Buena Vista: Whitewater Rafting & Mountaintop Zipline Half-Day

Rafting & Ziplining in One Morning: Colorado's Two-Activity Rush

You start with whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon, paddle through moving current for roughly two hours, then get driven upslope to zipline through Colorado pines on a series of lines that run between platforms. The package includes a professional guide, all safety gear (helmet, wetsuit, splash jacket), and the instruction to get you comfortable before either activity starts. You're back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting and zipline adventure

• Start whitewater rafting
• Enjoy scenic zipline tour

The experience

Our guide met us at the outfitter's shop in Buena Vista before sunrise, checked our shoe fit (no flip-flops allowed, he was serious about that), and handed over the wetsuit and helmet. He'd done this a thousand times, you could tell, but he still walked through the safety stuff like it mattered. The whitewater rafting starts right away in Browns Canyon, and the current moves fast enough that you're working the paddle within the first few minutes, not just floating and looking around. The water's cold even in summer, which is why the wetsuit isn't optional.

After the rafting section wraps (maybe two hours in, depending on water levels), you get loaded into a van and driven up into the mountains. The zipline tour sits higher up, where the lodge pole pines are thick and the view opens out across the valley. Our guide clipped us in one at a time, checked the harness twice, and then you're moving through the canopy, not screaming exactly, but definitely aware of how far down it is. The lines run long enough that you're not just dropping. You're actually gliding, and the wind noise is loud enough that you stop thinking about anything except the trees coming at you and the next platform.

The whole thing runs about half a day, which means you're done by early afternoon and can still grab lunch in town or head back to your hotel. The minimum age is seven, and you need to weigh at least 50 pounds but not more than 250 pounds. Those aren't arbitrary limits, they're what keeps the equipment working right. Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. The guide will turn you around if you show up in sandals.

What’s included

• Professional guide for both activities.
• whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon.
• zipline tour through the Colorado Mountains.
• helmet, wetsuit, and splash jacket.
• all safety instruction and equipment setup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by AVA Rafting and Zipline

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want two different adrenaline activities in one morning without booking them separately or figuring out the timing yourself. The package handles the logistics, and the guide runs both back-to-back so you're done by lunch.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the minimum age for this tour?

Seven years old. Kids need to weigh at least 50 pounds and fit securely in the harness and helmet.

Do I need my own wetsuit and helmet?

No. The tour includes a wetsuit, helmet, and splash jacket. Bring closed-toe shoes and a change of clothes.

How long does the whole thing take?

It's a half-day tour. Plan for roughly four to five hours from start to finish, including the drive up to the zipline area.

What's the weight limit for the zipline?

Maximum weight is 250 pounds. Minimum is 50 pounds.

Can I do just the rafting or just the zipline?

This is a combo package that includes both activities. The rafting happens first, then the zipline tour after.

What do I need to bring?

Closed-toe shoes (required), a change of clothes, and a towel. No flip-flops or Crocs. Sunscreen and water are recommended.

Is there a fitness requirement?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You don't need to be athletic to do it, but you should be comfortable in water and heights.