The 13 Idaho Springs Rafting Tours We Would Book Again

1.Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $70 a head Our pick

You’ll learn basic river safety, suit up, ride a shuttle to Clear Creek, and paddle several miles of family-friendly rapids with a trained guide. Guides such as Johnny, Brian, Sarah, Kurt, and Tippy have led memorable trips for first-timers. Equipment is provided, but bring proper river shoes.

“We had a great time. Kevin was a great tour guide. The day was hot and the water was clear and cool. Did not get as wet as I thought we would, unless you jumped in the water, which you had an opportunity to do about half way through. No special equipment needed. They have everything you need.”

See dates →Read our full review

2.Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting near Denver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 234 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $87 a head

Meet Downstream Adventures in Empire, gear up, and ride a guided intermediate section of Clear Creek Canyon. You paddle through roughly seven miles of river with a qualified guide, safety equipment, wetsuit, and splash jacket provided. Expect about three hours total, including check-in, instruction, shuttle time, and 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.

“Aaron was a very accomplished guide. We had a wonderful experience, and will definitely use this rafting company when we come back!”

See dates →Read our full review

3.Raft the Beginner stretch on Clear Creek!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · from $85 a head

Raft Clear Creek’s beginner stretch from Idaho Springs with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. You’ll pass Chicago Creek, Dizzy Lizzy, Castle Falls, the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, and the Argo Gold Mine before finishing at Class 3 Mister Twister. Guides such as Alan and Mileah are noted for clear instruction and a friendly manner.

“The smiles on my family’s faces. Can’t wait for the next rafting experience. Alan, our guide, made the experience extra memorable. #forwardone”

See dates →Read our full review

4.Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 32 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $93 a head

Paddle eight miles of steep Clear Creek rapids near Idaho Springs with an English-speaking guide. You get a wetsuit, splash jacket, helmet, and PDF, but must bring secure shoes. The run suits experienced rafters and adventurous beginners age 15 and up.

“Great family fun thought it would be a bit more intense. Although plenty of exciting rapids great guides”

See dates →Read our full review

5.Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71 a head

Spend about three hours rafting Clear Creek near Idaho Springs with AVA Rafting and Zipline. You will handle Class II-III rapids with a guide, wearing a wetsuit, splash jacket, and helmet. Guides such as James, Shelby, Eric, Scooter, and Sean have earned praise for clear instruction, humor, and steady river control.

“This was a great thing to do my kids and dad loved it. We will be going bad to do the class 5 next time”

See dates →Read our full review

6.Clear Creek Intermediate 2h 30m Rafting Trip – Idaho Springs, CO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99 a head

Take a 2.5-hour guided rafting trip from Idaho Springs through continuous Class III and IV rapids on Clear Creek. You will paddle with your crew through Nomad, Fall River, Deliverance, and Outer Limits, using a helmet, wetsuit, splash jacket, and Coast Guard approved flotation device. Guides such as Micah, Kayla, Toby, and Jonathan are known for clear instruction and calm river leadership.

See dates →Read our full review

7.Clear Creek Classic 2h 30m Rafting Trip – Idaho Springs, CO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82 a head

Paddle 1.5 to 2 hours through Clear Creek Canyon on a hands-on Class II to III rafting trip from Idaho Springs. You get a helmet, PFD, splash jacket, wetsuit, raft, paddle, safety briefing, and instruction. Guide Bella has earned special praise, and groups are limited to 10 people.

“Friendly staff. Our guide Bella was outstanding. Parking is a bit challenging so be sure to get there early.”

See dates →Read our full review

8.Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · from $199 a head

Start in Idaho Springs with six ziplines, a Jungle Bridge, Surf Zip, 600-foot race line, Bridge of Doom, and a 50-foot free fall. After lunch on Miner Street, raft eight miles of Upper Clear Creek rapids with a guide. Tim, Joh, and Enrique are among the named guides praised for clear instruction and safety.

“Tim and Joh made our experience safe and very fun. Both guys are awesome at what they do! We will be back! We rafted with Enrique and he was awesome. The lessons he gave us before we got in the water helped us immensely once we got in the river. He made our experience very fun as well!”

See dates →Read our full review

9.Whitewater Raft Clear Creek – Intermediate Cannonball Run

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $97 a head

Take on Clear Creek’s steepest popular section with certified guides such as Connor, Mikey, Graham, and Taylor. You’ll paddle through more than a dozen Class III and IV rapids, including Outer Limits, while the river drops about 75 feet per mile. This three-hour run suits fit first-timers and experienced paddlers age 12 and up.

See dates →Read our full review

10.Advanced Whitewater Rafting in Clear Creek Canyon near Denver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120 a head

Take on an advanced Clear Creek rafting run near Idaho Springs with a guide such as Russell, Luke, or safety kayaker Jacob. You’ll receive a wetsuit, splash jacket, paddle, helmet, and personal flotation device, then ride provided transport to the river and finish back at the outpost. Strong fitness and proper footwear are required.

“Our guide Russel with the help of Luke and our safety Kayaker Jacob were excellent ! We had the best rafting trip ever on the advanced run. Water was amazing and they were all highly skilled and would recommend them to anyone .”

See dates →Read our full review

11.Idaho Springs: Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · 3 hours · from $125 a head

You’ll paddle Clear Creek through class II and III rapids, calmer stretches, and historic Idaho Springs, with helmets, flotation gear, permits, and an English-speaking guide included. Guides such as Ness, Lily R., and Em have been praised for keeping beginners calm and involved. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Booties and splash tops cost $5 each to rent.

“We were a group of 8 ladies, all over 65 and had the BEST time of our lives! The river was running high and probably hit some class III’s which were an experience of a lifetime. Our guide Lily R. & Em were amazing and took good care of us. They were very complimentary on our skills and we got thru it as a team!! We would do this again!”

See dates →Read our full review

12.Raft the Gold Nugget Run on Clear Creek: Class l-lll Ages 6+

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $86 a head

Paddle six miles of Clear Creek on a 2.5-hour beginner rafting trip from Dumont through historic Idaho Springs. Class II-III rapids, calm stretches, canyon views, and sights such as the Argo Gold Mine make this a lively first rafting experience. Guides including Brandi, Kevin, Kyle, and Connor have led memorable family trips. Ages 6 and up.

See dates →Read our full review

13.Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for Families

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $86 a head

Raft six miles of Clear Creek from Idaho Springs with a certified guide, safety gear, and a small group capped at seven people. Expect Class II-III rapids, calm stretches, canyon views, and a float past the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours and runs twice daily.

“It was fun and amazing. It was perfect for first timers. The instructor gave us all the information we needed to have a successful journey.”

See dates →Read our full review