WHITE WATER RAFTING NEAR WINTER PARK OFFERS PRISTINE, RUSHING RIVERS SURROUNDED BY SPECTACULAR SCENERY AND IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT CAN’T BE BEAT!
A scenic 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park, Colorado has much to offer. Winter Park Resort is known for its ski hills — Winter Park, Mary Jane and others — as well as for its other winter activities including cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and even dog sledding. Still, spring and summer offer amazing outdoor activities as well — hiking, biking, boating, hot springs — and the most fun adventure of all… white water rafting! Colorado is home to some of the best rafting in the country.
QUICK DETAILS:
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Minimum age: 7 years for beginner, 14 years for intermediate, 16 years for advanced
- Season: Early May to late August depending on water levels
- Minimum weight: 50lbs
- Wetsuits are complementary on all rafting trips and required on intermediate and advanced.
BEGINNER RAFT TRIP
$79+ PER PERSON
The Clear Creek Beginner raft trip offers lots of easy white water rapids and terrific views. A perfect choice for first timers, families and groups with varying ability levels.
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A Clear Creek Beginner river rafting trip is the perfect adventure for the entire family! This trip offers up plenty of white water 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.
River Class
Class II-III
Requirements
7 years old / 50 pounds subject to change with river and weather conditions
Meeting Time
30 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
INTERMEDIATE RAFT TRIP
$89+ PER PERSON
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 white water and fabulous views.
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The Clear Creek Intermediate raft trip is a great choice for experienced paddlers or aggressive first timers craving the thrill and challenge of white water. From the very start of this adventure at our private put-in, be prepared for white water 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.
River Class
Class III-IV
Requirements
Minimum age 14 years subject to change with river conditions. We recommend but don’t require the ability to swim.
Meeting Time
30 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
ADVANCED RAFT TRIP
$109+ PER PERSON
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 white water that is fast and furious.
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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 white water 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!
River Class
Class IV-V
Requirements
16 years minimum age with prior rafting experience and ability to swim is required
Meeting Time
30 minutes prior to trip time
Meeting Location
Idaho Springs Basecamp
2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Included
Wetsuits
WINTER PARK RAFTING OPTIONS
Of all the wonderful things to do in Winter Park and the surrounding areas in warm-weather months, on the top of your list should be white water rafting. Clear Creek is the closest white water rafting to Winter Park and the drive from Winter Park to Idaho Springs over Berthoud Pass is breathtakingly scenic.
Idaho Springs is a fun destination in itself, offering a charming old main street, mining relics, Mt. Evans, wildlife and the famous Indian Springs mineral hot springs. Our Clear Creek rafting options include beginner through advanced rafting trips, plus super-fun combinations such as white water rafting and a thrilling zipline adventure or ropes course.
Dedicated to providing our guests with the best possible experience of rafting from Winter Park, we deliver half-day, full-day adventures in rafting. Colorado rafting is memorable, exciting, and fun for guests of all ages and abilities. Our Winter Park rafting trips range from relaxing and scenic river trips to exhilarating white water challenges, and are custom-tailored to the meet the needs of each group or individual.
And for all our Winter Park white water rafting adventures, we handle all the details… expect all the necessary equipment, personalized service and outstanding guides.
ADDITIONAL WINTER PARK ACTIVITIES
In addition to Winter Park rafting, take advantage of all Winter Park has to offer, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating and so much more. In summer, you can ride a ski lift up the mountain and hike or bike scenic trails. Mountain bikers find plenty of fabulous rides here. Visit the Cozens’ Ranch House Museum just north of town, the site of a stage stop and post office from the 1870s. Be sure to visit the nearby town of Grand Lake and don’t miss Hot Sulphur Springs for a relaxing hot springs soak.
All this, and Winter Park is also convenient to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most frequently visited parks in the United States. From Winter Park, drive the highest paved road in North America (Trail Ridge Road) for wildlife viewing and so much more. Winter Park is a can’t-miss Colorado vacation spot. You can make a memory with white water rafting. Colorado’s Winter Park white water rafting adventure can top off your summer vacation!
For more information about our Winter Park rafting choices and the adventures that await you, please call us today and let us help you plan a memorable Winter Park rafting adventure.
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Now that you’ve learned a little history about Clear Creek and the types of rapids you will be cruising on, check out our raft trip pages and book your raft trip today!
faqs
Do We Go Rafting If It's Raining?
The weather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is very unpredictable and varies from mile to mile and minute to minute. Colorado averages over 300 days of sunshine a year. The odds are, the weather will be good. We run our Colorado white water rafting trips in all weather conditions, rain or shine, and have gear available to help keep you comfortable, even in the worst conditions. Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops can really make a big difference and make your trip a pleasurable one. Don’t forget, you’re going to get wet rafting, even on the sunniest of days. Weather is not a cause for cancellation.
Do You Need to Know How to Swim?
Nope! Except for advanced, you can go white water rafting even if you can’t swim. Each person will be fitted with a Type-V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) to be worn while on the river at all times. This life jacket is designed to float the wearer on their back with their head out of the water. Guests are instructed on the proper use of this life jacket in a safety orientation talk before departure. It does help to have some knowledge of swimming, especially in some of the more aggressive sections.
How Do I Find You?
