Whitewater Rafting Clear Creek: Intermediate Rapids

Paddle through a dozen rapids and feel the river drop 75 feet per mile

Intermediate whitewater rafting on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs puts you in an active raft navigating class III and IV rapids with a professional guide, all safety equipment and wetsuits included. You must be at least 14, comfortable swimming, and ready to paddle hard as a team. The trip runs three hours and covers rapids named Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance and the class IV Outer Limits.

The experience

Clear Creek is steep and narrow, and this section of river is its most popular run. You'll paddle through over a dozen rapids as the water drops about 75 feet per mile: a steady sequence of class III and IV whitewater that demands active paddling and real participation. The guide leads from the boat, but you're the one working the paddle, reading the current and holding your line through each rapid. First-time paddlers who are comfortable in the water and in decent physical shape can handle it. Experienced paddlers get the challenge they came for.

The trip takes three hours total. A professional, certified guide handles safety and navigation, and all rafting equipment comes with you: helmet, life jacket, paddle and wetsuit included so you stay warm in the cold mountain water. The river passes through mining ruins and scenic flats between the rapids, and the setting sits in the foothills near Idaho Springs, the town where Colorado's gold rush began in 1859. The whole area is about 30 minutes west of Denver, close enough for a day trip from the city or from Breckenridge and Winter Park.

What’s included

• Professional and certified guide leading the raft.
• all safety equipment including helmet and life jacket.
• rafting paddle.
• wetsuit for warmth in the cold water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Aug 2027

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Colorado Adventure Guides

Is this one for you?The intermediate run requires active paddling and real physical effort, so it suits paddlers who can swim, are in decent shape and want to work hard for the thrill, not a float trip. The guide handles navigation and safety, so you focus on paddling as a team through the rapids.

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Top questions

What rapids will I paddle through on Clear Creek?

The intermediate run includes rapids named Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance and Outer Limits. The last one is class IV and the climax of the trip. You'll navigate over a dozen rapids total as the river drops steeply through a narrow canyon.

Do I need rafting experience to book this trip?

No, but you need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim. Active paddling is required and you must be at least 14 years old. First-timers who are in good physical condition and ready to work hard are welcome alongside experienced paddlers.

What's included in the price?

Professional and certified guide, all safety and rafting equipment, helmet, life jacket, paddle and wetsuit are included. The trip lasts three hours.

How far is Clear Creek from Denver?

The rafting put-in near Idaho Springs is about 30 minutes west of Denver, and also close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon and Winter Park if you're staying in those areas.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting soaked and bring a towel and dry change for after. The wetsuit keeps you warm in the cold mountain water. If you want extra warmth, splash tops and booties are available for a small rental fee.