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.

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.

Trip Highlights

What to Expect

• A full day of excitement
• Cover 10 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

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 – please pack a lunch or grab food in town between adventures
• 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.

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

Related Packages

1. The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata

   This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This rafting and climbing experience will challenge all adrenaline seekers, as you tackle some of the most difficult whitewater in the country, as well as our heart-pounding Via Ferrata course.

2. 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.  

3. Phoenix Full Day

   Experience Clear Creek's best whitewater on our Phoenix, full-day advanced trip, only 30 minutes from Denver. The nonstop action on this Clear Creek river rafting trip will provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for all thrill seekers.  

4. The Lower Canyon Rafting + Cliffside Zipline Package

   The Lower Canyon and cliffside zipline multi-adventure package includes an entire day of adrenaline-pumping fun. Join us on the Clear Creek and up high on the cliffside above Idaho Springs, and experience the best of the Rockies from every angle.

5. The Gauntlet – Pine Creek & Numbers

   Experience the wildest rafting offered on the Arkansas River in Colorado.  On this rafting adventure, you'll have the opportunity to navigate the Pine Creek and Numbers sections of this iconic river, rushing through class III-V rapids under towering peaks and through Colorado's most natural areas.

Not sure yet? Here are some other activities

1. Mount Blue Sky, Colorado Via Ferrata

   Get your heart up on one of our most daring adventure trips! On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, you will traverse the cliffside in this unique assisted climbing experience, with views of the Rockies and the town of Idaho Springs present the entire way.

2. 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.    

3. Rappel into the Gauntlet

   On this full-day whitewater rafting adventure, we’ll get your adrenaline flowing beginning with a rappel into the Granite Gorge! You'll meet your raft for The Gauntlet as you head out for rafting the Pine Creek & The Numbers section.

4. Polaris RZR 2 Hour Rental+ Scenic Float Package

   Looking to kick up a little dirt and then wash it off? Experience the best of Colorado's outdoors on our full-day UTV Rental and Scenic Float adventure package!  

5. The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb

   Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you'll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas River on our Numbers rafting trip and climb into the cliffside on our rock-climbing adventure.  

6. Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite

   Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above the Arkansas River Valley, using iron rungs, bars, and other features to ascend. Your stomach will drop on our hanging bridge and freefall flight line!

7. Georgetown Loop Train Ride

   Only 45 minutes from Denver, Colorado in Idaho Springs, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers an exciting and historical opportunity to experience Colorado history. Ride on the original steam-powered or diesel-powered locomotive through Georgetown, learning about Colorado's rich mining history and enjoying stunning scenery just outside Denver.

8. Upper Colorado 4 Hour Fly Fishing

   Join AVA for a scenic fly-fishing excursion on the Upper Colorado River. Our 4- hour float trips are perfect for both novice and experienced anglers and present an opportunity to both fish and relax!

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado

    This trip offers something for everyone! Enjoy wildlife, serenity, and natural beauty that only the Colorado River can offer. You’ll have plenty of time to take in historic cabins, scenic waterfalls, and steep canyon walls towering over 100′ above your head. Bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered Colorado river otter are often seen on this fun section of the river.

12. The Lower Canyon on Clear Creek

    Adrenaline seekers will love the Lower Canyon portion of Clear Creek, with opportunities to raft class IV and V rapids. This is a unique opportunity to explore some of the best whitewater in the state within a short distance of Denver.