About This Trip
Denver Rafting: 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
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 onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was entertaining and very knowledgeable. He made the trip fun and worthwhile. I would use MILD to Wild nest time in the area.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a Mesa Verde van tour in late October with Miles. He provided outstanding information about the archeology, indigenous peoples, terrain, climate throughout our tour. I also called the phone line and spoke with Tim about hiking opportunities in the Durango area. He listened and gave us effective guidance. This company provides excellent service!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our full day tour in the Mesa Verde area was breathtaking. Got to see parts of the world that will just blow your mind. We were particularly happy with our tour guide, Jay who really knew the history and geology of the area and gave us insights into history that we had not understood before.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience on our Mesa Verde National Park tour! They had to make some last-minute itinerary changes due to park staffing/government shutdown, but we still had a great time! Our tour guide Jay was very knowledgeable and extremely personable. He quickly felt like one of our family as we ventured out to the high desert. He made a point to connect with all of us, but he went out of his way to personally interact with our 2 daughters (10 and 12) and made the experience special for them. They learned so much! He was also very helpful when some of us weren't feeling so great at the high altitude! I would book with this company again in a heartbeat, especially if I could get a tour with Jay!! Thanks for the lifetime memories. What a beautiful area!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was amazing, knowledgeable, and made sure that the unexpected weather and flooding in the area did not keep us from having a good experience. Thank you for the great service recovery and adventure!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was our tour guide, and we had a great Jeep tour with the Trails and Rails – Jeep Tour & Train Package. We explored in Silverton area by Jeep and saw a ghost/mining town near the head in the Animas River. The views were amazing!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miles was an excellent tour guide, knowledgeable with a fun sense of humor. He was flexible and good natured and passed his love of the mountains on to us. The tour was one of the highlights of our entire week. Brenda StewartPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a tour guide. My company hired Jay, with Mild to Wild as our step on guide. Jay was a wealth of information. He was great with my passengers. We all loved him.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just got off the Jeep tour with Jay as our guide. What a day and what a guide!! We’ll be riding the train back from Silverton - best combination. Don’t miss out and request Jay to show you waterfalls!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved it. Awesome adventure. Definitely mild and WILD!!!
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
Related Adventures
 
															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 Adventures
 
															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.
 
															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!
