The 6 Denver Rafting Tours We Would Book Again

1.Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 3 hours · from $87 a head Our pick

Raft Middle Clear Creek with an English-speaking guide on a three-hour beginner trip from Downstream Adventures in Empire. After a safety briefing and a short bus ride, you will tackle class I-II rapids such as Initiation Falls, Mister Twister, and Speed Limit 55. Wetsuits, equipment, transport, and a dry bag are included.

“Fantastic time. Perfect for beginners. I was worried about my 11 year old, but it was needless. Wonderful guide who told us about the area as well as keeping us all safe. You won’t regret this experience.”

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2.Idaho Springs: Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 3 hours · from $71 a head Cheapest seat

Paddle the Gold Rush section of Clear Creek with an English-speaking guide on a three-hour, family-friendly trip from Ava Rafting and Zipline. You will learn basic rafting skills, handle gentle Class II rapids, and enjoy Rocky Mountain scenery. Guides including Gustavo, Shelby, Oscar, and Shaggy have earned especially strong praise.

“We enjoyed our Whitewater rafting experience. Gustavo was a great guide in everybody that we encountered was super friendly and helpful.”

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3.Upper Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 3 hours · from $98 a head

Set out from Downstream Adventures in Empire for an 8-mile Upper Clear Creek run with class III and IV rapids. Your English-speaking guide leads the safety talk, paddling, and route through Phoenix, Deliverance, Nomad, Outer Limits, and Fall River. Wetsuits, gear, transport, and a dry bag are included.

“We had a great time and our guide was very knowledgeable”

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4.Near Denver: Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $130 a head

Paddle Clear Creek’s class III rapids from Idaho Springs with a certified guide, wetsuit, helmet, and personal flotation device. The route includes Nomad, Fall River, Deliverance, and the class IV Outer Limits. Early summer high water can add several class IV rapids. You must be at least 14.

“Great time. Love Jared. Nice how they wait for each other on the journey. We got HAIL and pouring rain. Made for a good story”

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5.Clear Creek, Colorado: Beginner Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86 a head

You’ll raft roughly six miles of Clear Creek with professional guides from Colorado Adventure Guides, passing Nomad, Fall River, and Phoenix Rapids. The 150-minute trip suits first-time rafters and families with children 6 and older. Expect active paddling, a short shuttle from Dumont, wetsuits if needed, and views of Idaho Springs landmarks.

“Mikey did a wonderful Job throughout the whole excursion. He was friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of Humor!”

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6.Vail CO: Family-Friendly Colorado River White Water Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $97 a head

Spend a half-day on the Upper Colorado River near Bond, Colorado, with professional guides handling safety, gear, transport, and river skills. Expect Class I-II rapids, possible Class III water at higher flows, calm stretches for swimming and sun, and views of ranches, cliffs, meadows, and wildlife. No experience is needed.

“Laid back atmosphere, guide explained very well what to expect and how he was gonna run it. Pointed out landmarks and explained the surroundings. He was knowledgeable of the landscape and nature we were in. Overall GREAT family experience!!”

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