Clear Creek Mild Rafting Trip

Clear Creek Mild Rafting Trip

About This Trip

Denver Rafting: Mild 2 hour 30 Minute Trip

Experience Clear Creek on the Mild 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 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.
 
View of the back of a raft going through whitewater in Clear Creek - Idaho Springs, Colorado

Itinerary & Map

8:30AM, 12:00PM or 3:30PM
Meet us at 431 Chicago Creek Rd in Idaho Springs. Here you’ll check in and get your wetsuit on for the river!
Walk to the Chicago Creek put in, then have a safety orientation and rafting instructions.
Hit the river!
Paddle, paddle, paddle through the continuous Class II splashes of the fast flowing Clear Creek.
Challenge exciting Class III rapids like “Castle Falls”, “Subway”, “Mountain Lion”, and “Twister”.
Splash through more continuous Class II rapids.
Take out at Kermit’s Access, or another location depending on water levels.
11:00AM, 2:30PM or 6:00PM
Arrive back to your vehicle.
* 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+

Adult (12+)

$79

Youth (7-11)

$74

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Payments & Cancellations

Payment Options

  1. 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
  2. 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
  3. 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)

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Important Considerations

Guests celebrating going through whitewater rapids in Clear Creek - Idaho Springs, Colorado
  • 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

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