Idaho Springs

Tours

Discover the magic of Colorado's mountains on a guided tour through breathtaking passes and lakes. Experience the wonders of the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, explore the picturesque town of Evergreen, and marvel at the pristine Echo Lake. Depart from the city and watch the landscape transform from your window. Visit Red Rocks Park and see the famous amphitheater carved into the rocks. Then, drive into the mountains via Bear Creek Canyon and see many of the Denver Mountain Parks. Browse the shops or enjoy a quick drink in the small mountainous town of Evergreen. Witness beautiful hilltop views by climbing up a mountain pass to Echo Lake. Stroll around this incredible glacial lake sitting at 10,600 feet high and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Take on the Clear Creek in Denver for a beginner-level whitewater rafting experience. Lean into the thrill as you crash down Initiation Falls, Castle Falls, Mister Twister, Hightop, Speed Limit 55, and Mountain Lion. Make your way to the rafting center and meet your awesome crew for the day. Enjoy a short safety briefing and study the route you'll be taking down the middle Clear Creek rapids before getting wetsuited up and into the water. Start your whitewater rafting adventure with a beginner's run in the middle of Clear Creek in Denver. Wrestle with the roaring water on class I-II rapids and admire the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery. Encounter several continuous class I-II rapids and let the water carry you over the edge as you paddle to keep your raft straight. Lean into the thrill as you crash down Initiation Falls, Castle Falls, Mister Twister, Hightop, Speed Limit 55, and Mountain Lion. Experience the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and admire the picturesque landscape surrounding you. Keep an eye out between the splashes for wildlife that inhabit either side of the river. Reach the bottom of the Creek and spend time celebrating with your crew.

The trip kicks off with a scenic drive from Denver to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater where you get to enjoy the rock formations of the park and the amphitheater, a national historic landmark and one of the greatest music venues in the world. We’ll continue our trip to Lookout Mountain, with some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Denver. From there, we’ll take the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway into Golden, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains where you have time to enjoy a local coffee shop or craft brewery or stroll along Clear Creek Trail.

Soak up the adventure and beauty of Clear Creek on this guided rafting trip from Idaho Springs. Take on class II-III rapids on this thrilling tour that includes helmets and personal flotation devices. Meet your guide and get set up with your rafting gear before setting off through plenty of whitewater rapids, beautiful scenery, and some calmer waters. Have a blast splashing through Class II-III rapids with help from your guide that gives you tips to sharpen 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 float down stream. This is a fabulous trip for first timers, families, and large groups with varying ability levels. Travel on the second most rafted river in Colorado which has more rapids per mile than any other river in Colorado. Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 66 miles long. The creek flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains.  Colorado Adventure Center is one of the most reputable outfitters on Clear Creek with one of the best-trained, skilled and highly certified guide staffs.

Embark on a half-day whitewater rafting adventure through the scenic Gold Rush section of Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, Colorado, featuring exciting Class II rapids. Perfect for all skill levels, this journey combines the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with the fun and splash of gentle rapids. As you navigate the meandering waters of Clear Creek, paddle through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the thrill of easy-going rapids that offer a refreshing and enjoyable experience on the river. Led by expert guides, this family-friendly adventure provides a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting while soaking in the natural beauty of Colorado's wilderness. Whether you're a beginner looking for a laid-back adventure or a seasoned rafter seeking a relaxing trip on the water, the Gold Rush rafting excursion promises a memorable half-day experience filled with fun, laughter, and the joy of being out in nature. So hop on board, grab your paddle, and get ready to make a splash on Clear Creek's Class II rapids!

