Experience the best of white water rafting near Denver, Colorado, with Mild to Wild
For families looking for a fun day on the water or seasoned adventurers seeking a thrilling challenge, some of the best white water rafting adventures in Colorado are only a day’s drive away from Denver. Our industry-leading professional, interpretive, and entertaining guides are proud to share unforgettable whitewater journeys through the rushing river canyons of the Rocky Mountains’ eastern slopes.
Just a hop and a skip up the I-70 corridor, class II, III, and IV rapids await. The Clear Creek Classic Trip offers class II splashes and class III wet and fun rapids for the whole family (7 and older) and plenty of gold rush history along the way. For adventure seekers ages 15 and older the Clear Creek Intermediate Trip boasts thrilling class IV big drop rapids with continuous class III’s. A 2h 30m trip and a 4hr 30m trip with lunch are available.
Clear Creek RAfting Trip Options
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
Getting to Idaho Springs
Getting to our Clear Creek rafting outpost in Idaho Springs from Denver is a quick and easy trip, making it a perfect day out for your entire group. Located just 30-40 minutes west of Denver, our base is easily accessible via personal vehicle or a variety of public transportation options.
Please be aware that I-70 can experience heavy traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. We recommend checking a real-time traffic map before you leave and allowing for extra travel time to ensure you arrive on time for your trip
Public Transportation and Ride Share
For those without a car, there are several convenient and affordable ways to get to Idaho Springs. Public bus services provide a direct and reliable option, while ride-share services offer a more flexible, on-demand choice.
Public Bus: The Bustang and Pegasus bus services run directly from Denver’s Union Station and Federal Center to Idaho Springs. The journey typically takes about one hour and is a very affordable alternative to driving, with tickets ranging from $5 to $17 per person.
Ride Share: Services like Uber and Lyft are available in Denver and can take you directly to our location. An estimated one-way cost can range from $100-$130, though prices can vary significantly depending on demand, time of day, and traffic. Be aware that finding a return ride from Idaho Springs can sometimes be more difficult and more expensive than the trip there.
Ready to plan your trip?
Contact us today to learn more.
Experience the Best of Denver White Water Rafting
Mild to Wild Rafting has been a trusted leader in Colorado adventures for over 31 years. Our passion for the river and commitment to guest experience have made us a top choice for white water rafting in Denver, Colorado.
Our trips range from gentle floats perfect for first-timers and young children to adrenaline-pumping rapids that will challenge even the most experienced rafters. No matter your skill level, our professional guides are trained to prioritize guest experience.
Hear from Our Happy Adventurers
Join our family, boasting more than 500,000 guests who have made lifelong memories with Mild to Wild. Our commitment to excellence and safety is reflected in every five-star review we receive.
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Why Choose Mild to Wild?
We take the stress out of planning your white water rafting trip in Denver so you can focus on making memories. Our trips are designed to address the common concerns of adventurers and their families.
Unmatched Guest Experience
Navigating a river can be intimidating, especially for families. Our guides are rigorously trained in our risk management and guide development department. We use top-of-the-line equipment to minimize risks and maximize our guests ' comfort.
Perfect for All Levels
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, finding the right river can be tough. We offer a wide range of trips, from mild Class I-II floats perfect for young kids to wild Class IV-V rapids for adrenaline junkies. We match you with the perfect adventure for your group's experience level.
All-Inclusive Experience
Planning a trip can be a hassle. We handle the details so you don't have to. Our trips include all necessary gear, transportation to and from the river, and expert instruction. All you need to bring is a sense of adventure!
Denver White Water Rafting Trip Features
Mild to Wild goes above and beyond to provide a premium and professional experience.
Professional, Certified Guides
Our guides are highly trained, passionate experts who live for the river and love sharing it with others.
High-Quality Equipment
We use well-maintained, state-of-the-art rafts, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and helmets.
Convenient Locations
Our rafting trips are easily accessible from Denver, making it a perfect day trip for locals and tourists.
Diverse Trip Options
Choose from part-day, full-day, and multi-day adventures on the Arkansas, Clear Creek, and Colorado Rivers.
Family-Friendly Focus
We specialize in creating Fun, exciting, and engaging river trip experiences for adults and families with children.
Stunning Scenery
Every trip takes you through the stunning alpine scenery of the Rocky Mountains.
Related Reading & Video
River Rafting FAQ
What should I wear for a whitewater rafting trip?
It’s best to wear quick-drying, synthetic clothing, as cotton gets heavy and cold when wet. A swimsuit under your clothes is a good base layer. For footwear, wear secure shoes that can get wet, such as river sandals with a heel strap or old sneakers. Avoid flip-flops. We recommend bringing a dry change of clothes and a towel to leave in your car for after the trip.
What do the different classes of rapids mean?
Rivers are classified on a scale from I to V to indicate their difficulty.
- Class I rapids are calm and great for scenic floats.
- Classes II and III are where the excitement begins, with splashy waves and some obstacles that require basic maneuvering.
- Class IV and V rapids are for more experienced, physically fit rafters, with powerful waves, drops, and complex maneuvers.
Is whitewater rafting safe for beginners?
Your safety is our top priority. All of our trips are led by professional, certified guides who are extensively trained in risk management and river rescue. Before every trip, your guide will give a thorough safety talk and paddle lesson to ensure everyone knows what to expect and how to respond on the river.
What happens if I fall out of the raft?
While it’s uncommon, your guide is expertly trained to handle this situation. The most important thing is to remain calm. You should immediately float on your back with your feet pointed downstream, keeping them up to protect against hitting rocks. Your guide will work quickly to get you back into the raft.
Do I need to know how to paddle or have prior experience?
No, previous experience is not required! Our trips are designed for all levels, and our guides will provide all the instruction you need. You’ll learn the basic paddle strokes and commands before you even get on the river. The trip is a team effort, and your guide will be there every step of the way to lead the group.
Clear Creek FAQ
Are the Clear Creek Classic trips suitable for young children?
Yes, our Clear Creek Classic trip is designed to be family-friendly and is a perfect introduction to rafting for beginners and young children. The minimum age for this trip is 7 years old.
Do you provide a meal on the full-day Clear Creek trip?
Yes, our Clear Creek Intermediate Full Day Trip includes a delicious riverside lunch as part of your all-inclusive experience, so you can refuel and relax before tackling the next section of the river.
What class of rapids can we expect on the Clear Creek Classic trip?
The Clear Creek Classic trip navigates fun and splashy Class II-III rapids. These rapids are ideal for first-timers and families, offering a perfect balance of excitement and a manageable challenge.
What kind of wildlife and historical sites might we see on the Clear Creek trips?
Clear Creek flows through historic mining territory, and you may pass by sites like the Argo Gold Mine and the historic town of Idaho Springs. The stunning canyon scenery also provides opportunities to spot Colorado wildlife, including bighorn sheep, river otters, and various birds.
Ready to Get on the River?
Ready to plan your trip? Contact us today to learn more about our trips and availability.