A group of six people in an orange inflatable raft with yellow helmets, paddling on a river with green trees and rocks along the shoreline.

Upper Clear Creek
Intermediate Rafting

Conquer 17 rapids on this exciting intermediate run that balances big splashes with beautiful scenery.

Learn More

Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting – Trip Overview

The Upper Clear Creek section is widely regarded as one of Colorado’s premier advanced rafting runs near Denver. This 8-mile stretch flows through a narrow granite canyon and contains approximately 17 named Class III and IV rapids, offering continuous, technical whitewater over a 1.5 to 2-hour river experience (water levels dependent).

Unlike pool-drop rivers, Upper Clear Creek is fast-moving and dynamic, requiring active paddling and coordinated teamwork. Guests will navigate steep gradient sections, tight channels, and powerful wave trains under the direction of a professional guide trained in swift water rescue and river risk management. This section provides a true mountain whitewater experience just 30 minutes west of Denver in historic Idaho Springs.

  • Upper Clear Creek is best suited for physically fit participants who are comfortable in moving water and prepared for an active, paddle-intensive experience. While experienced rafters often seek out this run for its technical features, motivated first-timers with strong swimming ability and a willingness to follow guide commands closely can also enjoy this section.

    Participants should be prepared to:

    • Paddle consistently through continuous rapids
    • Sit securely in the raft during dynamic movement
    • Respond quickly to guide instructions
    • Self-rescue if necessary in cold, swift current

    This trip is not a passive float — it is an engaging, hands-on whitewater run designed for guests who want a higher-intensity river experience.

  • Located just 30 minutes from Denver, Upper Clear Creek offers one of the closest advanced rafting options to the Front Range. Multiple daily departure times allow flexibility for half-day planning, and many guests pair their trip with time in Idaho Springs for dining or exploration after their river experience.

    Water levels on Clear Creek fluctuate throughout the season, and trip intensity can vary depending on runoff and dam releases. Our team evaluates conditions daily to ensure appropriate group placement and safety protocols.

  • What to bring rafting:

    • Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes

    • Secure shoes (no flip flops)

    • Sunscreen + sunglasses with strap

    • Water bottle

    • Towel & dry clothes for after

    We provide all rafting gear (helmet, life jacket, wetsuit if needed).

Map with a red location pin marker, dotted trail, and green terrain diagram.
Colorful birthday cake with three lit candles on top, decorated with icing in pastel colors.
An analog clock showing 12:35.

Requirements: Minimum age of 14 and weight at least 50 lbs; swimming ability and paddling required.

A gauge meter with a needle pointing to the orange-red zone, indicating a high level.

Trip Length: 3 hours in total, 1.5 to 2 hours on the water

Adventure Level: Wild and fun class III-IV rapids

Advertisement for half-day rafting trips starting at $119 per person, suitable for ages 14 and up. Features a button labeled 'RAFT HALF DAY' and the tagline 'More time. Bigger rapids. More fun.'
Checklist on a clipboard with three checked items, representing completed tasks.

What's Included: All River Gear - wetsuits & booties, life jackets & professional guides

Book Your Adventure

What to Expect

Family whitewater rafting through Class III rapids on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs Colorado.

Big Splash Adventure

Get ready for eight miles of splash-filled rafting on Clear Creek. With 17 Class III and IV rapids, this guided rafting trip combines teamwork, exciting whitewater, and plenty of big waves to keep everyone smiling from start to finish.

Group whitewater rafting through Class III rapids on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Scenic Canyon Adventure

Experience one of the most popular rafting trips on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs. This scenic stretch of river combines exciting whitewater with beautiful canyon views, making it perfect for guests who want a balance of fun rapids and relaxing moments to take in Colorado’s mountain scenery.

Group whitewater rafting through a rapid on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Expert River Guides

Your trip is led by a professional river guide trained to safely navigate the rapids while making the experience fun and memorable. Along the way, they’ll share river knowledge, guide your team through the whitewater, and ensure your group enjoys a safe and exciting Clear Creek rafting adventure.

