Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting: Unique Denver Experience
4.9
212 Ratings
Idaho Springs
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Clear Creek Canyon, home to some of the best rapids in the nation. Discover the history of the 1859 Gold Rush while enjoying a convenient day trip from Denver and nearby resorts.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 409 Park Ave - We ask that guests arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled trip time to give time for check-in. After this, guests will meet their guides, receive the necessary equipment for their journey, and the basics of rafting and river safety. Next, they will board our shuttle vehicle, which will take them on a short drive to the creek-side launch point.
    After their rafting adventure, guests will be transported back to our outpost. There, they will have the opportunity to purchase a keepsake from our gift shop and/or receive recommendations from their guide about other area attractions and eateries.
What's Included
  • All necessary gear provided, including helmet, personal flotation device, paddles, wetsuits, and splash jackets
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Footwear (no crocs or flip-flops)
Additional Information

Clear Creek Canyon distinguishes itself with the quantity and quality of its rapids. It boasts more rapids than almost any other commercial whitewater stretch in the country. It’s also free-flowing, which means water levels vary over the season, providing a range of experiences. Besides top-notch rafting, the area is home to the 1859 Gold Rush. Today, dedicated miners continue to find gold in the creek using technologies like pans and dredges. While rafting on Clear Creek, guests will encounter numerous sites of historical interest tied to the Gold Rush. Clear Creek’s location is also a bonus - it’s in close proximity to Denver and nearby resorts, making it an ideal day-trip destination.

  • Participants must be aged 13 and up
  • Travelers should be comfortable engaging in physical activities, including moderate paddling and walking
Location
409 Park Ave
Park Avenue
Location is in the town of Empire, but address is commonly listed as Idaho Springs which is the nearest larger town only a few miles away.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(212 Ratings)
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Karen_g
Aug 15, 2023
Great experience- 5 stars - Aaron was a fantastic guide. If I were to do anything differently, it would be to go a little earlier in the season.
Review provided by Viator
Keith_c
Aug 14, 2023
Great whitewater experience - Had a great time rafting Clear Creek with Russell from Downstream Adventures. He was an experienced guide who led our raft with skill
Review provided by Viator
Joshua_s
Aug 11, 2023
Fantastic Experience - Joe was fantastic in teaching, guiding, supporting, and giving us an awesome trip on the intermediate run! Could not have asked for a better staff, equipment, or setting. First time whitewater rafting and went smoothly with lots of memories and stories to come from it! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Nyla_s
Aug 9, 2023
Great fun! We had a blast! - I liked being able to paddle and be involved in the action and not just sitting, letting the guide do all the work. The rapids were perfect for our group, especially my 14 yo daughter who’s never been before. Russell was awesome and really knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Saurabh
Aug 6, 2023
Great experience - Great experience. The bus ride to the starting point was longer than expected, but once we were in water it was a lot of fun. Our guide Phillips was great too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donald_e
Aug 2, 2023
Awesome!!! - Awesome experience! We had Joe for our guide .. we felt safe the entire trip and he’s a funny guy on top of that . Everyone involved was super nice and accommodating. I would highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Rfd777
Jul 31, 2023
Amazing whitewater rafting experience! - Using Downstream Adventures was an incredible experience from start to finish! Could not have asked for a better guide or service. Mark was second to none!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnpa7525nr
Aug 8, 2023
Disappointed. - Unfortunately we had to cancel due to illness. No refund offer given the circumstances was offered and ultimately rejected by Downstream Adventures. One would think they would have given some latitude but no joy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Santiago_c
Aug 15, 2023
Beware! Paid in advance, it was closed! - Beware! Terrible xperience! We reseved and paid 2 days in advance, planned the family trip and only when we got there we found out it was closed! We are waiting for refund but we lost a day in our trip, very bad experience.
Review provided by Viator
660cherylo
Aug 15, 2023
DOWNSTREAM DISASTERS - Where do I begin? A more accurate name for this outfit is Downstream DISASTERS! My husband and I signed up for an intermediate trip. Shelled out $178. They took our reservation - good to go, right? So, we booked an overnight trip to Idaho Springs and planned a mini-vacation around this rafting trip. I called the day before to confirm and ask about recommended clothing/gear - the girl who answered the phone seemed out of it and less than helpful, however, she said we were good to go. We signed our online waivers and arrived the next day, to find the office closed. No one there. Two other families showed up, too. We called to find out what was going on. Same girl answered the phone and said the trips had been cancelled due to low water levels. Her solution was to drive over an hour for a level five trip (FIVE? We had a group of beginners and intermediate rafters) or get a refund. No phone calls, emails or texts letting us know this was cancelled. No one at the office to greet us and explain. One family drove from another state and their kids were devastated. THANK GOD for LIQUID DESCENT. They took us in at the last minute and we had a FANTASTIC trip! We did some level three rapids, no problem! Kiersten was a fantastic guide! Other outfits were running - so what the hell was Downstream Adventures problem? Low rent, unreliable garbage operation. You have been warned.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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