Idaho Springs White Water Rafting offers pristine, rushing rivers surrounded by spectacular scenery and is an experience that can’t be beat!
When George Andrew Jackson stumbled upon gold near Idaho Springs in 1859, it was the first major stash discovered in Colorado. Today, Idaho Springs offers a picture of how the gold rush began in Colorado. The downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places and visitors can explore museums, a working mine, a pioneer cemetery and other glimpses into the state’s mining history. When you stop to glimpse a piece of history, don’t forget to make plans for Idaho Springs rafting on Clear Creek. For more information about paddling this fun, exciting creek visit our Clear Creek Rafting page.
Rafting in Idaho Springs, Colorado
When the Colorado gold rush began, some 50,000 treasure-seeking pioneers streamed into Idaho Springs, Clear Creek Canyon and the surrounding towns. One area near Idaho Springs has been dubbed the richest square mile on Earth. As miners explored deeper underground, the 4.5-mile Argo Tunnel was dug from the town to Central City to prevent flooding in the maze of mineshafts. At the Idaho Springs end of the tunnel? The Argo Gold Mine & Mill. It’s a National Historic site worth touring and panning for gold.
Post-rafting, peruse the downtown district. In a few short blocks you’ll find Colorado microbrews, locally roasted coffee, homemade ice cream, natural mineral springs and historic mining equipment. Now this is Colorado. Use the “Directions” button inside the map to see driving directions to Idaho Springs.
Contact us for more information about the adventures we offer in Idaho Springs, rafting on Clear Creek or how to find our Clear Creek Basecamp at 877-ZIP-RAFT (877-947-7238)
Beginner Raft Trip
The Clear Creek Beginner raft trip offers lots of easy whitewater rapids and terrific views. A perfect choice for first timers, families and groups with varying ability levels.
Beginner Raft Trip
The Clear Creek Beginner raft trip offers lots of easy whitewater rapids and terrific views. A perfect choice for first timers, families and groups with varying ability levels.
A Clear Creek Beginner river rafting trip is the perfect adventure for the entire family! This trip offers up plenty of whitewater rapids, beautiful scenery and some peaceful float water. You’ll have a blast splashing through Class II-III rapids where we’ll help you develop your paddling skills. Relax as you meander through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs past the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the canyons surrounding you as you enjoy your Colorado adventure. This is a fabulous trip for first timers, families and large groups with varying ability levels.
Cost
• from $69 per person
River Class
Class II-III
Requirements
7 years old / 50 pounds subject to change with river and weather conditions
Meeting Time
45 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
Discounts Available when Combining with Zip Line & Aerial Park Trips! View Combo Trips
Intermediate Raft Trip
Our most popular trip! A great choice for experienced paddlers or aggressive first timers. This intermediate half day trip offers challenging nonstop Class III-IV whitewater and fabulous views.
Intermediate Raft Trip
Our most popular trip! A great choice for experienced paddlers or aggressive first timers. This intermediate half day trip offers challenging nonstop Class III-IV whitewater and fabulous views.
The Clear Creek Intermediate raft trip is a great choice for experienced paddlers or aggressive first timers craving the thrill and challenge of whitewater. From the very start of this adventure at our private put-in, be prepared for whitewater action. This trip will definitely get you wet and your adrenaline pumping while paddling through “Nomad”, “Fall River” and “Deliverance” rapids. Ramp up the excitement level with the grand finale Class IV “Outer Limits”, then enjoy your journey through the historic gold mining town of Idaho Springs.
Cost
• from $79 per person
River Class
Class III-IV
Requirements
Minimum age 14 years subject to change with river conditions
Meeting Time
45 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
Discounts Available when Combining with Zip Line & Aerial Park Trips! View Combo Trips
Advanced Raft Trip
This is the most extreme, steep and technical stretch of Clear Creek for experienced paddlers only. With very little time to warm up, rafters drop right into Class IV-V whitewater that is fast and furious.
Advanced Raft Trip
This is the most extreme, steep and technical stretch of Clear Creek for experienced paddlers only. With very little time to warm up, rafters drop right into Class IV-V whitewater that is fast and furious.
The Clear Creek Advanced raft trip is for experienced paddlers only. With very little time to warm up, rafters drop right into Class IV-V whitewater that is fast, wild and non-stop! The names of the rapids such as “Guide Ejector”, “Hell’s Corner”, Double Knife” and “Terminator” give you a glimpse of what to expect. This is the most extreme, steep and technical stretch of Clear Creek that requires the ability to swim, strong physical conditioning and prior experience. For those up to the challenge, you will not be disappointed!
Cost
• from $99 per person
River Class
Class IV-V
Requirements
16 years minimum age with prior rafting experience and ability to swim is required
Meeting Time
45 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
Discounts Available when Combining with Zip Line & Aerial Park Trips! View Combo Trips
Had an absolute blast! Great stretch of river with lots of exciting rapids. Close to Denver. The entire staff was so friendly and helpful in creating an unforgettable experience! Our guide Mattie was a real pro who was able to deal with our group of inexperienced paddlers for a safe and fun ride. I highly recommend! Grant A
My wife and I went rafting today and we highly recommend it! The intermediate level is perfect for first time adults. Such an incredible experience and our guide Colin is the best. Can’t wait to come back when we have friends in town from out-of-state to show them how amazing Colorado is with Colorado Adventure Center. And we’ll be asking for Colin again! Jeff R
Great summer attraction close to Denver! Our guide Coleman made sure we knew what to do through each of the rapids and kept us from getting too hot on a warm Spring day. The new Sky Trek course looks like tons of fun and I'll definitely be back to try that out as well! Sarah C
Very professional outfitter. Had an excellent experience. Our guide Wille was knowledgeable & made the trip fun for everyone, including our 3 teenage boys. Would reccomend them for anyone looking for whitewater rafting in the area. Schilling5
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