Clear Creek Rafting Trips Highlights
Located in historic Idaho, springs, just 30 minutes from Denver, Clear Creek boasts some of Colorado’s most famous whitewater. This rocky mountain adventure combines exciting rapids, alpine scenery, and rich mining history. The river’s diverse concentration of rapids ranges from class II-IV with multiple trip options for nearly all ages and adventure levels.
- Multiple guided trip options only 30 minutes from Denver.
- Conquer exciting Class III & Class IV rapids like Castle Falls (Class III), Deliverance (Class IV), and Outer Limits (Class IV).
- Discover gold rush heritage at the Chicago Creek discovery site.
- Spot local wildlife including bighorn sheep, river otters, and bears.
- Float by historical sites including the Argo Mine (once the most profitable mine in the world) and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel.
Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting Trips
More About This Trip
Flowing from the peaks of Loveland Pass, down the east face of the continental divide, and into the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek offers the most accessible and rewarding white water rafting near Denver.
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A free-flowing river fed by snowmelt, water levels fluctuate throughout the season, providing varied whitewater experiences during the summer season. High water season begins late May and lasts through mid June. As the winter snow runs off into late June and July, flows begin to drop and the rapids become more defined, requiring technical maneuvers to navigate the river.
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Boasting some of Colorado’s most renowned whitewater, Clear Creek offers an excellent combination of exciting rapids, rich history, and natural beauty. Trip options include a beginner 2h 30m trip, an intermediate 2h 30m trip and an intermediate full day trip. The “beginner” trip option includes constant class II rapids with eight class III’s. The 2h 30m intermediate stretch boasts nonstop class II rapids with five class III’s and three class IV rapids. The full day intermediate trip includes the 2h. 30m intermediate and beginner sections plus a stop for lunch and two more class IV rapids just before the takeout. Multiple daily departure times ensure theres a trip to fit in everyone’s itinerary!
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Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours has recently expanded its white water rafting offerings to Clear Creek through the acquisition of Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips in April of 2025. We are thrilled to carry on the Geo Tours 30+ year legacy united by our shared passion for providing exceptional white water rafting experiences and excellence in guest services.
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The History
Journey through time in your descent down the river as you uncover Colorado’s Rocky Mountain mining history. Chicago Creek, a more prominent landmark along the rafting journey, is documented as the location where the first gold nugget was discovered during the Idaho Springs gold rush, initiating the Gold Rush of 1859. Then float past the historic Argo Mine and Mill, once one of the world’s most productive mines, which processed over $100 million of gold ore.
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The Charlie Taylor Water Wheel stands as another testament to the area’s rich mining heritage, while Kermit’s Access (a popular take-out point) is named after an old dive bar, now Two Bears Tap & Grill, which serves one of the oldest pork green chili recipes in Colorado – a delicious post-rafting meal!
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Location, Location, Location
Clear Creek is ideally located in the Front Range, approximately 30-45 minutes from the state capital. It’s also easily accessible from Winter Park, Breckenridge and surrounding Summit County, and is the closest rafting destination to both Golden and Boulder. This prime location means less time driving and more time enjoying your summer adventures!
Trip Options
Denver Rafting Trips
Idaho Springs, CO
1h on water, 2h 30m meet to return.
- Adult (12+): $79
- Youth (7-11): $74
Idaho Springs, CO
1h on water, 2hr 30m meet to return.
- Adult (Ages 15+): $89
Idaho Springs, CO
3h 15m on water, 4h 30m meet to return. Lunch included!
- Adult (15+): $189
Package Options
Idaho Springs, CO
Zip through Idaho Springs’ treetops in the morning and cool off with an exhilarating rafting trip on Clear Creek in the afternoon.
Idaho Springs, CO
Enjoy a thrilling Clear Creek rafting trip in the morning, then soar through the trees in the afternoon!
Idaho Springs, CO
Enjoy a thrilling Clear Creek rafting trip in the morning, then challenge yourself on the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata!
Idaho Springs, CO
Tackle the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata in the morning and cool off with an exhilarating rafting trip on Clear Creek in the afternoon.
Why Raft Clear Creek with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- Onsite bathrooms and changing rooms
- Gift shop for your last minute needs
- Action photos of your trip available for purchase
- Neoprene wetsuits provided & boots available for rent
- Custom, quality, & Coast Guard approved river equipment
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Pay incentives for higher certification levels including WFR, EMT, & Swift Water Rescue
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Mild to Wild has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. We value excellence in guest services and strive to curate unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with our guides and equipment, your trip is free.
Boat Options
We offer these boat options so that you can customize your Durango rafting trip to the experience you desire.
Mild to Wild’s Boat Options: Why You’re In the Raft You’re In
Premium Raft
Holds Up to 6 Guests
Premium Raft
• Smaller guide to Guest Ratio
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
• 5 Paid Seats is a Private Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
Standard Raft
Holds up to 10 Guests
Standard Raft
• Option to Paddle or Relax
• Ages 4+
• Ages 4+
Single Person Kayak
One Guest per kayak
Inflatable Kayak
•
No experience necessary
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
• Instructional guide provided
• Increased adventure level
• Physical fitness required
• Ages 11+ or 5'2"
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
Day Trips: Receive a 90% refund with written notice 36 hours or more before the trip. Less notice, no refund.
Trip Change Option
Up to 12 hours prior to departure, trips can be rescheduled for a different day and/or time. The price of this change policy is 5% of the total trip cost. Upgrade only available at time of reservation and must be applied to each seat.
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