Clear Creek Rafting Near Denver
Just West of Denver, Miles From Ordinary
Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting Trips
Experience the thrill of Clear Creek whitewater rafting in Idaho Springs, the closest world-class rafting near Denver and the Front Range. Just 45 minutes from downtown Denver, Clear Creek offers the most accessible and action-packed Colorado whitewater rafting adventure in the state.
Our Idaho Springs rafting trips range from family-friendly Class II and III sections perfect for beginners to advanced Class IV and Class V whitewater for experienced paddlers seeking steep, technical rapids. Known for continuous whitewater, narrow canyon walls, and fast-moving drops, Clear Creek rafting delivers one of the most exciting half-day rafting trips near Denver.
Our professional, safety-certified guides bring decades of Colorado rafting experience, providing top-quality equipment, thorough safety instruction, and unforgettable river memories. Whether you’re searching for rafting near Denver, Idaho Springs whitewater rafting, or the best Colorado rafting trips for families and adventure-seekers, Clear Creek is the ultimate Front Range river experience.
Book your Clear Creek rafting trip in Idaho Springs today and discover why it’s Colorado’s premier whitewater adventure close to Denver.
Explore our Clear Creek Rafting Trips
Family Friendly
Middle Clear Creek
Family-Friendly Rafting
Enjoy a fun, splashy introduction to whitewater with Class II-III rapids that are perfect for families and first-timers.
Class II-III Rapids
Ages 7+
Idaho Springs (Near Denver)
Starting at $89/person
Most Popular
Upper Clear Creek
Intermediate Rafting
Conquer 17 rapids on this exciting intermediate run that balances big splashes with beautiful scenery.
Class III-IV Rapids
Ages 14+
Idaho Springs (Near Denver)
Starting at $99/person
Most Challenging
Lower Clear Creek
Advanced Rafting
Tackle continuous, adrenaline-pumping Class IV-V rapids on this intense adventure just west of Denver.
Class IV-V Rapids
Ages 16+
Idaho Springs (Near Denver)
Starting at $109/person
We run all of our Clear Creek whitewater rafting trips out of our location at 1181 Co Rd 308, Unit B, Dumont, CO 80436.
Idaho Springs rafting trips on Clear Creek run daily from May through Labor Day, depending on river flows. Check availability online to secure your preferred date and time.
Clear Creek whitewater rafting in Idaho Springs ranges from beginner-friendly Class II and III rapids to advanced Class IV and V runs, making it one of the most versatile Colorado rafting experiences.
Safety comes first on every Clear Creek rafting trip. Our certified guides complete rigorous, industry-leading training and are prepared for all river conditions.
“They did amazing, they were very knowledgeable and experienced, went above and beyond to accommodate us. I highly recommend.”
— Jason, Former Customer
Find Your Adventure
The Closest Whitewater to Denver & The Front Range
Why spend your whole day in the car? Our Clear Creek outpost in Dumont is the most convenient rafting destination for visitors staying in the metro area.
From Denver: 35–45 Minutes
From Boulder/Golden: 40 Minutes
From Summit County (Breckenridge/Vail): 45 Minutes
Location: 1181 Co Rd 308, Unit B, Dumont, CO 80436 (Conveniently located right off I-70).
What’s Included:
Every Arkansas River Tours Trip Includes:
Professional River Gear: High-quality PFDs (Life Jackets) and helmets.
Wetsuits & Splash Jackets: We provide these at no extra charge to keep you warm in the snow-fed waters of Clear Creek.
Safety Briefing: Expert instruction on paddling techniques and river safety before you hit the water.
On-Site Facilities: Changing rooms and secure storage for your dry clothes at our Dumont Basecamp
SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY
The power of Clear Creek deserves respect. At Idaho Springs Rafting Company, the safety of our guests and guides is our highest priority. Every trip begins with preparation, clear communication, and professional oversight on the river.
