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.

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.

Trip Highlights

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

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.

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

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 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. 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.

4. 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.

5. Browns Canyon Rafting + Via Ferrata

   Excitement and scenery await on your Browns Canyon + Via Ferrata full-day adventure. Climb into the Rocky Mountains and rush the rapids of the mighty Arkansas River.

Not sure yet? Here are some other activities

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. The Numbers Half Day + Zipline

   Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best summer activities. Soar between trees on our Mountaintop Zipline course and then splash your way through nonstop whitewater on the Numbers Rafting section of the Arkansas River.

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. 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.

9. 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.  

10. Gold Rush Rafting+ Zipline

      Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs outpost, paddle Clear Creek's best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.  

11. Rock Climb Half Day

    Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery while our guides cover the basics of belaying, rappelling, and setting anchors. Whether you’re looking to learn more about rock climbing or trying it for the first time this is a perfect trip for you!

12. 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.

13. Polaris RZR Half Day UTV Rental

    Embark on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kremmling, Colorado with our latest UTV rentals. With this half-day (4-hour) UTV rental, you'll have ample time to delve into the expansive off-road trail network surrounding Kremmling, choosing between the Polaris RZR or the Polaris RZR Turbo for your adventure.

14. 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!

15. 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.

16. 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.