Admire breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains on an advanced whitewater rafting experience in Denver's Clear Creek. Go through a safety talk with your guides before setting off into the beautiful canyon and crashing down the twisting sections of the river with the adrenaline in full flow. Make your way to the rafting center and meet your awesome crew for the day. Enjoy a short safety briefing and study the route you'll be taking down the upper Clear Creek rapids before getting geared up and into the water. Cascade past idyllic canyon scenes and immerse yourself in this 8-mile section of thrill-inducing class III - class IV rapids. Paddle furiously with your hardworking crew to power along the Creek and reach the next drop. Travel past the remains of the historic gold rush in Argo Mill, which used to have the longest tunnel in the world, and keep an eye out for wildlife in the backdrop of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Reach and conquer tough rapids sections like Phoenix, Deliverance, Outer Limits, Nomad, and Fall River for an unforgettable dance with nature. Make it to the bottom of the Creek and spend time celebrating with your crew, wondering what challenge is next.

Book a ziplining experience in Idaho Springs and get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops along 5 separate ziplines high above the ground. Get kitted out with your safety gear, climb the 65-inch towers, and get ready to take flight over the treetops and the whitewater rapids of Clear Creek for nearly a mile of pure ziplining thrills. Make the most of this exhilarating course that offers 5 lines in a row, with the longest line a quarter mile long. Reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, remaining high above the ground at all times. 

Enjoy challenging class III-IV whitewater rapids on this guided rafting trip from Idaho Springs. Feel the rush of non-stop rapids with this intermediate experience. Meet your guide and get set up with your helmet and personal flotation device. Head out on an adventure that ensures you will get wet and that your adrenaline will be pumping. Paddle through the rapids “Nomad,” “Fall River,” and “Deliverance.” Ramp up the excitement level with the grand finale Class IV “Outer Limits,” then journey through the historic gold mining town of Idaho Springs on the second most rafted river in Colorado which has more rapids per mile than any other river in Colorado. Soak up natural landscapes on a creek that flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains, directly west of Denver, and descends through a long gorge where it emerges on the Colorado Eastern Plains and eventually joins the South Platte River.

At Liquid Descent, one of the reasons we are in this business is to introduce young children and first-timers to Clear Creek whitewater rafting and get them hooked! Beginner boaters will enjoy the Colorado outdoors in summertime and feel true adventure on this splashy Class II/III rafting trip. The gradient of Clear Creek provides continuous rapids making it a step-up from a traditional beginner or float trip. During the trip, the crew will float by Idaho Springs’ historic Charles Taylor water wheel and spot possible wildlife along the way in between rapids such as “Mountain Lion”, “Dizzy Lizzy”, “Powerline”, and “Castle Falls”. This trip is a perfect way for beginners to learn paddling techniques. By the end, the rafters will be pros at propelling themselves through the last rapid, “Mr. Twister”. At the takeout, they will be itching for an Intermediate trip in the future. Our hope is that guests will become lifelong appreciators of nature and its wilderness. Trip Times: 9am, 12pm, 3pm Meeting Location: Idaho Springs Outpost Included Gear: Wetsuits, SplashJackets, PFD’s and Helmets Minimum Age: 5 yrs old & 50lbs (minimum age requirements can increase during high water)

Clear Creek is one of the best options for whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado. Located only about 45 minutes west of Denver, Clear Creek offers rafting options for all ages and experience levels. Perfect for first time rafters or families and friends, our beginner trip is a great introduction to whitewater rafting. Beginning near Idaho Springs, you'll paddle roughly 6 miles of river and punch through amazing whitewater rapids, pass beautiful scenery, and regroup with periodic peaceful floating. You’ll have a blast splashing through Class II-III rapids where we’ll help you develop your paddling skills and the group's cooperation. Relax as you meander through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, and pass the Argo Gold Mine and the town's old waterwheel. The surrounding canyons boast much wildlife to see you as you enjoy your true Colorado adventure. This is a fabulous trip for first timers, families, and large groups with varying ability levels. Trip Details: *Times: 9:00am, 1:00pm, or 4:00pm (Please arrive 30min prior to trip time for check-in and gear up) *Location: Clear Creek *Meeting Location: Colorado Rafting Company Boathouse @ 291 County Road 308 Dumont, CO 80436 *Duration: 1/3 day (~ 2-2.5 hours total) *Whitewater Class: II-III *Season: May - August *Minimum Age of 6 years old may vary with water flows.