting. You'll enjoy class III rapids, with names such as Wake up, Maytag, Car Crash, Hopscotch and more. This amazing gorge can be enjoyed by all ages! Minimum age 7 yrs/50 lbs.
See beautiful Colorado! This ride follows and then crosses portions of Chalk Creek. You'll also follow a part of the narrow gauge railroad that went to St. Elmo around the turn of the century. This ride gives you stunning, scenic views of the Collegiate Peaks.
Ride beside scenic Brown's Creek and take in the many spectacular waterfalls along the way! Stop for a relaxing streamside lunch midway before returning to the stables. This trip is approximately 2 hours of riding out to the lunch spot and 2 hours back. A great option for all ages and abilities!
Advanced+ Class V. The most advanced section on the Arkansas River begins in the little mountain town of Granite, which quickly fades away as you enter the exciting Granite Gorge. These Class III and IV rapids are merely a warm-up for what comes next. Get ready to paddle hard as you journey through the Rite of Passage, the gates of Pine Creek, where the river narrows by half. Here you'll encounter the most continuous rapids in the state. This is where the river becomes a creek and its gradient drops an astounding 200 feet with a must-make crux move. This run demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years is required (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced+ Class V. Add a little more excitement to the Class IV-V Pine Creek trip! Show up early and we'll let you rappel seventy-five feet down to your raft to start the trip. This is a great way to fit a little climbing into your Colorado vacation. Novices are encouraged to participate. Rappel down to the river, where you meet your raft and the rest of your trip begins:
The most advanced section on the Arkansas River begins in the little mountain town of Granite, which quickly fades away as you enter the exciting Granite Gorge. These Class III and IV rapids are merely a warm-up for what comes next. Get ready to paddle hard as you journey through the Rite of Passage, the gates of Pine Creek, where the river narrows by half. Here you'll encounter the most continuous rapids in the state. This is where the river becomes a creek and its gradient drops an astounding 200 feet with a must-make crux move. This run demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years is required (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Our Colorado half-day rock climbing trip is a great way to follow an early morning raft trip down our Class IV or V sections of the Arkansas River near Buena Vista. After you have changed into your dry clothes, we set out for our afternoon climbing and rappelling adventure. This trip is a basic trip which will involve beginner or intermediate rock climbing and an introduction to rappelling.
We offer rock climbing lessons and guided climbing trips. We provides half-day for the beginner, or intermediate. Our guides will teach you the basics of belaying, rappelling and setting anchors. Whether you want to learn more about the sport of rock climbing so you can do it on your own or you just want to try it for the first time and experience the thrill of climbing, our programs are perfect for you.
Full Day. Experience the thrill of Class III and IV rapids like Sledgehammer, Sunshine, Grateful Dead and Boat Eater while you float beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge, 1100 feet above you. Both the scenery and the whitewater will leave you breathless! This trip is appropriate for experienced paddlers and adventurous first-timers. Good physical condition recommended. Lunch included. This trip is run by our partner company, Echo Canyon, and guests meet at Echo Canyon's office near Canon City. Minimum age 15 years (Echo Canyon reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications). Free wetsuits and splash jackets not included.
Experience the thrill of Class III and IV rapids like Sledgehammer, Sunshine, Grateful Dead and Boat Eater while you float beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge, 1100 feet above you. Both the scenery and the whitewater will leave you breathless! This trip is appropriate for experienced paddlers and adventurous first-timers. Good physical condition recommended. Royal Gorge trips are run by our partner company, Echo Canyon, and guests meet at Echo Canyon's office near Canon City. Minimum age 15 years (Echo Canyon reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications). Free wetsuits and splash jackets not included.
Watch video of this trip! CLICK HERE!
This trip offers an exciting day of whitewater thrills through the Shoshone rapids and breathtaking beauty beneath the majestic walls of Glenwood Canyon. Plunge through rapids such as Baptism, Tombstone, Pinball and Maneater that will leave you totally exhilarated! Great for rafters of all experience levels. Perfect for families. This trip is run by our partner company, Lakota.
Raft the nation's most popular stretch of whitewater! This Class III intermediate run through Brown's Canyon provides fun for everyone. Appropriate for all ages, it's safe enough for the little ones and exciting enough to entertain the experienced rafters. The perfect family trip. You'll splash through rapids such as Pinball, Zoom Flume and the Seven Stairs while admiring a beautiful and remote granite canyon. Even better, we'll pick you up in Breckenridge and drop you off at the end of the day so you don't have to worry about driving to our office.
Beginner Class II, full day.This section of the Colorado is a gentle flowing river that is inviting to all ages. You'll encounter a few small rapids as the river winds through the Gore Range and mountain ranchland. If you want to get your heart racing, leap from Jump Rock or Little Jump Rock, perfect for all levels of bravery! There may even be time for a stop at some historical cabins along the river. This is a relaxing day with time to sunbathe, swim, or just relax and enjoy the day. Includes lunch. Minimum 30 lbs.
