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.

Join us for an exhilarating trip through the most scenic section of Clear Creek. This trip represents an exciting option for rafters seeking a little more challenge than our introductory whitewater, but is still appropriate for physically fit first-timers.

Minimum age: 15

Trip Highlights

What to Expect

• Half-day trip through challenging whitewater rafting on Clear Creek
• Paddle 10 miles with opportunities to experience steep drops and technical sections
• Class IV whitewater of Upper Beaver Falls, Lower Beaver Falls, and The Nixon Rapids
• Class V portions including rapids such as Guide Ejector, Double Knife, Hells Corner, and Terminator
• Exciting rafting just 30 minutes from Denver
• Experienced raft guides

Trip Itinerary

• Meet your guide and gear up for your adventure at our Idaho Springs outpost
• Shuttle to Clear Creek, where you will gather with your group
• Learn basic paddling technique from your guide before putting in the water
• Paddle 10 miles through Clear Creek’s Lower Canyon on this exciting half-day adventure
• Shuttle back to our outpost
• Check out the photos from your trip

Who will love this trip?

• Adrenaline seekers looking to tack some of Colorado’s most advanced whitewater
• Physically fit beginner rafters seeking a challenge or more experienced rafters hoping for advanced whitewater
• Groups seeking a higher intensity rafting experience close to Denver
• Families with kids at least 15 years old

Related Packages

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Numbers 1/2 Day

   Looking for that quintessential Colorado whitewater rafting experience? Head to the Numbers section of the Arkansas River! If you are an experienced rafter looking to take it to the next level or an adventurous beginner up for a new challenge, the Numbers rafting trip is the perfect exhilarating adventure.

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. 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. 24 Hours in Browns Canyon

   Experience Colorado's best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country as you paddle and camp in the heart of Colorado's Rockies.

3. 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!

4. Cliffside Zipline Half Day

   Fly through the trees on our exciting 6-line zipline course in Idaho Springs. This trip includes features such as a dual race line, hanging bridge, and log cross, with the entire family having a blast on this half-day adventure!  

5. 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.

6. Walk & Wade Fly Fishing Trip

   Explore the incredible waters of the Upper Colorado River with a knowledgeable fishing guide. It doesn't matter if it's your first-time fishing or you're a seasoned angler, this trip is fit for all levels of experience.    

7. 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!  

8. Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day

   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.  

9. 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.

10. Browns Canyon 1/2 Day

      Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown's Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon National Monument on exciting yet mellower class III rapids.  

11. Starlight & Full Moon Zipline

    Join us for one of the most exciting and popular Colorado mountain summer adventures - ziplining! The starlight zipline adventure allows you to experience AVA's same cliffside zipline course after dark, with the moonlight zipline taking place under a full moon.

12. 1/2 Day Bike Rental

    With our multiple bike options, you can choose from spraying up dirt on the trails, sending it downhill at Breckenridge Resort, or cruising the recreational paths.

13. 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!