Our guides complete extensive whitewater safety training and are certified in CPR and First Aid. We carefully match each guest to the appropriate rafting experience based on age, ability level, and comfort in moving water to ensure the best possible adventure.
We are committed to maintaining an exceptional safety record on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Choosing the right trip is an important part of that commitment. Before your adventure, we ask that all guests review our rafting safety guidelines so you arrive informed, prepared, and ready for an unforgettable day on the river.
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While Idaho Springs Rafting Company takes every precaution to ensure your safety, our adventures take place in the dynamic and ever-changing natural environment of Idaho Springs and the surrounding Colorado Rockies. Idaho Springs Rafting Company and our guides are thoroughly trained, experienced, and prepared for the conditions we encounter. We maintain an excellent safety record and are committed to upholding that standard on every trip.
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training in the industry, exceeding all state requirements by as many hours and days as necessary to develop competent, confident, and highly skilled river professionals. For our team, whitewater rafting is a profession — not just a seasonal job.
Our fun-loving and dedicated guides are passionate about sharing their love of the river and their knowledge of the surrounding environment with every guest. Many of our guides are Swiftwater Rescue Certified and hold EMT or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications, and all guides maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
Our team’s average experience exceeds five years on the river, with individual guide experience ranging from first-year guides to seasoned professionals with up to 38 years of experience
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Idaho Springs Rafting Company guides complete extensive training that exceeds state requirements, ensuring they are skilled, confident, and prepared for the river. For our team, whitewater rafting is a profession — not just a seasonal job.
Our guides are passionate about sharing their love of the river and their knowledge of the environment with every guest. Many hold Swiftwater Rescue, EMT, or Wilderness First Responder certifications, and all are certified in First Aid and CPR. Our team averages over five years of experience, with individual guide experience ranging from first year to nearly four decades on the river.
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Safety is our # 1 priority. All of our boats are self-bailing and have foot cup to provide guests with a secure seat in the raft. We will provide top-quality lift jackets, wetsuits, helmets and we carry a first aid kit, repair kit and a radio for communication on all tours.
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The likelihood of falling into the river depends largely on water levels and current conditions, making it difficult to predict. While our goal is always to keep everyone in the boat and dry, entering the water is a possibility on any trip.
FAQs for Rafting Clear Creek
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We introduce children to the river as young as 4 years old on our Upper Colorado Day Trip. This trip is designed specifically for little ones, featuring calm waters and plenty of smiles. For families wanting more splashes and paddling action, we recommend waiting until children are 7 years old to tackle the family friendly middle Clear Creek Section.
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For our Family Float and Class II-III trips, swimming ability is recommended but not strictly required. Every guest is issued a Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) designed to keep heads above water. Our guides are trained to handle non-swimmers safely. However, for the advanced Upper Creek Section (Class IV & V) trips, strong swimming skills are required.
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Safety is our top priority. While all outdoor activities carry inherent risks, we mitigate them by using specific river sections that are appropriate for children. We provide kid-sized gear (helmets and life jackets) that fit securely, and our guides give a comprehensive safety talk before the boat ever leaves the shore. For nervous children, we recommend the Upper Colorado Family Float as a positive first introduction.
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Avoid cotton (like jeans or regular t-shirts) as it gets cold when wet. We recommend:
Swimsuits or synthetic shorts/leggings
Secure footwear: River sandals with a heel strap, old tennis shoes, or water shoes. (No flip-flops or Crocs—they will float away!)
Sun protection: Sunglasses with a strap, hat, and sunscreen
Note: We provide wetsuits and splash jackets for free!
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Usually, yes! Our rafts generally hold 6–7 guests plus a guide. If you have a large family reunion, we can split you into multiple boats that travel down the river together, so you are never far apart. We can also arrange “split trips” where the older cousins tackle the big rapids while the younger kids do the float, and everyone meets up afterwards.
Prepare For Your Adventure
FAQs
Everything you need to know before you go—from safety and gear to trip expectations and river conditions.