The closest whitewater to Denver!
Experience Colorado whitewater river rafting adventure! A river rafting adventure on a Colorado white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation! Whitewater rafting getaways and family adventures on the Clear Creek River in Colorado are our specialty. Experience the thrill of the Clear Creek River 30 minutes away from Denver. But bring a tent and camp, and enjoy a campfire with your rafting companions.
Clear Creek offers more rapids per mile than most commercially rafted rivers in the state, and truly has something for everyone.
Trips vary in difficulty.
Sections vary from perfect for families and first timers to extreme whitewater for the seasoned veteran. Nestled in an alpine valley, rafters can enjoy spectacular views, experience exhilarating whitewater and have the opportunity to spot a variety of Colorado wildlife.
Classes of Whitewater
International Scale of River Difficulty
Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.(Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of most all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill Level: Successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of luck)
Safety
Whitewater rafting can be a dangerous sport, especially if basic safety precautions are not observed. Both commercial and private trips have seen their share of injuries and fatalities, though private travel has typically been associated with greater risk. In Colorado rafting outfitters are regulated by Colorado State Parks. The Colorado River Outfitter License is a certification of outfitters, their rafts, equipment used, safety regulations, Guide specifications, sanitation practices, and documentation of each trip on the river. Colorado State Parks do impromptu inspections of rafts, first aid supplies, guides and office procedures periodically during rafting season.
Local Businesses
- A1 Wildwater Phone: (970) 224-3379
- All American Adventures Phone: (303) 552-2584 or (888) 340-4942
2712 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs, Colorado - ATV and Mile-Hi Rafting Phone: (303) 567-0717
3627 Alvarado Road, Dumont, Colorado - AVA Idaho Springs Phone: (970) 423-7031 or (800) 370-0581
431 Chicago Creek Road, Idaho Springs, Colorado - Browns Canyon Rafting Phone: (719) 275-2890
- Clear Creek Rafting Co Phone: (303) 567-1000
350 Whitewater Road, Idaho Springs, Colorado - GeoTours Whitewater Raft Trips Phone: (303) 756-6070
- Highside Adventure Tours Phone: (970) 945-6737
- Independent Whitewater, Inc. Phone: (713) 539-7737
- KODI Rafting Phone: (970) 668-1548 or (877) 747-RAFT
- Liquid Descent Phone: (970) 372-2870
2195 East Idaho Springs Road, Dumont, Colorado - Performance Tours, Inc. Phone: (800) 328-7238
- Raft Masters Phone: (800) 568-7238 or (719) 275-6645
2804 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs, Colorado - Timberline Tours Phone: (800) 831-1414
- Wide Open Adventure Phone: (877) 776-9962
3424 Alvarado Road, Lawson, Colorado




