A short, high-adrenaline rafting run on upper Clear Creek with continuous Class III–IV rapids. Perfect for adventurous first-timers (13+) and paddle-savvy guests seeking strong, fast water near Idaho Springs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the outpost onto a gravel lot and the river announces itself before you see it: a distant roar that grows teeth as you walk toward the canyon. Guides strap helmets and smiles into place while buckets of cold spray leak light off the raft. Clear Creek pushes and pulls—sometimes insistent, sometimes playful—through a narrow corridor of gray rock and pines, and the next two-and-a-half hours are a compact lesson in speed and focus.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate to high; you should be comfortable with short bursts of exertion, basic paddling, and entering/exiting the raft.
Wildlife
History
Clear Creek canyon played a central role in Colorado’s mid-19th-century gold rush; Idaho Springs grew as a supply and mining center and still shows mining-era infrastructure near the river.
Conservation
River health depends on responsible use—pack out trash, avoid disturbing riparian vegetation, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and habitat impact.
Reserve your spot on the Intermediate Clear Creek Blast! Class III-IV Rapids today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Check in, browse retail, and attend the mandatory gear and safety orientation to avoid delays.
Wear secure footwear
Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers that stay on in swift water reduce the chance of losing footwear during a swim.
Protect exposed skin
Sun and wind off the canyon make SPF and a lip balm essential—even on cool days.
Know your limits
This run includes Class IV sections; if you have back, heart, or pregnancy restrictions, sit this one out.
Water shoes or secure sneakers
Keeps your feet safe and prevents losing shoes in a swim.
summer
Quick-dry layers
Thermal base or synthetic layers help regulate temperature under the supplied wetsuit.
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Protects exposed skin from strong Colorado sun reflecting off canyon walls.
summer
Small dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps keys, cards, and electronics dry during transport and brief river swims.