7 Rafting Experiences In Idaho Springs, Colorado - Updated 2024

Richard Dean
Richard Dean 
Updated
| 4 min read

Famous for the early discovery of gold in 1859, Idaho Springs shines among the rest in Colorado with its immense natural beauty. Tall museums, picturesque shops, gorgeous attractions, a great culinary scene, and friendly locals - all these make this city a great vacation destination. What sets it apart from the rest is Clear Creek. This place is a playground for adventurers - extreme excursions from ziplining and cliffside free falls to world-class whitewater rafting are available. Experience beginner to advanced whitewater rafting excursions and meet “Terminator”, “Hell’s Corner”, and “Double Knife” - they will show you what rafting is all about. Are you ready to accept the challenge? Check out this article and discover the best rafting experiences in Idaho Springs, Colorado!

1. Admire spectacular views on a whitewater rafting tour in Clear Creek (from USD 114.0)

Amazing views of Clear Creek Canyon, Gold Rush history, and adrenaline rush - this is what you’ll get when you join this exhilarating, three-hour whitewater rafting tour. This particular adventure is suitable for intermediate rafters, as you go through long stretches and difficult rapids on Clear Creek. The tour includes all necessary equipment and a professional guide to ensure your safety. You can be assured that they will be assisting the team in every way.

Visited this place?

Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting near Denver

Duration: 3 hours

212 reviews

2. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Clear Creek with a beginner's rafting adventure (from USD 89.0)

This magnificent, three-hour whitewater rafting tour offers an unbeatable escapade. If you want to experience rafting for the first time, there’s no better place in Colorado than Clear Creek. Surrounded by spectacular scenery and just 30 minutes away from Downtown Denver, this place has lured adventure enthusiasts from all over the world with its immense beauty. During the tour, your friendly guide will shed some light on the history of the area. Be prepared to get wet as you conquer the rapids of Clear Creek. Everything you need for a safe whitewater rafting experience will be provided, including helmets and life jackets.

Visited this place?

Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

Duration: 3 hours

14 reviews

3. Accept the whitewater rafting and ziplining challenge with this Upper Clear Creek tour (from USD 219.0)

Your escapade in Idaho Springs will be incomplete without trying this spectacular duo: whitewater rafting and ziplining from a cliffside. Enjoy and feel the fresh mountain air as you zipline at the speed of 48 km (30 mi) per hour. Experience adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting as you conquer the steepest and most technical stretches of Clear Creek’s class IV rapids. This course requires strength, endurance, and swimming skills. Stay calm when you meet the “Hell’s Corner”, “Double Knife”, and “Terminator” rapids. If that’s not enough adventure for you, the tour also offers other exciting activities like cliffside free falls and a jungle bridge.

Visited this place?

Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

12 reviews

4. Level up your rafting escapade by conquering Class III-IV rapids on Upper Clear Creek (from USD 99.0)

Colorado is home to Clear Creek - the venue for thrilling water adventures. Get the chance to conquer the class III-IV rapids of Upper Clear Creek, with a length of 12.9 km (8 mi). The steep drops add to the thrill and reminds you not to let your guard down while passing through the “Deliverance”, “Fall River”, and “Nomad” rapids. Hold your breath and exert more effort when you face the class IV rapids. Learn how to navigate your way out with tight turns and nimble maneuvers. During this half-day whitewater rafting adventure, expect to see some river otters, sheep, and other wildlife. Take note that this tour is only for those 15 years and older.

Visited this place?

Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

Duration: 3 hours

26 reviews

5. Experience a two-in-one adventure with whitewater rafting and ziplining (from USD 214.0)

Embark on these two top-notch activities in Breckenridge: rafting and ziplining. These will be the highlights of your Idaho escapade. Discover your skills and strengths as you journey past Douglas pines and Ponderosa Forest, which both serve as an adventure playground for all. Wear your safety gear and prepare your equipment before you paddle down Clear Creek. During this exciting, seven-hour tour, you will get to practice, learn about the wilderness, and develop new skills. Amenities of the tour include gear and equipment plus a knowledgable tour guide to ensure your safety and assist you from start to finish.

Visited this place?

Gold Rush Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

Duration: 7 hours

8 reviews

6. Take on the challenge of whitewater rafting and surfing at Clear Creek (from USD 60.0)

take on the challenge of whitewater rafting and surfing at clear creek
Source: www.viator.com

Calling all experienced paddlers - this Clear Creek excursion will surely satisfy your craving for adventure. Enjoy paddling through nonstop Class III rapids. This 90-minute journey will test your strength and endurance as you take on a turbulent and fast-flowing part of the course. Don’t get too comfy! This part of Clear Creek is the steepest and requires more technical maneuvers - that’s why it is not advisable for those below the age of 14. What’s more? This tour allows you also to try out whitewater surfing. All safety gear and equipment are included, plus a reliable tour guide.

Visited this place?

Clear Creek Intermediate

7. Start your Idaho escapade with an easy whitewater rapids course at Clear Creek (from USD 54.0)

start your idaho escapade with an easy whitewater rapids course at clear creek
Source: www.viator.com

If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s suitable for the whole family, why not step up and experience whitewater rafting at the famous Clear Creek? This is also the perfect opportunity to teach kiddos about leadership, endurance, teamwork, and other skills required to have a fun and successful rafting experience. During the journey, you will face 10 rapids that will surely thrill and excite you. As you continue, you can admire wonderful views and natural sceneries. You will pass by some historic landmarks like Argo Gold Mine. If you are lucky enough, some bighorn sheep or other wildlife might even greet you. Overall, this fun tour is suitable for a small or big family with kids five years old and up.

Visited this place?

Clear Creek Beginner

Experience world-class whitewater rafting in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs, Colorado is blessed with natural wonders, which means more thrilling escapades will be available. This city is sure to bring out your wild side. In every corner, mild to extreme adventures are waiting, from mountain biking to the exciting whitewater rafting experience - the real drawcard. If you want to experience rafting, Clear Creek is the place to be. In Idaho Springs, it’s regrettable if you don’t get to say, “Challenge accepted!”

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Richard, a writer and traveler, is also passionate about biking. When not immersed in bike parts or computers, he can be found at the market, hunting for ingredients to fuel his love for...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Idaho Springs
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.