We have a beautiful new basecamp facility and boathouse in Idaho Springs/Dumont right off of I-70 where we’ll meet, get you checked in, geared up, and introduce you to your guide. We provide location and directions in our reservation confirmation letter to you when you reserve your trip. Then, we take care of everything else, including transportation between the river and the basecamp. We are located at 2697 Stanley Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452. You may call our office at 720-807-3250 for more specific directions to our basecamp.
How Safe Is It?
All our guides go through extensive river training, basic first aid, CPR, and are certified by the state of Colorado. While anyone can fall out of the boat at any time, keep in mind that your chances of falling out of the raft do increase when rafting in a paddle boat and on more challenging sections of river. Rafting is an adventure sport and involves a degree of risk on the part of the participant. Although we take precautions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles and/or personal injury. We require you to acknowledge these risks by reading and signing a liability release prior to departure. All children under the age of 18 must have signed release form from a parent or guardian. It is important for the group to choose a trip within their entire group’s limits. Read our Customer Responsibility Policy for more information.
What About the Altitude?
Altitude sickness can be a problem, especially for people coming to the mountains from sea level. To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated by drinking extra amounts of water, and stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Altitude sickness can be serious. You may experience an upset stomach, headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath — please inform your guide so they are aware of your symptoms and can begin treatment as soon as possible.
Should We Tip Our Guide?
Our guides make a base wage similar to a bartender or wait person. General guidelines for tipping would be the same as for a bartender or a waitperson (~20%). Please do not feel obligated to tip, but if you do believe in tipping, and the guide has proven to do a great job, it is a nice way to express your appreciation, but only if you feel you had a safe, fun, and informative experience. If you did not have a pleasurable and adequate experience, we would appreciate it if you would please bring it to the attention of our management. Feedback and letters from our guests are greatly appreciated and helps us maintain the highest standard of customer service and appreciation.
What Should We Wear?
You are going to get wet, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. Bathing suits and shorts are recommended. Your best bet is loose, woven materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. Staying dry, or at least drying off fast, is the key to staying warm. Towels don’t do you much good because there is no way to keep them dry. There is limited space on the rafts, so you should limit what you bring to what you can wear. We provide wetsuits and have booties and splash tops available for rent. This equipment is designed to keep you warm and comfortable. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets are included with all rafting adventures. On some Colorado white water rafting trips, wetsuits are recommended and on others, wetsuits are required. This is to help keep you warm, comfortable and protected on your white water rafting trip.
What Should We Bring?
Bring a few towels to leave in your car; you’ll be happy to have something to dry off with after white water rafting. Bring a change of dry clothes to leave in your car; our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglass straps and hats that protect from the sun. If you forget, our basecamps offer these items in the retail areas where our white water rafting trips meet. Bring water for pre-rafting and post-rafting hydration. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated! We also suggest bringing cash to tip your guide. Check out our “10 Tips for White Water Rafting Beginners” for more information!
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Go Rafting?
This depends on what you’re interested in. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then high-water season is the best time. June is traditionally high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Keep in mind some sections may close due to high water conditions. Most people enjoy normal run off-season, which is mid-June to early August. The water stays consistent and the days tend to be sunny and warm with the occasional afternoon rain shower. Water levels and weather are very unpredictable, so book a date that best suits the group and be prepared for the unexpected.
What is the payment and cancellation policy?
We require full payment at the time of reservation and our cancellation policy differs, depending on whether or not you have purchased Worry-Free Cancellation plan. We highly recommend purchasing Worry-Free Cancellation plan, as it allows you the flexibility you many need. Please click here to review our cancellation policy.
Classifications
River and rapid classifications are another great way to determine the suitable age for a river trip for your group. Remember that classification can change with weather and water conditions.
- Beginner = first timers, young children
- Intermediate = aggressive first timers, teens
- Advanced = experienced paddlers looking for an adventure
This River Rapids Class Rating System is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a rescue can all influence the rapid’s class.
- Class I – Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.
- Class II – Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
- Class III – Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles required.
- Class IV – Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided.
- Class V – Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. Steep gradient.
- Class VI – Unrunnable.
Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels. For information to help you choose a trip, or for any questions you might have please, call 1-720-807-3250 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in putting together a river experience. Or, send us a message.
Cold weather gear is recommended and may be mandatory for some river adventures. Cold weather gear is not only for your comfort but also for your safety. Because of cold water and rocky river bottoms, wetsuits, footwear, and splash tops make a big difference. If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry; cold weather gear is available at all basecamp locations for a small rental fee.
Do you charge taxes? What are your permit and booking fees?
We do not charge taxes on our services because we are not required to by law. We are, however, required to pay numerous fees to many local, regional and state organizations, including but not limited to the City of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Department of Revenue and our property owner.
In addition to those fees, our booking software and credit card fees charge a large percentage of each transaction. When weather cancels events, we eat this cost. If weather is not the cancellation reason, however, we must charge the customer to recoup that cost.
In addition, we are a voluntary member of numerous local, state and national organizations that offer regulatory and strategic support to us as an outfitter. These membership costs are not included in our fees but they do provide additional layers of safety and professionalism that not all outfitters adhere to but we are committed to following. These include: Colorado River Outfitter’s Association (CROA), America Outdoors (AO), Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and more.
