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.
The Highlights Of Your Trip
This trip from our Idaho Springs outpost offers continuous, steep, technical sections just 30 minutes from Denver and is an exciting experience for those seeking a high level adventure. With heart-pounding whitewater, this trip represents some of the best rafting on the Clear Creek and is appropriate for physically fit first-timers to more advanced rafters.
Minimum age: 15
Book this trip
How much
Pricing
From $74
Ages 15+
What's included
Activities
- Rafting
Trip Length
Duration
Half Day
How Hard
Difficulty
Who can go
Minimum Age
15 years old & Up
What AVA’s The Upper Clear Creek RAFTING looks like
Trip Highlights
A. What to Expect
- Half-day trip through 8 miles of continuous whitewater
- Class IV rapids, including Nomad, Phoenix Holes, and Outer Limits
- Opportunities for wildlife spotting, including big horn sheep, river otters, deer, and more
- High-adrenaline rafting just 30 minutes from Denver
- Experienced raft guides
B. Trip Itinerary
- Check in, get ready for your adventure, and meet your guide at our Idaho Springs outpost
- Ride to the water with your guide and group
- Listen as your guide explains basic paddling technique
- Spend the morning or afternoon on the water, navigating one of the most exciting sections of the Clear Creek
- Shuttle back to our Idaho Springs outpost
- View photos from your rafting trip
C. Who will love this trip?
- Groups looking for an exciting, higher adrenaline rafting experience
- Families with older kids ages 15 +
- Anyone hoping for an excitement filled outdoor adventure within a half hour of Denver
- Physically fit beginner rafters looking for a challenge or more experienced rafters hoping for more advanced whitewater
What to expect
On Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Excitement at Every Turn
This high-adrenaline rafting trip on class IV rapids will get your heartrate up and keep it up. You won’t miss out on any excitement as you paddle 8 miles on this stretch of splashy, fun whitewater. Although this trip offers convenient rafting close to Denver, the technicality of the Upper Clear Creek won’t disappoint. This trip offers the best whitewater from early May through mid June.
Stunning Scenery
In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Upper Clear Creek takes you through exciting whitewater with the mountains as your backdrop. Green trees line the bank, with magnificent rock formations looming on either side of your raft. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as you may be able to spot big horn sheep, eagles, or otters.
Private Rafting Adventure (2–7 Guests)
Just Added – Your Own Private Raft, Your Own Guide, Your Own Experience
We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Private Rafting Trip option—designed for families, friends, or small groups who want a more personalized and exclusive river experience. This trip is perfect for groups of 2 to 7 guests and includes your own dedicated professional guide, so you can enjoy the journey at your own pace, with the comfort and attention that comes with having the raft all to yourselves.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a more intimate way to explore the river, our private raft trips offer a unique blend of adventure and comfort.
Select just 1 ticket for the Private Boat option when checking out to reserve your private raft for the whole group.
Included Gear & Packing List
All of your gear will be provided for your rafting excursion. This includes:
- PFD
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
WHAT TO BRING
- Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs!
- Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
- Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
- Cash to tip your raft guide
Continue the Adventure
Whether you find yourself at our Idaho Springs outpost as a day trip from Denver or planning a longer stay, you’ll find an abundance of activities to enhance your experience
- Food and drink! Savor local favorites such as Beau Jo’s Pizza or Tommyknocker Brewery
- Immerse yourself in the rich mining history of the region with an engaging tour at Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine
- Discover nearby natural wonders nearby, including St. Mary’s Glacier, 14,000 ft. Mount Blue Sky, or one of the area’s other hiking trails
- Take a short drive to Denver and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Colorado’s largest city
Trip Location
Idaho Springs
431 Chicago Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Our Idaho Springs outpost offers beginner to advanced levels of whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, soar among the treetops on our Cliffside Zipline, or try our Via Ferrata course for an introduction to mountaineering. Enjoy an afternoon in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and catch some incredible sights of historic Idaho Springs- the location of Colorado’s first gold discovery!
Our Idaho Springs outpost is conveniently located near Denver, just 30 minutes west of downtown on I-70, and less than an hour from Summit County.
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