Clear Creek

Clear Creek's variety of whitewater options and its location within a half hour of Denver and under an hour from Boulder, Breckenridge, Vail, and Winter Park makes Clear Creek rafting an easily accessible favorite for locals and travelers alike. Clear Creek travels through Golden's whitewater park with milder class II rapids, and ramping up around Idaho Springs with class III through V sections. Clear Creek offers fun, floaty, and exciting whitewater opportunities for rafting and kayaking, as well as scenic views and potential wildlife spotting.

The Charm of Clear Creek

Clear Creek meanders from Loveland Pass, through Golden and The Front Range, until it converges with the South Platte River. Flowing gracefully through the breathtaking Clear Creek Canyon nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, this waterway runs parallel to I-70 and is just 30 minutes from Denver. It winds its way through the charming town of Idaho Springs, where amidst the fervor of the Colorado gold rush in the late 1850s, the first gold in the state was discovered.

River conditions can change throughout the summer. Visit our 2026 Seasonal Rafting Guide for the latest recommendations on where to find the best rafting, floating, and adventure experiences this season.

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Top Trips

Clear Creek is the premier whitewater location for anybody looking for a truly Colorado experience on the Front Range with rafting opportunities for all ages and abilities on class III through V rapids. Whether you are looking for an exciting and adventurous family reunion activity, a unique introduction to the Colorado wilderness, or a different way to celebrate your bachelor party, Clear Creek has something for everyone. Our outpost in Idaho Springs offers easy access to this river, as well as ziplining and Via Ferrata experiences. Choose a multi-adventure package and explore Colorado's rivers and mountains.

  1. Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata

    <p class="isSelectedEnd">Get your heart racing on one of Colorado's most unique aerial adventures. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata takes you high above Chicago Creek on a guided cliffside climbing experience built directly into the rugged mountains surrounding historic Idaho Springs. Clipped into a continuous safety system, you'll traverse exposed rock faces, cross suspended bridges, and navigate a series of exciting features while taking in sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains below.</p> Throughout the adventure, you'll move across dramatic granite cliffs overlooking the canyon and downtown Idaho Springs, experiencing terrain typically reserved for technical climbers. Combining hiking, climbing, and aerial elements, the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata delivers an unforgettable mountain adventure just 30 minutes from Denver.

  2. Cliffside Zipline Half Day

    <p class="isSelectedEnd">Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown Idaho Springs before boarding our signature Safari Truck for a scenic ride up the mountain. From there, you'll soar across six exhilarating ziplines built directly into the rugged Rocky Mountain landscape above Chicago Creek.</p> As you travel from platform to platform, you'll fly past towering granite cliffs, forested slopes, and sweeping mountain views while tackling exciting aerial features including a hanging bridge, log cross, jungle bridge, and dual race line. This half-day adventure combines adrenaline, incredible scenery, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect Colorado mountain experience for first-time zipliners and thrill seekers alike.

  3. Gold Rush Rafting+ Zipline

      Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs outpost, paddle Clear Creek's best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.  

  4. Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure

      Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting adventure offers a fun outdoor adventure that everyone in your group will enjoy.

  5. Gold Rush Rafting + Via Ferrata

    On our Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package, adventure starts strong and keeps coming. Climb high into the cliffside above Idaho Springs and the Chicago Creek on Via Ferrata course, a unique form of climbing with features built into the mountainside. You'll then cool off over the course of 7 miles of moderate rapids on the historic Clear Creek.

  6. Upper Clear Creek Half Day Rafting Trip

    Our Upper Clear Creek adventure will keep your paddle moving and your heart pounding as you crash through class IV rapids. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, otters, and other native wildlife that are commonly spotted on many of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips.

  7. Upper Clear Creek Rafting + Zipline

      Package a thrilling zipline tour with the Upper Clear Creek half-day rafting trip for an adventure of a lifetime! This full-day experience combines our class IV rafting trip on the Clear Creek with our exciting and scenic cliffside zipline course.    

  8. Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

    Spend your day venturing through the mountains on with this thrilling combo of activities! You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water and land, as you rush class IV rapids on the Upper Clear Creek and climb high into the cliffside on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course.  

Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting

Clear Creek for Families

Our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip is great for families with kids as young as 6. This 1/3 day trip is an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting in Colorado and takes you through eleven Class III rapids as you paddle and splash your way down Clear Creek! Package this Gold Rush trip with a half-day zipline trip for a full day of multi-adventure fun.

