About This Trip
Clear Creek Classic 2 hour 30 Minute Trip
Experience the Clear Creek Classic 2h 30m rafting trip. Fantastic for multi-generational families, experienced rafters, and unexperienced rafters alike, this classic Colorado rafting run delivers an engaging river experience. While a bit more mild compared to the intermediate section up river, theres plenty of excitement to be had in an hour on the water full of steady paddling, continuous class II rapids, and eight class III rapids. Starting at Chicago Creek and taking out at Kermits Access, the trip spans 5 miles through the heart of historic Idaho, Springs unfolding a float full of historic sites including the Argo Mine and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel.
As a free-flowing river fed by snowmelt, Clear Creek’s character changes throughout the season. In mid-to-late June during high water, expect more thrilling waves and splashes, while the late-season offers a more technical experience requiring precise navigation around exposed rocks to shoot through narrow river channels!
- Conquer exciting Class III rapids including Castle Falls, Subway Rapid, and Dizzy Lizzy with more rapids per mile than any other river near Denver.
- Discover gold rush history where the first gold nugget was discovered at Chicago Creek.
- See historic sites like the Argo Mine/Mill (once the most profitable mine in the world) and Charlie Taylor Water Wheel.
- Spot Wildlife: bighorn sheep, river otters, and bears.
- Enjoy a white water rafting adventure great for families and less experienced outdoor adventurers.
- The most convenient white water rafting from Denver, Winter Park, and Breckenridge.
Itinerary & Map
* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.
Booking Options
Standard Rafts
13 foot self-bailing rafts (up to 8 guests).
We use Oar Boats or Paddle Boats on these trips depending on water levels. Oar Boats, typically used at high water, come with a frame that give the guide more control with oars. With Paddle Boats, typically used at low water, the guide just has a paddle and relies on you to help get through the rapids!
- Ages 7+
Reviews from our Guests
Posted on Reda2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Ms. Pat. What a lovely knowledgeable lady! We learned some much about the area Native Americans and the history of the locale. Pat was engaging and attentive. She is a credit to your business!!!Posted on Natalie Nunez2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing trip. Able to see Silverton like never before on the Jeep tour, and Jay was incredibly kind. I'd recommend this to anyone I can!Posted on Renee Privett2025-10-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I had a great time on the half day trip down the Animas River. It was our first time in Durango. Our guide Hayden was awesome! Highly recommend!Posted on Larry Donahue2025-10-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tosh Black is phenomenal. This is our yearly trip and we picked Telluride. We went to Bridal Val Falls was off the chart amazing. We also went to Ophir Pass was unbelievable. We also got to see Alta Lakes,, breathtaking. Alex, thank you very much for letting Tosh Come out and play with his friends, that he gets to see once a year. Again, thank you very much to Tosh and Alex for making an awesome memory. You are the best.Posted on Lori Murakami2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was an awesome guide. Friendly and knowledgeable. He took the time to educate us about the mining area and scraped rocks to show us the differences in color.Posted on Anne Baccich2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a van tour with Miles that was quite good in spite of the NPS shutdown of Mesa Verde. He clearly knows the history of the area and has great respect for the ruins and the culture of the ancient ones. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.Posted on Lisa Janzen2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the off-roading Jeep ride! We had a great guide and also a great group.Posted on john sanford2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was great. Due to the government shutdown and parts of Mesa Verde being closed she improvised and provided a great learning experience for us. I did not appreciate a call at 9:10 pm the prior night from the scheduler asking if we could change our start times. The main office knew about the closures on Friday and waited until last minute on Sunday to call me about changing and at a late hour.Posted on Robin Simpson2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat our guide was wonderful. Even though most of the national parks were closed Cat kept us entertained with her knowledge and stories. Thank you
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
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
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.
What to Wear & Bring
- Swimsuit/Quick drying clothing (avoid cotton because it stays the temperature of the water and keeps you cold)
- Water shoes or secure sandals with heel straps (no flip flops or crocs!)
- Hat (that fits under your helmet)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottle
- Camera with waterproof case
Trips from May through August
- Wetsuits (included)
- Wetsuit boots all season (available for rent)
- Fleece jacket and fleece socks (provides added warmth if you tend to get cold)
What To Wear On A Mountain Rafting Trip – Essential Rafting Attire
Important Considerations
Wetsuits are required through Spring on this trip, and are included in all reservations. Wetsuits boots are available to rent!
If you are rafting in May or June, bring extra layers of fleece or polypropylene for warmth. Wool socks under the wetsuit boots also help keep you warmer.
All itineraries are subject to change due to water conditions and/or water levels.
Due to limited put-ins and take-outs, all trip times can vary by half an hour.
This is a hands-on paddling trip! Be ready to navigate with your guide through this narrow canyon.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping
Getting To Telluride
First Timer's Guide
Off-Roading
Weather
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Package Adventures
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Enjoy a thrilling Clear Creek rafting trip in the morning, then challenge yourself on the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata!
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Tackle the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata in the morning and cool off with an exhilarating rafting trip on Clear Creek in the afternoon.
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Zip through Idaho Springs’ treetops in the morning and cool off with an exhilarating rafting trip on Clear Creek in the afternoon.
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Enjoy a thrilling Clear Creek rafting trip in the morning, then soar through the trees in the afternoon!