Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting - Near Denver

Upper Clear Creek is best suited for physically fit participants who are comfortable in moving water and prepared for an active, paddle-intensive experience. While experienced rafters often seek out this run for its technical features, motivated first-timers with strong swimming ability and a willingness to follow guide commands closely can also enjoy this section. Participants should be prepared to: • Paddle consistently through continuous rapids • Sit securely in the raft during dynamic movement • Respond quickly to guide instructions • Self-rescue if necessary in cold, swift current This trip is not a passive float — it is an engaging, hands-on whitewater run designed for guests who want a higher-intensity river experience. Located just 30 minutes from Denver, Upper Clear Creek offers one of the closest advanced rafting options to the Front Range. Multiple daily departure times allow flexibility for half-day planning, and many guests pair their trip with time in Idaho Springs for dining or exploration after their river experience. Water levels on Clear Creek fluctuate throughout the season, and trip intensity can vary depending on runoff and dam releases. Our team evaluates conditions daily to ensure appropriate group placement and safety protocols. Sunscreen + sunglasses with strap We provide all rafting gear (helmet, life jacket, wetsuit if needed). Your whole day of floating starts with a gathering at our rafting outpost at 1181 Co Rd 308, Unit B, Dumont, CO. This is a short and scenic 40-minute drive from Denver, making it an easy day trip. We offer morning, midday, and afternoon leave times, so you can choose the trip that works best with your schedule. Once you arrive, our team will check you in and get you geared up in wetsuits, helmets, and a Personal Flotation Device. Once everyone is suited up for the ride of a lifetime, we head to the put-in! This shuttle is about 3 minutes, just enough time to build anticipation for the fun ahead. When we reach our destination, your guide will ensure everyone has the knowledge they need to band together and navigate the bigger rapids. Your group will learn how to efficiently paddle, ride the rapids, and keep paddles a safe distance from others. You will also learn all the necessary commands that your guide will shout to keep your raft moving in the right direction.Once everyone is filled in on the game plan, it’s time to hop on the water! There are 17 named rapids to conquer, and you’ll have a wild ride on them all! A few of the rapids are boisterous class-III waves and drops like Nomad and Stairs, and there are several legendary class-IV rapids that will get your heart pumping, like Lumpy, Phoenix Holes and Deliverance. There’s even a series of class-IV hemorrhoid-themed rapids for a laugh in the middle of the chaos. We work together as a team on this river, so the more people participate, the more fun everyone has. You have about 1.5-2 hours of whitewater fun, and by the end of the trip, you’ll feel like you can take on the world. 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 Upper Clear Creek memories forever.