Fly high or make a splash with AVA Rafting & Zipline’s adventure packages

You and your Scouts can go on unforgettable action-packed adventures in Scouting. Some fun-filled activities you can do include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding and climbing – all of which AVA Rafting & Zipline can help you book.

For the past 25 years, AVA Rafting & Zipline has been operating trips in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, connecting adventure-seekers with their next thrilling outdoor outing.

AVA not only can arrange a single adventure for your unit, but they also can help you set up an exciting package of fun activities.

AVA’s 2025 adventures begin in March, with all trips currently open for booking. AVA recommends reserving now or as soon as you know your group’s Colorado travel dates for the best deals and availability. Check out AVA’s group discounts for even more savings for your troop.

Go on an adventure

AVA Rafting & Zipline has several outposts across Colorado where you go on your adventures. These scenic outposts are home to restrooms and picnic tables, with the Buena Vista outpost specifically offering campsites and cabins. This lodging provides you and your Scouts with a comfy place to relax after an adventurous trip.

AVA has set the standard for safety and expertise with trained guides who welcome and prepare you for your trip. These guides are certified in first-aid and CPR, and many are wilderness first-aid trained or have Outdoor Emergency Care certification.

Trips can run for 1/3 day, half-day, full-day, overnight or multiple days for its adventures in rafting, ziplining, via Ferrata, fly-fishing, UTVs and more. View AVA’s trips to discover package options and availability.

In the winter, you can find great prebooking deals, which could be the perfect gifts for the holidays when purchasing the gift card option, especially when booking for a larger Scout unit. Book your group’s adventure early for the best availability and dates. AVA also offers group and regular season discounts to help you save even more.

Scouts love challenging outdoor activities. They create lifelong memories, instill confidence and help youth develop leadership skills and build teamwork with their peers.

AVA also can help Scout units get to their adventures with passenger van rentals via MileMarker Van Rentals for up to 15 people, including the driver. These vans include the stylish Mercedes Sprinter and the comfortable Ford Transit. When transporting Scouts, make sure to review Scouting America’s transportation safety rules.

You can also hire a highly trained driver with Peak 1 Express, a shuttle and private transportation service that can transport up to 14 people. Peak 1 Express provides year-round transportation fromDenver International Airport or Eagle County Regional Airport to your destination.

These transportation services are ideal for your adventures in Colorado and in neighboring states, including Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. They provide an affordable and convenient way to connect your group with its next unforgettable experience.

If your troop is heading to Philmont, read more about Peak 1 Express and MileMarker’s Philmont-specific services here.

Ride the rapids

Whitewater rafting is an awesome experience that Scouts rave about, whether they’re a river novice or veteran.

AVA is a longstanding and award-winning whitewater rafting outfitter, offering Class II-V rafting on rivers throughout Colorado. If you’ve never gone whitewater rafting before, AVA can direct you to a beginner float trip. Want a more challenging run? AVA has advanced trips to keep the adrenaline high.

These rafting trips run through pristine wilderness, rocky canyons and national monuments like Browns Canyon National Monument. On some routes, you can paddle past impressive granite walls, while others sweep you by evergreen forests – either way, Colorado’s scenery does not disappoint. The routes follow along the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River and Clear Creek.

If you’re not sure what adventure is best for your group, AVA’s adventure specialists can answer your questions and cater your trip based on your group’s interests and skill levels. On AVA’s scenic float trips, groups can even choose to paddle a raft, inflatable kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Remember: Cub Scouts are not permitted to go on float trips with moving water. Older Scouts who are classified as swimmers and have taken the proper training may go on a trip with up to Class IV whitewater only in a raft with a professionally trained guide. Anything more powerful than that is off-limits in Scouting.

Go higher

If you have a need for speed, strap on a helmet, put on a harness and ride along one of AVA’s two zipline courses at either their Buena Vista or Idaho Springs outposts.

The Idaho Springs cliffside zipline, just 30 minutes from Denver and one hour from Breckenridge, offers six lines over the Chicago Creek. Ascend a mountain on AVA’s “zip truck” before riding down the lines, zigzagging your way down. At Buena Vista, also an hour from Breckenridge, you can ride AVA’s mountaintop zipline course, including 6 ziplines, a 900-foot dual race line, swinging log bridge and hanging log staircase.

Buena Vista is also the perfect place for rock climbing. Guides can help you reach new heights as you scramble up rock walls in the Granite Gorge Cliffs. All the gear is provided, and guides go over safety in detail before heading out. Guides can also offer lessons on how to climb.

For something a little different, you can try out AVA’s unique via Ferrata courses for older youth. “Via Ferrata” is an Italian phrase meaning “iron path.” You can climb up iron rungs embedded into the rock, moving up as you latch along a belay cable.

The via Ferrata courses at both the Idaho Springs and Buena Vista outposts not only provide a unique way to climb, but also fun opportunities to try out climbing in combination with rappels and ziplines. Guests are safe the entire way as a two-cable system ensures you always stay attached to the cliffside.

More adventures

With AVA’s adventure packages, you can even combine activities into one awesome adventure, like whitewater rafting with zip-lining or rafting with a via Ferrata course. AVA’s adventure specialists are also ready to help tailor a custom package or adventure to your group’s needs and interests.

In addition to the adventures covered above, you can also try horseback riding trips from Mt. Princeton Stables, rent a mountain bike in Breckenridge, fly-fish or ride the Georgetown Loop train ride, an authentic steam engine located in a former silver mining town.

No matter your group’s interests, AVA Rafting & Zipline has an exciting adventure experience for you! Get outside, explore Colorado and have fun with your unit. All 2025 adventures are open for booking, with trips starting in March. Book now for the best deals and availability for your group, and don’t miss out on AVA’s group discounts!

And if your troop needs transportation to AVA’s outposts, another location in Colorado or its surrounding states, MileMarker Van Rentals or Peak 1 Express have you covered. Already have a driver? Scout units can rent a Milemarker van to fit their entire group and kick off the fun with everyone on the road together.

For those looking to avoid driving themselves, AVA recommends Peak 1 Express. With highly trained drivers at the wheel, Peak 1 Express specializes in safe transportation for your entire group.

Learn more about renting a Milemarker van or explore transportation options with Peak 1 Express.