Expertly-led Rafting in Colorado
GET 20% OFF RAFTING WITH CODE: ready2raft26
GET 20% OFF RAFTING WITH CODE: ready2raft26
Expertly-led Rafting in Colorado
GET 20% OFF RAFTING WITH CODE: ready2raft26
GET 20% OFF RAFTING WITH CODE: ready2raft26
Upper Clear Creek is Downstream Adventures’ most popular trip, and it earns that reputation rapid by rapid. This is the stretch of Clear Creek that delivers what most people are actually picturing when they search for whitewater rafting near Denver: a steep, continuous canyon run where the action doesn’t let up, the rapids have names, and you come off the water with something worth talking about.
The Upper section drops through a narrowing granite canyon from Dumont down to Idaho Springs, covering some of the most technically demanding intermediate whitewater in Colorado. You’re looking at Class III and IV rapids back to back, with very little flatwater in between. Mister Twister opens things up before the canyon tightens and the river picks up pace. Mountain Lion hits mid-run, followed by Double Knife’s back-to-back drops. Then comes Terminator, the rapid the section is known for, and Hell’s Corner, which closes out the run with a final push through the canyon’s narrowest stretch. Your guide calls every line before you hit it. The teamwork is real.
What makes Upper Clear Creek the right intermediate rafting trip for most groups is the combination of genuine challenge and genuine accessibility. No prior rafting experience is required, and if you’ve done a beginner trip and are ready to turn up the intensity, this is the natural next step. The minimum age is 13, which makes this the go-to trip for groups of adults, older teens, and anyone who wants more than a float but isn’t ready for Class V water. Physical fitness and the ability to swim are strongly recommended — this is an active, paddle-hard trip, not a scenic cruise.
The put-in is in Dumont, and the take-out is Idaho Springs, both just off I-70, about 40 minutes from Denver. You’re not driving into the mountains for two hours to get here. You’re turning off the highway and on the water.
If you’re bringing kids under 13 or a mixed group with first-timers who want something more easygoing, our Middle Clear Creek beginner trip is the right starting point. If you’ve done the Upper before and want to step it up, the Lower Clear Creek advanced trip is waiting.
Note: Neoprene bootie rentals are available for $5 per person.
For more information, check out our recommendations on rafting safety & basics.
Our Upper Clear Creek Trip is our most popular option for groups of adults. Previous rafting experience is not required, but we do ask that all participants have a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to swim. If you have concerns about your physical ability or weight, we recommend exploring our Middle Clear Creek rafting option.
Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided to you at no extra cost. In addition to the gear the we offer, you will want to wear clothes and footwear you are comfortable getting wet in. Swimsuits, athletic shorts, leggings, sun-hoody, rash guard, and fleece tops are all suitable layers to wear. Avoid wearing any cotton. You will need shoes that stay on your feet, so no flip-flops or crocs. You can rent wetsuit shoes for $5 on site.
Clear Creek is conveniently located in Colorado’s Front Range, approximately 30-45 minutes from Denver, Winter Park, Breckenridge and surrounding Summit County. Clear Creek is also the closest rafting destination to Boulder at about 1 hour away.
On the Upper Clear Creek Intermediate raft trip, our rafts typically fit 6 paddlers plus a guide. When the water levels are lower at the beginning and end of the season, we will reduce the capacity in the raft to 4-5.
High flows occur mid-May to June, tapering off into July/August. Conditions fluctuate with snowmelt, affecting speed, splash, and difficulty. Check real-time river flow data to learn more.
The Upper section runs a series of named Class III and IV rapids in fairly quick succession. Mister Twister is an early warm-up that eases you into the canyon’s pace. Mountain Lion follows with a longer, choppier run. Double Knife is exactly what it sounds like — two sharp drops back to back. Terminator is the signature rapid on this stretch, a powerful Class IV that demands active paddling and teamwork. Hell’s Corner wraps up the canyon run with a technical finish through the tightest part of the canyon. Your guide will read the line and brief the team before every major rapid. You’ll be ready.
Upper Clear Creek stands out for its gradient and continuity — the river drops steeply through a narrow canyon with very little recovery time between rapids, which means the intensity stays high for most of the run. Compared to other intermediate options in Colorado, it’s one of the most rapid-dense stretches accessible from Denver. It’s also one of the few trips where the minimum age drops to 13, making it accessible for older teens alongside adults. If you’re looking for the most whitewater per minute within an hour of Denver, this is it. Not ready for Class III-IV? Start with our Middle Clear Creek beginner trip. Want Class IV-V? Step up to the Lower Clear Creek advanced canyon.
Join us for an adrenaline-fueled rafting adventure on the Numbers! Experience the thrill of navigating intense Class IV and V rapids through breathtaking Colorado scenery, making it the ultimate challenge for experienced rafters and adventurous first timers seeking an unforgettable white water experience.
Embark on the adrenaline-fueled adventure with our Lower Canyon advanced rafting trip on Clear Creek! Navigate challenging rapids through rugged terrain, all while experiencing the thrill of some of Colorado's most intense white water. This journey promises an unforgettable experience for rafters seeking the ultimate test of skill and courage.
An excellent beginner rafting experience that is great for first times and families of all ages. The Middle Clear Creek rafting trips are fun and splash, yet easy going. On your adventure, you will step into history as you start your adventure at the iconic Clear Creek rafting put-in, a spot forever etched in Colorado's gold rush lore thanks to George Jackson's discovery in 1858. Follow Clear Creek's steady currents as they meander through Historic Idaho Springs, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey to the mouth of the Lower Canyon. Perfect for beginners, Middle Clear Creek rafting trips offer an accessible option for white water rafting near Denver, promising a thrilling yet manageable experience for all.