Lower Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting

Technical Class V sections during peak runoff Steep gradient — 150 feet per mile Fast, powerful, non-stop whitewater Minimal calm water between rapids This is not a scenic float. This is a full-throttle Colorado whitewater experience. Spots are limited on this section due to safety ratios and river conditions. Physically fit and athletic individuals Confident first-timers ready for a challenge Active paddling is required. You must be comfortable following fast, precise paddle commands in dynamic water. If you want calm and scenic, choose Middle Clear Creek. If you want adrenaline and intensity — this is your run. Launching from historic Idaho Springs, you’ll drop into one of the Front Range’s most aggressive river gradients. Spring runoff (May–June) delivers the biggest water. Mid-summer remains technical and powerful. Even on advanced runs, safety is our top priority. Idaho Springs Rafting Company operates under: Colorado commercial outfitter regulations Swiftwater Rescue–trained guides High-performance commercial rafting equipment We push adventure — not unnecessary risk. “Advanced rafting Idaho Springs” “Adrenaline rafting trip Colorado” Lower Clear Creek consistently ranks as one of the most challenging commercial rafting runs in the Front Range. Book early. Peak flow dates fill fast.. Enjoy the short, scenic-towards-the-end drive from Denver for a convenient half-day whitewater extravaganza. Your whitewater adventure starts with a meetup at our rafting outpost at 1181 Co Rd 308, Unit B, Dumont, CO. Our team will greet you with some gear and ensure that your group is ready to ride. Our team will ensure you have the correct size Personal Flotation Device and helmet for a comfortable trip. Depending on the season, you may want a wet suit or splash jacket for this river. If so, we will have rentals on site. Once everyone is suited up for battle, we will head to the put-in! Once at the put-in, your guide will give you the game plan and walk you through how to handle different scenarios. They will teach you the most essential paddle commands, how to tackle the rapids and what to do in various situations on the river. When you’re ready to hop on the water, you’ll feel prepared for the upcoming ride. Don’t expect a calm entrance into the river because this raft trip kicks things off with a splash (literally). We dive right into rapids that deserve a war cry, like the class-IV Upper and Lower Beaver Falls. Then, we’ll hit some of the much anticipated class-V rapids, the highest level of rapid that can be rafted commercially. You will soar through class-V adventures like Double Knife, Hell’s Corner, Terminator and, of course, Guide Ejector. Don’t let the names scare you! Each rapid is one heck of an adventure. After the trip, we’ll get you back to your cars so you can take the short trip back to Denver and find a great spot to reminisce about the trip over some well-deserved food and drinks. Along the trip, your raft will be captured by our talented photographer for some dramatic photos of navigating the rapids. These photos will be available for purchase at the end of your trip so you can keep your Lower Clear Creek memories forever. For this stretch, the ability to swim is required. Guests must be able to swim to a raft or shore if they fall in the river. Up to 6 guests, plus your guide. Anything that will stay of your feet if you swim, water shoes, sandals with backstraps or tennis shoes. Transportation to and from the river, helmet, PFD/life jacket, wetsuit, and splash jacket. We recommend using a wetsuit for May and June departures, while for July and August departures, they are typically not needed. Be sure to check out our packing list! We operate mid-May through mid-July depending on water flows.