The Lower Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata
This exciting full-day adventure experience combines rafting on the Lower Canyon portion of the Clear Creek with our thrilling Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata adventure. Get your heart rate up as you ascend the cliffside, and keep the adrenaline up with rafting on this section of class IV and V rapids.
The Highlights Of Your Trip
Rush class IV and V rapids, with steep drops up to 150 feet per mile through the Lower Canyon portion of the Clear Creek, and climb above our Idaho Springs outpost as you ascend via assisted climbing features, bridges, and ziplines. Physically fit beginners as well as those with more experience will have a blast on both adventures.
Minimum age: 15, minimum weight: 50 lbs., maximum weight: 250 lbs.
Book this trip
How much
Pricing
From $248
Ages 15+ 15% off
with promo SNOWDANCE24
What's included
Activities
- Via Ferrata
- Rafting
Trip Length
Duration
Half day rafting, half day via ferrata, no lunch
How Hard
Difficulty
Who can go
Minimum Age
15 years old & Up
Trip Highlights
A. What to Expect
- A full day of excitement
- Cover 1o miles of whitewater on the challenging Lower Canyon section of the Clear Creek
- Rafting including steep drops and technical sections through class IV and V rapids
- Unique assisted climbing experience into the cliffside above Idaho Springs
- Traverse the mountain with iron rungs, bridges, ziplines, and other features
- Experienced raft and Via Ferrata guides
B. Trip Itinerary*
- Check-in and meet your guide at our Idaho Springs outpost
- Gear up for your Via Ferrata trip and take a short ride to the start of the course
- Climb high into the cliffside using a combination of exciting features, including iron rungs, bars, and bridges
- Soar on several lines of our zipline course
- Return to our outpost and break for lunch
- Paddle the thrilling Lower Canyon section of Clear Creek
- Crash through class IV and V rapids as you cover 10 miles of river
- Return to the outpost and check out the photos from your trips
*For some trips, the order of adventures may be switched. Please check your individual booking for exact details.
C. Who will love this trip?
- Adventure seekers looking for a jam-packed day of excitement with two unique high-adrenaline experiences
- Families with kids ages 15 and older
- Anyone looking for more challenging adventures within a half hour of Denver
- Fit and adventurous beginner rafters seeking a challenge or more experienced rafters hoping for advanced whitewater
What to expect
On Your Whitewater Rafting + Via Ferrata Adventure
A full day of excitement
On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, experience the excitement of this assisted climbing adventure on a thrilling exploration of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Traverse high above Idaho Springs and elevate your heart rate as you utilize iron rungs, bars, and other cliffside features to navigate the terrain. You will also have the opportunity to soar on several ziplines and descend the cliffside in an adrenaline-pumping rappel. For both our Via Ferrata and zipline adventures, are integrated into the mountainside rather than on raised platforms, allowing you to truly climb the best of the Rockies.
Our Lower Canyon white water rafting excursion spans 10 exhilarating miles through the heart of Clear Creek’s most challenging rapids. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as you navigate thrilling class IV sections, followed swiftly by pulse-quickening class V rapids. You’ll navigate a remarkable gradient that descends 150 feet per mile through the canyon.
Unparalleled Scenery
This adventure will reward with views from up in the mountains and below on the river. On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will be treated to panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of Chicago Creek and the forests adorning the mountainside below.
The Lower Canyon on Clear Creek promises exhilarating whitewater adventures set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Adorned with lush greenery along the riverbanks and flanked by imposing rock formations on either side, your rafting journey will prove scenic the entire way. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, as the area is known to host bighorn sheep, eagles, and otters.
Included Gear & Packing List
All of your gear will be provided for your rafting and Via Ferrata excursions. This includes:
- PFD
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Helmet
- Via Ferrata Gear
- Gloves
WHAT TO BRING
- Shoes that will stay securely on your feet… no flip flops or crocs! (Rafting)
- Fleece and/or quick dry clothing
- Waterproof sunscreen & sunglasses
- Closed toed-shoes (Via Ferrata)
- Pants or longer shorts that will fit in your Via Ferrata harness
- Cash to tip your raft & Via Ferrata guides!
Continue the Adventure
Whether you’re visiting our Idaho Springs outpost for a day trip from Denver or planning an extended stay, you’ll find an array of activities to enjoy before or after your adventure.
- Savor a delicious meal or refreshing drink at one of the area’s restaurants or breweries. Be sure to try local favorites like Beau Jo’s Pizza or Tommyknocker Brewery.
- Delve into the rich mining history of the region with a fascinating tour at Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine.
- Continue your outdoor exploration by venturing to St. Mary’s Glacier, Mount Blue Sky, or one of the many scenic hiking trails nearby.
- For a change of pace, take a short 25-minute drive to Denver and explore the vibrant attractions 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.
FAQs
Plan your rafting adventure between early May and mid-July for the optimal experience on the dynamic Clear Creek.
The Via Ferrata promises an exhilarating adventure filled with some physically demanding activities such as a short hike, climbing via handholds, ziplining, and navigating via cable bridges. We encourage participants to be physically active, as this adventure necessitates upper body strength, balance, and endurance, yet previous climbing experience is not a prerequisite for this experience. Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is accessible to adventurers of all skill levels!
We prioritize safety above all else on all of our adventures, and we strictly adhere to established safety standards. Throughout the excursion, participants are securely connected to the cliffside via a harness and a reliable 2-cable system. As you navigate the course, you’ll continuously clip in and out of these cables, ensuring a constant connection to the cliffside. Importantly, the design prevents the possibility of simultaneously unclipping from both cables and provides ultimate security throughout the adventure.
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