Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting: Unique Denver Experience

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Clear Creek Canyon, home to some of the best rapids in the nation. Discover the history of the 1859 Gold Rush while enjoying a convenient day trip from Denver and nearby resorts.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 409 Park Ave - We ask that guests arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled trip time to give time for check-in. After this, guests will meet their guides, receive the necessary equipment for their journey, and the basics of rafting and river safety. Next, they will board our shuttle vehicle, which will take them on a short drive to the creek-side launch point.
    After their rafting adventure, guests will be transported back to our outpost. There, they will have the opportunity to purchase a keepsake from our gift shop and/or receive recommendations from their guide about other area attractions and eateries.
What's Included
  • All necessary gear provided, including helmet, personal flotation device, paddles, wetsuits, and splash jackets
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Footwear (no crocs or flip-flops)
Additional Information

Clear Creek Canyon distinguishes itself with the quantity and quality of its rapids. It boasts more rapids than almost any other commercial whitewater stretch in the country. It’s also free-flowing, which means water levels vary over the season, providing a range of experiences. Besides top-notch rafting, the area is home to the 1859 Gold Rush. Today, dedicated miners continue to find gold in the creek using technologies like pans and dredges. While rafting on Clear Creek, guests will encounter numerous sites of historical interest tied to the Gold Rush. Clear Creek’s location is also a bonus - it’s in close proximity to Denver and nearby resorts, making it an ideal day-trip destination.

  • Participants must be aged 13 and up
  • Travelers should be comfortable engaging in physical activities, including moderate paddling and walking
Location
409 Park Ave
Park Avenue
Location is in the town of Empire, but address is commonly listed as Idaho Springs which is the nearest larger town only a few miles away.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(223 Ratings)
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Jackie_a
Sep 3, 2024
Fun rafting trip! - Luke was a great guide! We had some repeat rafters and newbies in our group. We had a blast and would definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
O5658fsheatherw
Aug 20, 2024
Rafting Fun - We had an awesome time! The water was lower since we went August 19th however it still did not disappoint. Russell was GREAT and a lot of fun! He filled us in on a ton of fun facts along the way! We definitely will plan some additional rafting adventures!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deidrew52
Aug 1, 2024
Great time! - It was great! We had a blast. The guide we had - Curt - was awesome!! He's been doing these for 17 years and he made it an experience to remember.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_s
Jul 29, 2024
Great day rafting! - Aaron was a very accomplished guide. We had a wonderful experience, and will definitely use this rafting company when we come back!
Review provided by Viator
870paigek
Jul 27, 2024
Book it! You won’t regret it!! - Our family of 4 had a wonderful white water rafting experience! All staff members.. from behind the counter, to rafting guide, to bus driver were welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable, and enjoyable to be around. Luke is a phenomenal guide. He’s knowledgeable on the river and a fabulous coach. He was easy to understand & safely guided us through class 3 & 4 rapids. His positive attitude and passion for the outdoors was infectious. Head gear & pfd’s were clean & in great condition. Rent booties for $5! I Bought the cutest bison/CO croakies (only $5) to keep my sunglasses tight. Dressing rooms & restrooms are provided. Option to purchase professional photos (our pics are fabulous) Great merch, too! Overall fabulous vibe! Thank you, DA Rafting, for giving or fam a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_g
Jul 24, 2024
Great experience. Luke... - Great experience. Luke was a great guide, he kept us informed and kept it fun. It is a little ways from Denver and we were informed that we were lucky to get a ride home as we used Uber. So be care if you go that route
Review provided by Viator
Maxsz8007dq
Jul 20, 2024
10/10 would recommend to a friend, maybe even an enemy. - We had the pleasure of heading out on the water with Kevin for our first time rafting. We were a group of 22, which was not an easy feat to find something to entertain us all but to say our expectations were exceeded would be an understatement. All the guides were amazing and I can’t say enough good things about this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2669wkjacquelinef
Jul 2, 2024
Look nowhere else! - What a blast! Luke and the crew took good care of us and really made the whitewater rafting trip that much more fun! Guides can really make or break a whitewater rafting experience and this hardworking group of people did not disappoint. Tanner was our guide and he did a great job making those who were nervous feel comfortable and brought the fun for the rest! Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valerieanne19
Jun 16, 2024
Luke is the best! - Our first time rafting and it was the best experience. We had so much fun and our guide Luke made it even better! He’s personable and funny. We don’t live in CO but if we come back we would definitely request Luke again!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go614707
Jun 9, 2024
Makin' a Birthday Splash! - Thanks again, and happy 'shared' birthday to our river guide, Tanner. My brother and I had a blast charging through the unusually high water that day! Could not have had more fun!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor