Escapades in Browns Canyon National Monument and the Arkansas River Valley range from half-days to overnight and can accommodate any skill level, from eager beginners to adrenaline cravers. And whitewater rafting in Buena Vista is only one part of the fun. Traverse one of the country’s most unique granite via ferrata routes, scale rock-climbing courses, zoom down the zipline and freefall nearly 80 feet from a platform anchored directly into a mountainside.
Whitewater Rafting
Browns Canyon
Learn paddling basics before embarking through Browns Canyon National Monument on the family-friendly Browns Canyon Half-Day trip featuring exhilarating Class III rapids. This 9-to-10-mile expedition welcomes rafters 7 and up to keep an eye out for wildlife while floating among valleys of towering rock formations peppered with pines. Extend this outing 6 additional miles on the Browns Canyon Express (perfect for those 15 and up during highwater season).
Paddle through waters for 17 miles and bounce along Class III rapids on the challenging full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler, where heart-pounding drops plunging up to 35 feet will greet you. Slide onto the bank with your group and enjoy a deli-style lunch before hitting the waters back to Buena Vista.
Push yourself on the 24 Hours in Browns Canyon trip, where you’ll wind along the Arkansas River for 22 miles and be met with churning Class III rapids as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas of Browns Canyon National Monument. After paddling onto shore at the end of the first day’s venture, you can set up camp next to a crackling fire, toss a Frisbee or relax to the sound of the river as your guides cook a hearty meal. Hike in the surrounding hills, cast your line or search for bighorn sheep among the rocks. Fall asleep under the night sky and in the morning, enjoy breakfast before hopping back on the water.
The Numbers & Pine Creek
A higher-exertion quest beckons seasoned rafters to experience the thrills of the ultimate whitewater rafting trip on the Numbers Half-Day voyage. While this journey is friendly for ages 15 and up, every rafter should lock in and brace themselves for these gnarly waves. Roll along 6 miles with eight rapids varying from splashy and playful Class III to the more unpredictable Class V, twisting between dense forests.
Amplify the intensity with The Gauntlet, an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip on jostling waves, perfect for all splash seekers 15 and up. Follow your guide’s lead on this 11-mile section of the Arkansas River featuring lively Class III–V waters and marvel at the surrounding dark-green Douglas firs. Want a more daring rush? Try the Rappel Into the Gauntlet experience — you’ll rappel 75 feet from a bluff directly into your raft before heading out to conquer white-capped rapids.
Climbing, Freefalling & Ziplining
Colorado Via Ferrata
Don your safety gear for this rock-climbing-adjacent outdoor activity. AVA’s Colorado Via Ferrata has easy-to-moderate courses and is built directly into the sides of a Rocky Mountain crag. Grasp the steel handles fixed directly into the granite walls and inch across cliffsides as you glance around at vast valleys, jutting geological features and distant peaks. Give AVA’s nearly-80-foot freefall platform a go if you’re feeling brave, as it’s not for the faint of heart.
Rock Climbing
Gain basic knowledge of belaying, rappelling and setting anchors before your beginner-friendly Rock Climb Half-Day outing (ages 6 and up). This private climbing route offers multiple avenues ranging from leisurely and easy to more challenging; no matter which you choose, your guide will belay you to ensure your safety and maximum fun. Take hold and climb along sturdy rocks while you absorb the awe-inspiring splendor of snow-covered peaks and sprawling forests in the distance.
Ziplining
Ziplining with AVA is a must-do activity for the whole family ages 7 and up, especially because its construction directly on the mountainside will immerse you in memorable Colorado scenery. Feel the wind in your helmet as you cruise on the Mountaintop Zipline, an exciting ride presenting six lines across 44 acres of evergreen-laden spaces. If you’re itching for competition and sweeping views, race friends down a 900-foot dual line and keep an eye out for distant rolling hills.
Buena Vista Lodging & Activity Packages
Keep the fun going by pairing climbing, ziplining and rafting together for the ultimate package. Or, make a weekend out of it and reserve a cabin, camping area or other lodging at the Buena Vista outpost before or after your adventure, so you don’t have to miss out on a single second of the action.
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