Expertly-led Rafting in Colorado

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GET 20% OFF RAFTING WITH CODE: ready2raft26

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Middle Clear Creek Rafting - Beginner

  • $80+
  • 2.5-3 hours
  • Beginner | Ages 5+ | 50lb minimum weight

Middle Clear Creek Rafting

Our Middle Clear Creek Beginner is the perfect introduction to rafting on the most popular beginner white water rafting trip near Denver! Paddlers raft down fun and splashy class 2 & 3 rapids through historic Idaho Springs, where Colorado’s gold rush past meets dramatic mountain views. On Middle Clear Creek, you’ll tackle up to 15 rapids with playful names like Mister Twister and Mountain Lion. Our friendly rafting guides are experts at making sure everyone feels safe and has a blast, creating unforgettable memories for the whole group!

Among all Clear Creek rafting trips, Middle Clear Creek offers the best blend of fun and approachability for families, youth groups, and new paddlers. With convenient access from I-70 and no rafting experience required, this Clear Creek whitewater rafting trip is a top pick for adventure-seekers staying in Denver, Boulder, or Breckenridge. If you’re ready to pump the adrenaline up more and take on some tougher rapids, a great next option is our intermediate Upper Clear Creek rafting trip.

Middle Clear Creek Details

  • PRICE: $80+ (prices vary depending on day and time)
    *9.5% fee applied at checkout
  • DIFFICULTY: Beginner rafting (class II-III rapids)
  • Departure Times
    Early Season(May until mid-June) 9AM & 12:20PM
    Peak Season(mid-June through Aug) 8AM, 11:30PM & 3PM
  • MEETING POINT
    Downstream Adventures
    409 E Park Avenue,
    Empire, Colorado 80438
  • STARTING & ENDING POINTS:
    Put in at Clear Creek, Idaho Springs
    Take out at entrance to Lower Canyon (Kermit’s)
  • AVAILABILITY: mid-May until mid-August
  • DURATION: up to 3 hours total (usually between 1 and 1.5 hours on the water)
  • REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be at least 5 years old and weigh at least 50 lbs.

Middle Clear Creek Highlights

  • Ideal for Beginners and Families: This rafting trip offers the perfect balance of excitement and approachability, making it ideal for beginners and families seeking a memorable adventure.
  • Exciting class II & III Rapids: Experience the thrill of navigating 15 Class II and III rapids, ensuring fun around every corner.
  • Top-of-the-Line Equipment Included: Enjoy top-quality whitewater rafting equipment, including wetsuits and splash jackets, all included in the tour price for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
  • Convenient Location: Located just 40 minutes from Denver, this rafting adventure is easily accessible, allowing you to spend more time on the water and less time traveling.
  • Expert Guides for Safety and Fun: Relax and enjoy the ride with our certified and experienced guides who are dedicated to keeping you safe while ensuring you have a fantastic time on the river.

OPTIONS

Intinerary

19+ Years of Happy Customers

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Kennedy was our guide and she did a fabulous job! She was very informative and took great care of the 4 of us! This was truly a beginner route and we feel we could have done a bit more. All in all this was a great time!
Deb H
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Outstanding day on the water! The entire staff was friendly, welcoming, efficient and knowledgeable. The raft guides were all excellent, especially our guide Jeff. He made our trip downriver so much fun. We had an absolute blast! This activity is great for children, teens, families, couples or solo. An exceptional independently owned business who truly cares about its patrons and it shows. Highly Recommended!
Vicki A
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First time whitewater rafting and we went with the beginner ride. It was a lot of fun! Our guide, Amanda, was awesome. We were 4 adults and now feel we could have probably done the intermediate. They went over all safety thoroughly and Amanda was very knowledgable about the river, and the area, sharing information along the way. If we come back to this area, we will definitely come back to do it again and go for the more challenging course. Front desk and all the raft guys were amazing. Highly recommend it!
Cecilia C
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Incredibly fun experience. I went with my mom who does not know how to swim and is even afraid to get in water, but we had a blast! Guides are very experienced and such a pleasure to raft with. Personally, I would do this 100 more times and even go for intermediate rafting next. Our family had this as the highlight of our trip to Colorado!
Natalie N
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We originally signed up for the beginner ride, but thankfully, after talking with Charity at the front desk, we changed to the intermediate. Russ was our guide and we could not have asked for a better experience overall! Lots of knowledge shared about the river and area. I ‘ve rafted in another part of CO and AL before and this was my favorite experience of class 2-4 . I was a bit hesitant as this is a “smaller” company compared to some others around. NOT to worry- they have excellent customer service! Best part of our trip to CO say our teenage kids.
Fam of 5

What's Included

Included

  • Transportation from our outpost to the river and back
  • Top-of-the-line white water rafts and safety equipment
  • Wetsuit and splash jacket for each guest
  • Adjustable-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.

Additional Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Wetsuits and splash jackets are provide 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 Middle Clear Creek Beginner trip, our rafts typically fit 6-7 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.

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.

Absolutely—many rafters return for intermediate or advanced stretches (like the Upper Clear Creek rafting trip or Lower Clear Creek rafting trip). Beginner trips are a great warm-up for future adventures!

Yes, we offer group discounts. Groups of 10–19 guests receive 10% off with promo code GROUP10-19, groups of 20–29 receive 15% off with promo code GROUP20-29, and groups of 30 or more receive 20% off with promo code GROUP30+. Simply enter the appropriate promo code at checkout when booking online. See our group page for more information

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