Colorado Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
Clear Creek River Rafting & Kayaking

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The first major gold strike in Colorado was on January 7, 1859, in Idaho Springs by George Jackson. The gold strike brought many miners to the area, all in search of gold, establishing the Denver Mountain Area. Today, many flock to Idaho Springs and the surrounding area for many recreational activities, such as rafting on the Clear Creek River.

The Clear Creek River is the closest raftable river to downtown Denver, only requiring a 30-minute drive west. This steep, narrow and technical river winds through the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs and contains more rapids than most commercially rafted rivers in the state. The river is open for rafting from May through July.

This area also boasts beautiful mountain scenery, with an abundance of wildlife. If you watch carefully during your time on the river, you can see muskrat, beaver, deer, bighorn sheep, and even an occasional bear or mountain lion.

The Clear Creek River has an average gradient of 67 feet per mile, and over 100 feet per mile on the advanced sections of the stream. For an exciting advanced trip, you will experience a drop of over 1300 vertical feet and weave your way through 30 major rapids. However, this relatively small stream also offers trips for adventurous beginners and intermediate rafters with rapids generally Class III-IV.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

A Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting  
Enjoy relaxing float trip or extreme whitewater with Liquid Descent. Rafting trips near Summit County, Winter Park and the Denver Area. Highlights: riverside hot springs, abundant wildlife, gorgeous scenery.

Agate Dog Inc dba Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips  
RAFT TRIPS. Clear Creek mini-trips; closest to Denver. In the heart of the Rockies, One-day and Multi-day; Arkansas and Upper Colorado rivers. Family to Advanced. Est 1981. Metro based in Morrison.

Clear Creek Rafting Co.   
Something for everyone! 1/3-day to multi-day CO rafting tours. Whitewater trips in 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Idaho Springs and Cañon City! On 2 GREAT RIVERS: Clear Creek and the Arkansas River!

Grand Adventures Outdoor Activity Center: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting  
Grand Lake, Fraser Valley, Winter Park, Idaho Springs Adventures: Snowmobiling, ATVing, Rafting. Outdoor Activity Center: guided tours and self guided rentals. OUR TOURS go to the Continental Divide!

Mile Hi Rafting  
45 minutes from Denver a Mile Hi Scenic Mountain experience: May-August exciting Whitewater Rafting on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs. Experienced the wonders of nature rafting with our experienced guides!

More Activities & Information

Denver Mountain Area, Colorado includes: Black Hawk, Central City, Empire, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown, Golden Mountains, Idaho Springs, Idledale, Morrison

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