Rafting through Colorado’s history, you’ll paddle an exhilarating stretch of whitewater, feeling the spray of crisp, cool water on your face. Beneath you, the powerful current of Clear Creek carries your raft downstream, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Colorado Rockies. While the thrill of the rapids is a modern-day adventure, you’re also floating through the very heart of Colorado’s golden past.
Long before the bright colors of rafts and kayaks dotted its surface, Clear Creek was the site of a discovery that would forever change the trajectory of Colorado. It was here, in the winter of 1859, that the cry of “Gold!” echoed through the canyons, launching a stampede of prospectors westward and igniting the Colorado Gold Rush.
The story begins on a cold January day, when a prospector named George A. Jackson, drawn by a plume of steam rising from the confluence of Chicago Creek and Clear Creek near present-day Idaho Springs, decided to try his luck and it was here that Clear Creek Gold was discovered. With a tin cup and a sheath knife, he swirled the icy gravel and water, revealing the tell-tale gleam of placer gold. On January 5, 1859, Jackson’s discovery became the first significant gold strike in the region, and the rush was on.
Today, as you embark on a Mild to Wild rafting trip on Clear Creek, you’re not just navigating thrilling rapids; you’re tracing the path of those early gold-seekers. The very same waters that once promised fortunes in sparkling flakes and nuggets now offer a different kind of wealth—an abundance of adventure and a tangible connection to the past. Will you spot some Clear Creek Gold shimmering in the clear water of the creek?
On Mild to Wild’s family-friendly “The Clear Creek Classic” trip, perfect for first-timers and those with a taste for history, the guides don’t just point out the best lines through the rapids. They are also your storytellers, bringing the Gold Rush to life. As you float past historic mining sites, like the towering Argo Gold Mine and Mill, or Charlies Water Wheel, you can almost hear the faint clatter of mining equipment and the hopeful chatter of miners who once lined these banks.
Or the more adventurous Clear Creek Rush, for those seeking a bit more adrenaline, takes you through more challenging sections of the creek. But even as you focus on paddling through the churning whitewater, the rich history of the area is undeniable. The steep canyon walls that flank the creek are a testament to the relentless forces of nature that both carved this stunning landscape and hid its golden secrets for centuries.
The “gold fever” that gripped the nation in the mid-19th century has been replaced by a new kind of excitement—the thrill of conquering a rapid, the joy of a shared adventure with family and friends, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Will spotting some Clear Creek Gold make you feel that chill down your spine that drove the miners west? We think it might just make sure the chill was not a splash from the river before you pack that wagon.
So, the next time you’re looking for a Colorado adventure that’s rich in both excitement and history, look no further than a trip down Clear Creek with Mild to Wild Rafting. You may not be panning for Clear Creek Gold, but you’re sure to strike a wealth of memories on the very waters where Colorado’s golden dreams were born.