  • Your whole day of floating starts with a gathering at our rafting outpost at 1181 Co Rd 308, Unit B, Dumont, CO. This is a short and scenic 40-minute drive from Denver, making it an easy day trip. We offer morning, midday, and afternoon leave times, so you can choose the trip that works best with your schedule. Once you arrive, our team will check you in and get you geared up in wetsuits, helmets, and a Personal Flotation Device.

  • Once everyone is suited up for the ride of a lifetime, we head to the put-in! This shuttle is about 3 minutes, just enough time to build anticipation for the fun ahead.

    When we reach our destination, your guide will ensure everyone has the knowledge they need to band together and navigate the bigger rapids. Your group will learn how to efficiently paddle, ride the rapids, and keep paddles a safe distance from others. You will also learn all the necessary commands that your guide will shout to keep your raft moving in the right direction.
    Once everyone is filled in on the game plan, it’s time to hop on the water!

  • There are 17 named rapids to conquer, and you’ll have a wild ride on them all! A few of the rapids are boisterous class-III waves and drops like Nomad and Stairs, and there are several legendary class-IV rapids that will get your heart pumping, like Lumpy, Phoenix Holes and Deliverance. There’s even a series of class-IV hemorrhoid-themed rapids for a laugh in the middle of the chaos.

    We work together as a team on this river, so the more people participate, the more fun everyone has. You have about 1.5-2 hours of whitewater fun, and by the end of the trip, you’ll feel like you can take on the world.

    Along the trip, your raft will be captured by our talented photographer for some dramatic photos of navigating the rapids. These photos will be available for purchase at the end of your trip so you can keep your Upper Clear Creek memories forever.

Itinerary

Group whitewater rafting through a rapid on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado.
A river flowing through a lush, green forested valley with mountains in the background and a blue sky overhead.
A group of people rafting on a river in a bright blue inflatable raft, wearing yellow helmets and life jackets, navigating through rushing water with paddles.
A group of people wearing helmets and life jackets white water rafting on a river with white rapids, surrounded by rocks and greenery.
Group of people in yellow helmets and life jackets rafting on a river in a green inflatable boat, surrounded by water and trees.
People rafting on a river surrounded by tall green pine trees in a mountainous forest.
People in a red inflatable raft paddling down a rushing river surrounded by lush green trees and mountains in the background.
Four people in a bright orange raft navigating through white water rapids with rocks and greenery on riverbanks.
Four people rafting on a white water river surrounded by rocks and trees, wearing life jackets and helmets.

About the Area

Upper Clear Creek Rafting

While Lower Clear Creek takes the cake for the biggest rapids in Clear Creek, Upper Clear Creek is no joke! This stretch of the creek is perfect for people who want to tackle some big rapids while still enjoying a more approachable trip than the advanced Lower Clear Creek.

Upper Clear Creek has a whopping 17 named class III-IV rapids in this eight-mile stretch, making it a trip overflowing with adventure and fun. The second you’re done with one rapid, you’re getting ready to face the next! You’ll fly over rapids like Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance and the famous Outer Limits Rapid. This river drops about 75 feet per mile, making it a wild time from start to finish.

Due to the technical rapids on this trip, listening to your guide and following instructions is key to tackling the whitewater. Expect to paddle as a team and follow your guide’s direction to successfully run this section. The exciting rapids and teamwork are sure to make you feel accomplished when you reach the take-out!

Upper Clear Creek Views

Clear Creek is located in Idaho Springs, CO, which is known for its mining country, quaint town and Rocky Mountain splendor. You’ll get your fair share of high-altitude scenes as you fly down the creek. You’ll pass by towering pines, large boulders, mammoth rock faces, and wide views at every turn. This more remote area is also home to interesting wildlife, so you may spy elk, deer or bighorn sheep in between rapids.