The employees were all very nice and helpful. Our guide Russel was amazing, he definitely knew the waters and knew what he was doing. we were very inexperienced and we weren’t in sync paddling but he got us through it without anyone falling out. Will definitely go back!
Lower Clear Creek Canyon White Water Rafting
Advanced level (class IV-V rapids)
Ages 16+ welcome
Action-packed half-day tour
Calling all adventurous spirits! Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a dare-devil at heart, Lower Clear Creek is a real test of bravery! If rapids like Double Knife, Terminator, and Hell’s Corner excite you, let Downstream Adventures take you on an epic adventure. Don’t be too worried, though — our expert guides will be with you every step of the way.
Highlights
Enjoy top-of-the-line equipment, including a wetsuit and splash jacket — all included in the tour price
Leave those worries behind with our certified and experienced guides that will keep you safe and help you have a fantastic time
Reward your adventurous spirit with this exhilarating experience — just make sure you are ready to do some serious paddling, since this tour is pretty wild ride!
Price
$91 per person
Difficulty
Advanced (class IV-V rapids)
Please note: when this course opens in May and just before it closes in August, we classify it as an intermediate course due to its reduced water flow. However, during June and July, it is an advanced course since the rapids are more intense.
Departure times
Every day at 8AM, 11AM, and 2PM
Meeting point
Downstream Adventures
409 E Park Avenue,
Empire, Colorado 80438
Starting & ending points
Put in at Idaho Springs (subject to change throughout season)
Take out at mile marker 260, Lower Clear Creek Canyon
Availability
Late May until late-July
Our season duration is dependent on snow run-off. How much snow falls in the preceding winter directly affects the length of our season. Typically, the season will begin in the third to fourth week of May and last until the second or third week of August.
Duration
3-3.5 hours total (usually between 1.5 and 2 hours on the water)
Participation requirements
Participants must be at least 16 years old. Participants must possess the ability to swim and be used to physical activity. You’ll need to partake in a lot of paddling since we’ll take on the rapids together!
Included
- Transportation from our outpost to the river and back
- Excellent white water rafts and safety equipment
- Wetsuit and splash jacket for each guest
- Custom-fit PFD (personal flotation device or life jacket) and helmet
- Dry bag for necessary items like medication
Note: Neoprene bootie rentals are available for $5 per person.
What to bring
- Swimsuit or non-cotton shorts
- Shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet (tennis shoes or sport sandals are great)
- Sunscreen
- Dry change of clothes for after the trip
- Your excitement and enthusiasm!
For more information, check out our recommendations on rafting safety & basics.
About your guide
One of our certified and highly trained river guides will accompany you on your tour. Read more about our guides!
The Ultimate Team Rafting Experience: Try The Best Rafting In Colorado!
If you’re an adventurous spirit, this 10-mile stretch is one of the most demanding in the country at high flows — making it the perfect challenge! At lower flows, the river still retains its fast-paced, challenging nature. This run should only be attempted by those who are seeking the highest levels of adrenaline and capable of staying focused, following directions, and paddling hard. Not for the faint of heart!
Enjoy An Adrenaline Rush Near Denver
After a detailed safety talk from your certified guide, we’ll go through paddle commands before heading out on the water! Lower Clear Creek offers almost non-stop white water excitement. Tackle intense rapids like Double Knife, Terminator, Corkscrew, and Hell’s Corner! If you’re a team player and ready to prove your rafting skills, join Downstream Adventures on this exhilarating stretch of white water.
Good to Know
Why Clear Creek?
Clear Creek has more rapids per mile than almost any other commercially run stretch of white water in the nation. Even the most seasoned paddlers can get their fix here!
Our location
Downstream Adventures is situated just 40 minutes from Denver, Colorado and less than an hour from Breckenridge, Boulder, Keystone, and Winter Park. You won’t find a better rafting trip so conveniently located!
What you’ll see
Clear Creek is a place of stunning beauty. Witness the remains of our rich gold rush history, including Argo Mill, once the longest tunnel in the world. Keep an eye out for exciting animals and admire the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Qualifications of our guides
At Downstream Adventures, we guarantee that all of our guides are highly qualified and experienced. Each guide has been certified in CPR/first aid and trained in life-saving swiftwater rescue techniques, and that’s just our minimum requirement! All of our full-time guides have surpassed the highest level of guide qualification recognized by the state of Colorado (level 3).
Safety
Our guides are some of the most experienced in Colorado and are skilled in Swift-Water Rescue and precision boat control. Of course, you are entering a wild and natural environment and there are risks involved, but we at Downstream Adventures take great pride in making trip safety our top priority.
Check out what our guests are saying
Went with a big group of friends after a wedding, really big water this year. Guides took the time to educate and get a lot of the first timers comfortable. The guides were absolutely top notch. Safty kayaker was there for rescues and made everyone feel safe. Can’t thank the staff enough for such a good trip. Such a good experience with them, I wouldn’t go rafting with any other company. Don’t forget to tip your guides!!! They work hard to keep you safe and make sure you have a great time!! Can’t wait to go back!!!
A great family adventure. The guide, Rusty, was funny, and well skilled, and safety was always a priority.
The wife and I went on the INTERMEDIATE trip with Downstream Adventures in August. Office staff was great and efficient, our safety lecture was complete, and out guide Curt could not have been better. Since the water was rather low they took us on the ADVANCED portion of the river. It was great, class 3-4 rapids, stopped to eat wild raspberries – a great trip. We highly recommend Downstream Adventures for your Idaho Springs/Black Hawk area rafting trip on Clear Creek.
