Looking for something that’s both epic and not extremely difficult to do together as a family? Grab your life jacket! Colorado rafting tours are a fun, exciting, and family-friendly adventure.

Many Colorado rivers, like Clear Creek near Idaho Springs, offer a range of difficulty levels. That means families with children of different ages and abilities can find a safe and fun option. When you book a trip with an experienced and reputable outfitter like Colorado Adventure Center, the whole family will have an enjoyable adventure.

If you’re looking for the best family-friendly white water rafting Denver Colorado has to offer, Colorado Adventure Center should be at the top of your list. At less than an hour’s drive from Denver (in Idaho Springs), there’s easy access to and from the airport. What’s more, it’s also conveniently close to other Rocky Mountain resort towns. Between the breathtaking alpine scenery and convenient location, this is the perfect launching point for all your Colorado adventures. 

Clear Creek Rafting Adventures

Clear Creek provides some of the best white water rafting Colorado has to offer. A wide range of rapids and difficulty levels make it suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

With picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests, it’s easy to see why Clear Creek is of Colorado’s premier white water rafting destinations.

There are plenty of options for everyone, from beginner-friendly Class II rapids to expert-level Class V white water. Class II and III rapids feature small to medium-sized waves and a bit of low-key maneuvering. They’re ideal for beginner rafters, families with younger children, and casual trips.

For those with some paddling experience who are looking for a thrill, our intermediate and advanced trips are a great way to experience Clear Creek rafting on Class IV and V rapids.

Colorado Adventure Center provides everything you’ll need for a fun-filled family adventure on the river. Plus, there are several different combo trips for those who want to add zip lining or an aerial obstacle course to their day of outdoor fun.

Family-Friendly Colorado Rafting Tours

Colorado Adventure Center offers exhilarating white water rafting trips for participants of all ability levels. In addition to tackling the rapids and enjoying the scenery, you’ll also learn more about Colorado’s unique history from our experienced guides. 

Depending on your age and skill level, you have multiple options:

• Beginner trip: Best suited for families with young children ages 7 and up. Everyone will have a blast navigating Clear Creek’s Class II-III rapids. When you’re not splashing through the waves, you’ll also have an opportunity to discover the historic mining town of Idaho Springs and see the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel.
• Intermediate rafting tour: An excellent choice for families with older kids aged 14 and up. It’s perfect for more experienced rafters or daring first-timers looking for a challenge. This trip features mild to moderate Class III-IV rapids.
• Advanced trip: Fast-paced and technically challenging with Class IV-V rapids. Kids must be 16 or older, and all participants should have prior rafting experience, strong physical conditioning, and the ability to swim.

Colorado White Water Rafting Season

Clear Creek is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which means it has a consistent source of snowmelt and water flow throughout the summer months. Weather and water levels vary seasonally, so it’s best to plan ahead and choose a date that best suits your group.

In general, the most popular Colorado white water rafting season is from mid-June through August, when the weather is warmest. June is the high-water month, with big waves and rivers running at their peak. However, the water is typically runnable as early as May until October.

Be sure to call ahead and verify current conditions and availability when planning your Colorado rafting tours.

What to Wear

Even though Colorado gets an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, the water in Clear Creek is usually around 40℉. As such, wearing clothing that will keep you warm while you’re on the river is essential. Shorts and swimsuits are not recommended. Wear quick-drying clothing like polyester, fleece, polypro, or wool. It’s best to avoid cotton, which tends to stay wet longer than most other materials. It’s also a good idea to bring a dry change of clothes for after your trip.

Colorado Adventure Center provides each participant with a Neoprene wetsuit, helmet, and Type V personal flotation device (PFD). Splash tops, booties, and gloves are also available for those who want them. Wearing a wetsuit is strongly recommended for beginner trips and is required on intermediate and advanced trips.

How to Choose an Operator for Colorado Rafting Tours

When booking Colorado rafting tours, it’s important to feel confident that your tour operator is experienced and qualified to provide a safe, fun experience. That way, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the ride!

Colorado Adventure Center is a family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience in Colorado’s outdoor adventure industry. Each member of the highly experienced team is committed to upholding the company’s core values, which include:

• Practice safety
• Hold ourselves accountable
• Care about others
• Love what we do
• Work together
• Seek growth

Every CAC rafting guide is fully certified by the state of Colorado, holds current CPR and First Aid certifications, and goes through extensive river training. Furthermore, CAC operates under licenses and permits within the State of Colorado and Clear Creek County and is a proud member of the Colorado River Outfitters Association and America Outdoors. Have no doubt that we abide by the highest levels of ethics and professionalism.

Family White Water Rafting Colorado Adventures

White water rafting Colorado rivers is an exhilarating opportunity for families to bond and have fun together in a unique and exciting setting. The adrenaline rush of navigating rapids and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully navigating the river is an excellent way for families to connect and create lasting memories together.

With rafting tours for all skill levels, Colorado Adventure Center has some of the best family-friendly and beginner white water rafting Colorado has to offer.

For adventurous families with older kids, our intermediate trip (ages 14 and up) and advanced trip (16+ with prior experience) offer the thrill and excitement of more challenging rapids. Colorado rafting tours are a terrific family-friendly adventure!