rafting rafting

Clear Creek River Rafting

 

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.

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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

A Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Offering rafting trips near Estes Park, Summit County and the Denver Mountain Area. Enjoy relaxing float trip with gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, and riverside hot springs, or extreme whitewater!
Agate Dog Inc dba Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Based in Denver Metro Area in Morrison! Geo Tours is "Whitewater Rafting" in Denver. Experienced Staff - same ownership since 1981. Clear Creek - part-day trips; closest to Denver! The perfect family outing.
ATV Tours @ Mile Hi Rafting email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Located on Clear Creek experience scenic ATV & Horseback mountain tours 45 minutes from Denver & Summit County. We offer fun professionally guided rafting tours on Clear Creek & Arkansas rivers.
Clear Creek Rafting Co. email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
TWO GREAT RIVERS - TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge) and on Clear Creek (Idaho Springs), 2 hours to multi-day trips. There's something for everyone!
River Runners mutual link button on advertiser page
The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full & Multi-day trips for all ages/abilities. Swim, fish, play horseshoes. Have lunch & dinner at our Riverside Grill near Buena Vista along the Arkansas River.
Rock Gardens Rafting, Inc. photos on advertiser page new listing with The Colorado Vacation Directory mutual link button on advertiser page
Full service adventure company between Aspen & Vail! Soar over the Colorado River on a zipline. Raft on 1 of 5 rivers. Reach new heights on a climbing wall. Bike Glenwood Canyon. Eat at No Name Bar & Grill.
Wide Open Adventure new listing with The Colorado Vacation Directory mutual link button on advertiser page
Colorado's custom outdoor specialists! Eco-friendly adventure company our group transport services uses natural gas vehicles. Guided partial to overnight trips: rafting, fishing, biking tours to fit all tastes.

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

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