On June 19th, the AVA team joined up with OutThere Colorado to take on AVA’s Browns Canyon ½ day trip at the highest flows our guides have seen on the Arkansas River in over 10 years. Thanks to several late-season storms and higher snowpack levels, the Arkansas River has experienced unprecedented water levels these past couple of weeks, and we were excited to try it out for ourselves.  High Water, High Adrenaline At its peak this season, the Arkansas River reached 4,884 CFS (cubic feet per second) on June 13th.  Its flow was reduced to 2, 570 CFS the day we rafted, yet this Bro ..read more

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 and all adventures May 10 and offer rafting on the Arkansas River and Clear Creek, respectively. Join us for rafting and other adventures on the Upper Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost beginning the week after, May 17. The Blue River will also open later in the season, so keep an eye out for our Blue River Express trip, a milder, yet exciting 1/3 day adventure. Because this river requires the perfect conditions to make it runnable, it op ..read more

The Arkansas River runs right by our Buena Vista outpost, so at AVA we spend A LOT of time on this river.  The Arkansas River offers some of the most popular and exciting whitewater rafting trips in not only Colorado but the nation! The river varies between mild and relaxing to adrenaline-packed paddling through whitewater rapids. Here is a list of 5 other fun facts about the Arkansas River! Size of the Arkansas River The Arkansas River is the sixth-longest river in the United States and the 45th-longest river in the world. Imagine stretching the Grand Canyon, one of America’s iconic ..read more

We may be eagerly waiting for spring and rafting season, yet winter doesn’t mean we have to pack up the tent! As winter drapes the rugged landscapes of Colorado, a unique opportunity unfolds for adventurous souls: winter camping. With snow-covered peaks, serene alpine lakes, and crisp mountain air, Colorado offers unparalleled backdrops throughout the winter months.   We’ll explore the best Colorado spots for winter camping, tips on choosing the perfect spot, the essential gear needed to brave the elements, and how to ensure you have an enjoyable winter camping adventure.  Best Winte ..read more

While winter might seem an odd time to plan a summer adventure, savvy travelers know that the colder months offer the best deals and ensure an unforgettable experience. Discover the unique advantages of booking your family or group summer rafting, zipline, Via Ferrata, or other adventure trip now, including the added benefits of Black Friday and seasonal deals.   Early Bird Gets the Prime Dates  Booking your summer rafting trip early allows you to secure prime dates for your adventure. Popular rafting trips, such as our Browns Canyon ½ day or Gold Rush trips, often fill up quickly ..read more

Rafting is a thrilling and visually captivating adventure that offers countless opportunities for remarkable photography. The combination of adrenaline-pumping rapids and serene stretches of water offers an abundance of opportunities for stunning photography. Whether you’re navigating through white-water rapids or taking a breather in calmer waters, here are some essential photography tips to help you capture the essence of your rafting trip.  Plan Ahead for Adventure Before setting off on your rafting journey, research the route, anticipate lighting conditions, check the weather ..read more

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 Colorado transforms from emerald green into vibrant russet and rustic hues, with visitors and locals alike basking in each fiery flicker of the aspens against a clear autumn sky.  At higher altitudes, this transformation begins as early as September, with Denver and lower altitude areas experiencing the changing leaves in late September or October. No matter where you find yourself in Colorado during this season, you will be able to experience the state’s beaut ..read more

If you are looking for an exciting, yet relaxing experience and an opportunity to explore Colorado’s majestic Upper Colorado River and beautiful canyon scenery, look no further than AVA’s full-day or ½ day scenic float trips. These trips are family-friendly excursions, with 2 years old being the minimum age for the half-day excursion, and 5 for the full-day adventure. Despite this, these trips do not lack excitement and provide entertainment for everyone in your party! Beautiful Scenery  Scenic floats wind through the breathtaking Gore Canyon, with walls highlighting beautiful rock color ..read more

Known as the most difficult stretch of rafting on the Colorado River and one of the wildest stretches in the state, Gore Canyon attracts extreme adrenaline seekers. Running from Kremmling to just upstream from Pumphouse Recreation Area, the stretch of whitewater known as Gore Canyon is highly regarded as the hardest whitewater Rafting trip in North America. This stretch of class V whitewater is thrilling, yet can be dangerous, and should only be paddled by more experienced rafters. Because Gore Canyon is infamous for its challenging rapids, for those that do decide to conquer the whitewater ..read more

If you don’t have much experience rafting, choosing the right Whitewater Rafting experience for you can seem like a daunting endeavor. We’re here to help you break it down, so you can enjoy your experience on the water, feel confident, and have the most fun possible! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about choosing a trip. Am I A Beginner Rafter? If you’re a first-timer, the answer is yes. But that doesn’t mean you’re restricted to a float trip. (If you want one of those, that’s okay too.) Beginner rafters will also have a great experience on our milder to intermediate tr ..read more