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Reviews

• Currents of Courage, Human Dignity Lost in the Undertow

  Nate G,

  Aug 1, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  2.00

  “The problem is not the person with disabilities. The problem is society’s view of the person with disabilities.” — Evan Kemp, former EEOC Chairman I took the 3 o’clock Upper Clear Creek half-day rafting tour on Sunday, July 27th, excited for what I hoped would be a special, drenching, and unforgettable adventure — the highlight of a weekend trip to visit my friend Jackson, who’s working in Denver for the summer. While there were some great moments on the river, my overall experience was unfortunately shaped by how one of our guides, Roy, perceived what I could — or rather, couldn’t — bring to the water. When I booked this trip, I clearly noted in the “additional information” section that I have the use of only my right hand, due to being a stroke survivor who underwent a right hemisectomy at six months old. That said, I’ve been white water rafting multiple times before — including on Class III, IV, and V rapids — and have always been able to participate fully, safely, and with the same excitement as everyone else on board. However, when I reminded Roy of this while we were getting our life jackets, helmets, and paddles, his response was immediately shocking, demoralizing, and — frankly — ableist. He looked at me and asked: “If you knew this was a more strenuous trip, why did you sign up for it?” That question completely dismissed the fact that I came prepared, experienced, and excited for the challenge — just like everyone else. Worse still, when he thought I wasn’t nearby, I overheard him pull aside the other family on our trip and tell them we were in a “first-time, weird, never-before-seen predicament,” apologizing profusely as though the day was somehow ruined by my presence. In that moment, I felt completely dehumanized — not seen as a person, but as a burden or liability. It was painful and humiliating. Roy had the opportunity to approach the situation with inclusion, professionalism, and adaptability — traits that should be standard in adventure tourism — but instead, I was made to feel like the trip was doomed simply because of me. He ended up changing nearly half the planned route and made it seem like that decision was entirely because of me. And in the end, he chose to have me not row — something I’ve done before on rafting trips when needed, without it ever being an issue. But in this case, it wasn’t the physical part that hurt. It was the message behind it. I truly believe that if Roy thought he could’ve gotten away with it, he would’ve told me not to come at all. And that thought is heartbreaking. On a slightly more positive note, Gustavo, our second guide, didn’t go out of his way to address the situation or make me feel especially included — but he also didn’t handle things nearly as poorly as Roy did. He treated me with basic respect, didn’t single me out, and kept the tone of the trip lighthearted and professional. While he didn’t directly counter Roy’s actions, he also didn’t feed into them — and that alone made the experience feel a bit less isolating. This review isn’t meant to tear anyone down, get anyone fired, or suggest that AVA Adventures can’t deliver amazing, memorable rafting and ziplining experiences. It’s meant to shine a light on the importance of inclusive language, mindset, and awareness in outdoor adventure tourism. People with disabilities are not defined by what they can’t do — but by the resilience, courage, and passion they bring into every experience. I hope this feedback helps AVA ensure that future guests feel welcomed, respected, and seen — not judged by their limitations, but celebrated for showing up ready to embrace the adventure.

• Rafting Family Fun

  J2725YGsarab,

  Jul 19, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Our guide, Johan, made sure we were all comfortable at the start of the trip and throughout our journey. We had an amazing time as a family of four(kids 10 and 11). I’d highly recommend this rafting excursion from Idaho Springs. It was the highlight of our time in Colorado.

  

• Terrible. AVA Canceled without letting us know.

  Happiness583965,

  Jul 31, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  AVA canceled our rafting trip and never contacted us to let us know. We had a half day rafting trip booked for seven people way in advance. Had to scramble to find another company last minute with availability for the weekend we were visiting.

• Oh captain

  664darlenew,

  Jul 12, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Kris masterfully guided our craft down the tumultuous clear creek. We were thankful to stay in the boat with such a knowledgeable, experienced and patient captain.

• Surfing 🏄‍♀️

  coalzy,

  Jul 5, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Awesome day out on the water! 100% would book again. The class four rapids were amazing, just two boats so we got to take our time and enjoy the ride.

• AVA Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

  SammieAr Trv,

  May 27, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We went in late May and arrived around 10.30am for our 11am adventure at Idaho Springs, but was told that it had been changed to 12.30pm due to insufficient guests for the 11am tour, which was fine for us as it gave us time to explore the town. Although I think they should have notified us of the change. Limited parking on-site, or overflow parking down the road for $2 per day. Our guide Shawn was awesome. Even though it started to rain and hail shortly before we got on the raft, and the water was cold, he kept us all first timers save and we did not fall into the river once. Thank you Shawn. We had a fun and enjoyable time despite the weather.

• Super Fun Day at Upper Clear Creek

  turtletay,

  Aug 7, 2023

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Loved the Clear Creek Rafting trip! I was headed to Vail from Denver and this was the perfect mid-way adventure. Uber Clear Creek is a thrilling and challenging river with multiple Class 4 rapids, but Wyatt was an awesome guide and was able to coach us through it, even though our group was inexperienced and quite a bit out of sync ;) The guides and bus driver were all fun and full of personality and information. They clearly love what they do. They also have a nice shop. They take phots of you on the river and are available for purchase. $30 for one pic, but $50 for all (around 20 photos total). I did not purchase the photos myself because the majority were taken at a point in the river when we were instructed to get “Down!” So my face was not visible as I was following my guides instructions.

  

  

  

• Sun and fun on the river

  Susan M,

  Aug 5, 2023

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Great family fun thought it would be a bit more intense. Although plenty of exciting rapids great guides

• Great rafting experience

  jessemR6200TU,

  Jul 19, 2023

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The rafting trip was amazing. The guides were knowledgeable and safety conscious and the trip itself was beautiful and an absolute blast. It’s super cold water so you’ll want clothes that don’t absorb water, but they do provide a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket. The only negative thing was the length of the rafting. It says half day but it’s really only about an hour and a half on the water. Still it’s an amazing experience and one you should definitely check out if you’re in the area.

  

• 9-0 for not falling out

  acharrison13,

  Jun 22, 2023

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Had a blast with my son … we love rafting everywhere we go. Sat in the front of the boat this time which is harder, but you get the most water to the face. We had a blast, and Siggy our guide did a great job of keeping us all safe!! Looking forward to the next trip!

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