Clear Creek Advanced/Intermediate Full Day Rafting Trip

Idaho Springs, CO

About This Trip

Advanced/Intermediate Full Day Rafting trip with Lunch

Experience the ultimate white water adventure near Denver on the Advanced/Intermediate Full Day rafting trip on Clear Creek! This comprehensive journey combines the best of our Advanced/Intermediate 2h 30m and the Clear Creek Classic trips for a full day of non-stop whitewater action. The adventure typically starts at Dumont and ends at Kermit’s Access, you’ll conquer 13 miles of continuous rapids including all the named rapids from both shorter trips. Total trip time is 4h 30m with 3h 15m on the water and a delicious riverside lunch. 

The adventure begins with the challenging upper section featuring the technical Nomad (Class III) rapid, the splashy Fall River (Class III), and the infamous trio of Phoenix (Class IV), Deliverance (Class IV), and Outer Limits (Class IV) – some of the most challenging white water rapids in the state. After conquering these challenges, you’ll enjoy a well deserved riverside lunch before continuing through the lower section with eight more exciting Class III rapids including Castle Falls, Subway Rapid, Dizzy Lizzy, Powerline Rapid, Mountain Lion Rapid, Box, and Twister. Cap it all off with Upper and Lower Beaves rapids (class IV) just before the takeout!

At lower water flows (typically starting late-mid July) the trip will begin at Chicago Creek and run the lower Class III section first, stoping for lunch before 5 miles of class IV whitewater in the Lower Clear Creek Canyon. The trip takes out on the scenic highway 6 at mile 270.

This 13 mile adventure delivers nonstop thrilling white water rafting action on the steepest rafting run in Colorado with more rapids per mile than any other river near Denver!

Is the full day trip sounding a little too long or adventurous? If so, return to the Clear Creek Rafting page to view more trip options.

  • Navigate the steepest white water rafting run with more rapids per mile than any other river near Denver.
  • Cover 13 miles of continuous Class III & IV whitewater action with 3 hours on the river.
  • Savor a delicious bbq riverside lunch midway through your adventure in Idaho, Springs.
  • Discover gold rush history and see historic sites like the Argo Mine and Charlie Taylor Water Wheel.
  • Spot local wildlife including bighorn sheep, river otters, and bears.
  • Conveniently located just 30-45 minutes from Denver, Winter Park, and Breckenridge.

Itinerary & Map

9:30AM
Meet at 431 Chicago Creek Rd in Idaho Springs, and get suited up for the river!
 
Shuttle ~10 minutes to Dumont Put In.
 
Safety talk and paddling instruction. Then hit the river!
 
Enjoy the continuous Class II & III rapids of the fast flowing Clear Creek.
 
Challenge the Class IV rapids like “Phoenix”, “Deliverance”, and Outer Limits”.
 
Stop out for a riverside bbq lunch.
 
Paddle through more continuous Class II & III rapids.
 
End your trip with two thrilling Class IV Rapids – “The Beavers”.
 
Take out and shuttle back!
2:00PM
Arrive back to Mild to Wild’s office.

* Please note that all itineraries are subject to change due to river conditions.

Booking Options

Inflatable raft with 3 oars

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 15+

Adult (15+)

$189

Reviews from our Guests

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Jim Wade profile picture
Jim Wade
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It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
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Christopher Teaf
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Excellent in every respect
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Cindy McCullough profile picture
Cindy McCullough
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Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
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Kimber R profile picture
Kimber R
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Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
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Chris Joyce profile picture
Chris Joyce
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Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
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Deanna Myers profile picture
Deanna Myers
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Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people. We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
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Mr. Debatable
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Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
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Melody Urso profile picture
Melody Urso
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I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
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Krystal Folsom
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Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
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Alan Phillips profile picture
Alan Phillips
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We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

Payments & Cancellations

Payment Plan

We start with a 50% deposit, and have the remaining 50% charged 30 days prior to trip. Trips reserved less than 30 days in advance require payment in full.

Please call for alternative payment arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Day Trips: Receive a full refund with written notice 24 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.

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).

Trip Departure Policy

We reserve the right to switch river/locations based on current conditions and a minimum number of participants. This trip requires 4 participants or paid seats to depart.

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.

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 June

  • 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

Scenic Upper Animas River - Upper Animas Rafting - Mild to Wild

Important Considerations

View of the back of a raft going through whitewater in Clear Creek - Idaho Springs, Colorado
  • Wetsuits are required through Spring on this trip, and are included in all reservations. Wetsuit 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.

Meet Location & Directions

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