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.
The Highlights Of Your Trip
This full day of adventure includes 4 miles of rafting on one of Clear Creek’s more challenging sections and a chance to venture above Idaho Springs and test your limits on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, a unique assisted mountaineering experience. Physically fit first-timers or those with more experience will have a great time on this outdoor adventure.
Minimum age: 15, minimum weight: 50 lbs., maximum weight: 250 lbs.
Book this trip
How much
Pricing
From $218
Ages 15+
What's included
Activities
- Via Ferrata
- Rafting
Trip Length
Duration
full day, no lunch
How Hard
Difficulty
Who can go
Minimum Age
15 years old & Up
Trip Highlights
A. What to Expect
- An action packed day
- Paddle through 8 miles of challenging, continuous whitewater on the Upper Clear Creek
- Navigate class IV rapids, including Nomad, Phoenix Holes, and Outer Limits
- Climb high into the cliffside on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course
- Use a combination of assisted climbing features, including iron rungs, bridges, and a cable system to climb across the mountainside
- Fly on several lines from our zipline course
- Experienced raft and Via Ferrata guides
B. Trip Itinerary*
- Check in and connect with your guide at our Idaho Springs outpost.
- Prepare for your Via Ferrata adventure and take a short ride to the course’s starting point.
- Ascend the cliffside using a thrilling array of elements, such as iron rungs, bars, and bridges.
- Fly on several lines from our zipline course
- Break for lunch – please pack a lunch or grab lunch in town
- Embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey through the Upper Clear Creek.
- Navigate through challenging class IV rapids, covering an 8 mile stretch of the river.
- Return to our outpost to review photos from your adventures
*For some trips, the order of adventures may be switched. Please check your individual booking for exact details.
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.
C. Who will love this trip?
- Adventure seekers looking for two unique, exciting experiences
- Families with kids at least 15 years old
- Groups hoping for a thrilling full day of 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 + Via Ferrata Adventure
A full day of adventure
This full-day of adventure includes rafting on and our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course. Your heart will race the entire day, as you traverse the cliffside and then hit the water, navigating technical sections and steeper drops on the steep Class IV section of Clear Creek known as Upper Clear Creek.
Your Via Ferrata adventure includes a combination of cliffside traversing, rappelling, and ziplining back down to our outpost. This unique course is built directly into the mountainside, where you utilize iron rungs, bars, bridges, and other features to climb up and along the cliffside. You will remain attached to the cliff at all times with a safe dual-cable system.
Majestic Scenery
This full day adventure promises breathtaking vistas both from the mountain peaks and along the river’s course. On our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course, revel in the sweeping panoramas of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring views of Chicago Creek winding through the forest below.
Navigating the upper section of Clear Creek offers an exhilarating whitewater experience set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Enveloped by verdant river greenery lining and flanked by formidable rock formations, your rafting excursion promises scenic marvels at every turn. Stay on the lookout for wildlife; you may encounter 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
- Lunch (or grab a bite to eat in town)
- Cash to tip your raft & Via Ferrata guides!
Continue the Adventure
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Denver to our Idaho Springs outpost or an extended stay, there’s a plethora of activities to enhance your experience :
- Refuel at a local restaurant or brewery. Don’t miss out on our favorites, including Beau Jo’s Pizza or Tommyknocker Brewery.
- Explore the rich mining history of the region with captivating tours at Argo Mill and Tunnel or Phoenix Gold Mine.
- Continue your outdoor adventures by exploring Colorado favorites including St. Mary’s Glacier, Mount Blue Sky, or one of the numerous hiking trails nearby.
- For a change of scenery, take a quick 25-minute drive to Denver and immerse yourself in 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
Schedule your rafting expedition between early May and mid-July for the ultimate experience on this dynamic river.
Our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is an exhilarating adventure packed with physically demanding activities including a brief hike, handhold climbing, ziplining, and traversing cable bridges. We encourage participants to maintain physical fitness, as this adventure requires upper body strength, balance, and endurance. However, prior climbing experience is not necessary, and our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is accessible to adventurers of all skill levels!
Safety is our top priority on all our adventures, and we adhere to established safety standards. During the excursion, participants are securely fastened to the cliffside using a harness and a dependable 2-cable system. As you navigate the course, you’ll consistently clip in and out of these cables, maintaining a continuous connection to the cliffside. With this design, you cannot accidentally from both cables simultaneously, ensuring ultimate security throughout the adventure.
Please pack a lunch or grab lunch in Idaho Springs between adventures.
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