Beginner Class II, Full day.Want a little extra excitement or independence on the Upper Colorado trip? Try our inflatable kayaks! You can explore the beauty of the Upper Colorado while splashing through the riffles in your own stable, rubber kayak! A guide will accompany you but you'll paddle your own boat. No experience required. Lunch included. Minimum age 10.
Beginner Class II, Full day.Want a little extra excitement or independence on the Upper Colorado trip? Try our inflatable kayaks! You can explore the beauty of the Upper Colorado while splashing through the riffles in your own stable, rubber kayak! A guide will accompany you but you'll paddle your own boat. No experience required. Lunch included.
Advanced + Class V. The most advanced section on the Arkansas River begins in the little mountain town of Granite, which quickly fades away as you enter the exciting Granite Gorge. These Class III and IV rapids are merely a warm-up for what comes next. Get ready to paddle hard as you journey through the Rite of Passage, the gates of Pine Creek, where the river narrows by half. Here you'll encounter the most continuous rapids in the state. This is where the river becomes a creek and its gradient drops an astounding 200 feet with a must-make crux move. You barely have time to catch your breath before starting on The Numbers. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater in between, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. This run demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years is required. Hot gourmet lunch included. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced+. Add a little more excitement to the Class IV-V Gauntlet trip! Show up early and we'll let you rappel seventy-five feet down to your raft to start the trip. This is a great way to fit a little climbing into your Colorado vacation. Novices are encouraged to participate. Rappel down to the river, where you meet your raft and the rest of your trip begins: The most advanced section on the Arkansas River begins in the little mountain town of Granite, which quickly fades away as you enter the exciting Granite Gorge. These Class III and IV rapids are merely a warm-up for what comes next. Get ready to paddle hard as you journey through the Rite of Passage, the gates of Pine Creek, where the river narrows by half. Here you'll encounter the most continuous rapids in the state. This is where the river becomes a creek and its gradient drops an astounding 200 feet with a must-make crux move. You barely have time to catch your breath before starting on The Numbers. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater in between, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. This run demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years is required. Hot gourmet lunch included. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced Class III-V. The pioneer whitewater enthusiasts who first ran this northern section of the Arkansas didn't bother to label rapids with intimidating names describing their thrills. They are simply numbered, but you may lose track counting off the 8 rapids on this section. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater in between, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. The paddling demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced Class III-V. The pioneer whitewater enthusiasts who first ran this northern section of the Arkansas didn't bother to label rapids with intimidating names describing their thrills. They are simply numbered, but you may lose track counting off the 8 rapids The paddling demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced Class IV. Half Day.Grab a friend and experience the famous Class IV Numbers section of Colorado's Arkansas River in a mini nine-foot raft! The two of you plus a guide will hit this very continuous section of whitewater. As you can imagine, the smaller size of the raft makes the waves, rapids, and holes much bigger, better, and wetter. This half-day trip is available morning or afternoon. This is a physically demanding trip. Good physical condition is recommended and a minimum age of 15 years is required. (AVA reserved the right to change minimum age requirements based on water levels and individual qualifications.)
Advanced Class III-V. The pioneer whitewater enthusiasts who first ran this northern section of the Arkansas didn't bother to label rapids with intimidating names describing their thrills. They are simply numbered, but you may lose track counting off the 8 rapids on this section. Each Class III-V rapid is punctuated by continuous whitewater in between, including a steep ledge drop into No. 5. Lunch included. The paddling demands good physical condition and a minimum age of 15 years. (AVA reserves the right to change minimum age requirements depending on water levels and individual qualifications.)
AVA's "Upper C" float trips are great family getaways through spectacular Colorado backcountry! This section of the Colorado River features "junior-starter" rapids that will thrill the kids and spectacular mini-gorges that dazzle sightseers of any age. Winding through the Gore Range and mountain ranchland, you may spot bald eagles soaring overhead, stop to check out historical mining cabins, or choose to leap from Jump Rock or Little Jump Rock, perfect for all levels of bravery! This relaxing trip provides time to swim or to simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Four Day, Class III-V: Experience the remote, untouched headwaters of the Colorado River system. Take four days to escape to the wilderness, splash through thrilling whitewater, and unwind! Experience the last free-flowing river in the Colorado River system, with rapids like Big Joe, Warm Springs, and Tepee. Between rapids, soak in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. At the end of each day, relax at camp while your guides prepare dinner. Min. age 12.
Note: Our Yampa trips are run through a partner company, Adventure Bound.
Five Day, Class III-V: Experience the remote, untouched headwaters of the Colorado River system. Take five days to escape to the wilderness, splash through thrilling whitewater, and unwind! Experience the last free-flowing river in the Colorado River system, with rapids like Big Joe, Warm Springs, and Tepee. Between rapids, soak in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. At the end of each day, relax at camp while your guides prepare dinner. Min. age 12.
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