Clear Creek for Adrenaline Junkies

Looking to up the intensity? Our 1/2 day trip on Upper Clear Creek allows you to conquer some of the most intense whitewater rafting on Clear Creek! Enjoy this steep, technical section that will keep your paddle moving. This trip is exciting and physically demanding and will test your limits! Ready for the best Clear Creek has to offer? The exhilarating Lower Canyon on Clear Creek trip is a 1/2 day advanced whitewater trip that plunges you through one of the most continuous sections of whitewater in Colorado. You will rush through impressive scenery and an even more impressive gradient that drops 150 feet/mile through the canyon. Push your physical limits on our full day advanced trip, the Phoenix, which combines the Upper Clear Creek, the Gold Rush and the Lower Canyon into one jam-packed day with a delicious BBQ lunch in the middle!

AVA's Clear Creek Outpost

Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Denver, our Idaho Springs outpost allows easy access to one of Colorado’s most well-known rivers. We expanded rafting to our Idaho Springs outpost in 2005 and introduced our aerial adventures in 2011! This outpost features part-day and full-day trips with multiple departure times from early morning to evening. Choose from Clear Creek whitewater rafting, our cliffside zipline course, and our unique Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course.

Getting to the Clear Creek

Our outpost in Idaho Springs is located just 30 minutes west of downtown Denver and about one hour from Boulder, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, and Winter Park, providing convenient access to Whitewater Rafting and adventure opportunities! Our location just off of I-70 allows you to easily add an adventure experience to your Colorado trip itinerary.

Clear Creek Charm

Clear Creek meanders from Loveland Pass, through Golden and The Front Range, until it converges with the South Platte River. Flowing gracefully through the breathtaking Clear Creek Canyon nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, this waterway runs parallel to I-70 and is just 30 minutes from Denver. It winds its way through the charming town of Idaho Springs, where amidst the fervor of the Colorado gold rush in the late 1850s, the first gold in the state was discovered.

Other Adventure Opportunities

At our Idaho Springs outpost, you can also fly through the trees on an exciting Cliffside Zipline course of climb into the cliffs above historic Idaho Springs on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata adventure. Each course will challenge and thrill you, providing stunning views and an opportunity to explore Colorado from a new angle.

Fast Facts

Best time to raft: May – September Ages: 6 years old and up Duration: 1/3 day, 1/2 day, and full day

History of Clear Creek

Clear Creek County, located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, has a rich and colorful history shaped by mining, transportation, and the rugged landscape. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Arapaho, the area saw an influx of settlers during the Colorado Gold Rush of the mid-19th century. Prospectors flocked to Clear Creek in search of precious metals, leading to the establishment of mining towns such as Georgetown and Idaho Springs.

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FAQs

What are the best rivers in Colorado for family-friendly rafting adventures?

AVA Rafting & Zipline is a premier choice for family-friendly rafting adventures in Colorado, with over 25 years of guiding experience. We prioritize safety and enjoyment, ensuring memorable experiences for all ages. Top family-friendly rivers include Clear Creek with its thrilling yet manageable Class II-III rapids, Arkansas River known for its scenic Browns Canyon, and the gentle yet exciting Upper Colorado River.

Where are you located?

AVA has locations across the state of Colorado. Our primary outposts are located in Idaho Springs, Kremmling, Buena Vista and Breckenridge. For more information on getting to your adventure with us, please visit our Getting Here page.

Is transportation to and from the outpost provided?

Transportation to the outpost is not included. You can enhance your experience and add our shuttle service as an additional offer during the booking process. If you add this transportation to your adventure, a private car will pick you up at your address and transport your group to our outpost, and our driver will be ready to take you home at the conclusion of your tour!

When is the best time to go rafting?

If you’re planning a vacation to Colorado you likely have a limited time window from which to choose – and that’s just fine. Depending on the type of challenge, length of time you want to be on the river, and the location you’ll be visiting, we have multiple options for beginner to advanced paddlers. The Best Time To Enjoy River Trips at AVA: Arkansas River: May – Sept Clear Creek: May – Sept Colorado River: May – Sept Blue River: June Dolores River: May – June Salt River: Late February – mid-May

When can I go ziplining?

You can zipline with AVA from March through November each year! The Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs near Denver will open the first weekend of March and stay open on a limited schedule through the end of November. The Mountaintop Zipline in Buena Vista will open between the end of April and early May and stay open through Labor Day. During the summer there are zipline trips hourly starting at 8:00am at both locations.