Expertly-led Rafting Trips Near Denver, Colorado
DOWNSTREAM ADVENTURES
Embark on a thrilling white water rafting adventure near Denver with Downstream Adventures. Clear Creek whitewater rafting is one of our favorite things to do near Denver, and is only 40 minutes away!
Experience adrenaline-pumping rapids amid breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re looking for white water rafting for beginners, craving the challenge of an Upper Clear Creek rafting trip, or ready to take on the intensity of Lower Clear Creek rafting, we’ve got a trip designed for you. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, join us on our full-day Clear Creek River rafting adventure. Choose your level and let Downstream Adventures awaken your sense of adventure! If you’re looking for lodging near Denver, with easy access to rafting adventures, hiking, snowmobiling, and more, we’ve got you covered there as well. An unforgettable adventure of whitewater rafting near Denver awaits!
Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids on Clear Creek during a full-day advanced rafting trip. With expert guides leading the way, you'll conquer challenging white water stretches while taking in breathtaking scenery. Plus, enjoy a delicious lunch served riverside, making for an unforgettable adventure-packed day.
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.
Check out the best Intermediate Rafting Trip near Denver. Upper Clear Creek is an ideal white water rafting trip packed with excitement. With more rapids per mile than nearly any other commercially run stretch in the nation, Clear Creek guarantees a rush like no other. And the best part? You only drive 45 minutes from Denver to experience the thrill! Join us for an unforgettable rafting adventure on the rapids of Upper Clear Creek.
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.
Skip the drive back to the city and stay right where the adventure happens. Our lodging near Denver, next to our Empire basecamp on Clear Creek, gives you immediate access to world-class rafting near Denver. Wake up in the mountains, step outside, and you’re ready to raft, hike, mountain bike, and more. It’s the easiest way to experience Denver whitewater rafting without the hassle of commuting from the city at the end of your adventure. Perfect for families, groups, and anyone wanting to make the most of their rafting getaway.
Clear Creek offers the best rafting near Denver, located just 45 minutes west of downtown via I-70. With more rapids per mile than nearly any other commercially rafted river in Colorado, Clear Creek delivers non-stop action and excitement. Our Empire basecamp provides easy access to multiple sections of the creek, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced trips all within minutes of each other. Unlike other Colorado rafting destinations that require 2-3 hours of driving, Clear Creek’s proximity to Denver means you can experience world-class whitewater without sacrificing your entire day. The combination of thrilling rapids, stunning mountain scenery, and unbeatable convenience makes Clear Creek rafting trips the top choice for rafting close to Denver.
Your rafting adventure near Denver begins at our Empire basecamp, where you’ll meet your guide, receive safety gear (including wetsuit, helmet, and PFD), and get a thorough safety orientation. Depending on your chosen trip level, expect 2-4 hours of exciting rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV+. All trips include professional guides, top-quality equipment, and transportation to and from the river. You’ll navigate thrilling whitewater while surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain scenery—all within 45 minutes of Denver. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled trip time for check-in and gear fitting.
No experience is required for most rafting near Denver! Our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and paddling instruction before every trip. We offer adventures for all skill levels, from gentle family floats on Middle Clear Creek to adrenaline-pumping advanced runs on a Lower Clear Creek rafting trip. Whether it’s your first time on the water or you’re an experienced rafter, we have the perfect trip near Denver for your ability level and adventure goals.
The prime season for rafting near Denver runs from May through August on Clear Creek. June typically offers the highest water levels and most thrilling rapids, thanks to peak snowmelt from the Continental Divide. July and August provide warmer weather, more consistent flows, and sunny Colorado days perfect for water adventures. Clear Creek maintains excellent rafting conditions throughout the summer, making it the most reliable option for rafting close to Denver.
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