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.

Join us for an action-packed day with this Gold Rush rafting and Via Ferrata multi-adventure package at our Idaho Springs outpost. Your day will consist of splashing through class III rapids on our family-friendly Gold Rush Rafting trip and an exciting assisted climbing experience on our Mount Evans Via Ferrata course.

Minimum age: 12, minimum weight: 50 lbs., maximum weight: 250 lbs.

Trip Highlights

2026 Expectations

Clear Creek is one of Colorado’s most snowmelt-driven rivers, so conditions in 2026 will depend heavily on spring runoff, warmer temperatures, and rainfall throughout the season. Trips are currently available across all levels, and our team keeps a close eye on river conditions so we can provide updates and help adjust plans if needed as your trip gets closer. If you’re open to exploring another area, the Upper Colorado River near Kremmling is also a great option this summer, offering reliable flows, beautiful canyon scenery, and rafting trips for all experience levels less than an hour from Summit County.

2026 River Conditions

What to Expect

A full day of excitement
A unique mountaineering experience in the cliffside above our Idaho Springs outpost
The chance to traverse up and across the cliffside with a combination of iron rungs, bars, bridges, ziplines and rappels
Family friendly rafting on Clear Creek
7 miles of paddling excitement through 11 class III rapids
The opportunity to raft through historic Idaho Springs and learn about the origin of Colorado’s first gold discovery
Experienced raft and Via Ferrata guides

Trip Itinerary*

Check-in and meet your guide at our Idaho Springs outpost
Gear up for your Via Ferrata experience and take a short ride to the start of your adventure
Traverse the mountainside using assisted climbing features on our Via Ferrata course
Fly on ziplines, rappel, and make your way high above Idaho Springs!
Return to our outpost and break for lunch- please pack a lunch or grab food in town
Paddle the Clear Creek on our Gold Rush rafting trip
Cover 7 miles and explore the historic mining valley
Return to the outpost and view the photos from your trip

Express Option Available:
Our express trip option will send you directly into the next adventure-all gas, no breaks. This option is perfect for groups on a tighter schedule and for those who don’t need an hour between activities to refuel. Simply choose the express option when booking online.

*For some trips, the order of adventures may be switched. Please check your individual booking for exact details.

Who will love this trip?

Groups looking for a full day of excitement on the water and on land
Families with kids 12 and older
Anyone hoping for a fun, convenient adventure within a half hour of Denver

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Not sure yet? Here are some other activities

Cliffside Zipline Half Day

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. 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.
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.
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A Colorado River float trip is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Gore Range, featuring gentle Class II rapids that are safe and fun for all ages.
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Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be the most incredible way to see the Arkansas River valley as you experience Colorado from a unique vantage point.
Browns Canyon Half Day Rafting

Browns Canyon half-day rafting trip delivers the perfect blend of family-friendly adventure and thrilling white water action. Paddle through Class III rapids on Colorado's Arkansas River while passing through the stunning granite walls of Browns Canyon National Monument, located just 2.5 hours from Denver and 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. This 10-mile journey is ideal for first-time rafters, families with children ages 7+, and anyone seeking an accessible yet exciting white water experience.
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Scenic Float Full Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing section of the Colorado River that is inviting to all ages, encountering a few small class II rapids, as you wind through the Gore Range and mountain ranch land.