expert
3–4 hours
Participants should be in excellent physical condition with strong swimming and paddling abilities to manage intense rapids.
Challenge yourself with Clear Creek’s advanced whitewater rapids. Navigate thrilling class IV-V waves amidst Colorado’s scenic wilderness on this expert-level rafting adventure.
Raft some of the best whitewater in Colorado!
Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, Clear Creek has a rafting trip option for varying ability and experience levels.
If you are looking to maximize your adrenaline and thrills then check out our Clear Creek Advanced rafting trips. Dropping over 100ft a mile for over 5 miles, the Advanced raft trip is for experienced paddlers only. With very little warm up, you will hit the continuous class IV-V rapids of Clear Creek Canyon. Brace yourself, take a breath and paddle hard as you drop into rapids such as Beaver Falls, Tricky Dicky, Guide Ejector, Double Knife, Hells Corner, the Terminator Holes, and Corkscrew. This trip is run only at optimal water levels, and we reserve the right to refuse these trips to anyone at our discretion. This is the most extreme, steep, and technical stretch of Clear Creek. It requires the ability to swim, strong physical conditioning, and prior experience. For those up to the challenge, you will not be disappointed!
Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company delivers four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:
We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Yes. We require you be able to swim, have strong physical conditioning, and have prior experience.
No specialized gear is required for these adventures. We provide all specialized equipment needed. You bring clothing and apparel appropriate for being outside on a Colorado summer day on the river. We do recommend wetsuits and/or splash jackets for this early season river. The water is cold so don’t be afraid to bring your long underwear and fleece jackets for this classic Colorado rafting trip. You will need secure footwear i.e NO FLIP FLOPS or CROCS
Your guides work hard before, during, and after your trip to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
The season for rafting this river is May through August, depending on water levels.
Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to get wet and stay wet – not to mention taking valuable warmth from your body’s surface. For rafting, bathing suits and shorts or long sleeve/leg poly pro style clothing is recommended with comfortable, secure footwear. While not required, we do provide wetsuits free of charge. Splash jackets and booties are available for an additional rental fee. This equipment isn’t mandatory but it is designed to keep you warm. Towels are best kept in your vehicles and don’t do you much good on the river because there is no way to keep them dry. Your best bet are wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester, waterproof jackets, and any other outdoor material that dries fast. Space is limited on the rafts, so limit what you bring to what you can wear. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are included with all rafting adventures and helmets on all Clear Creek trips. If you have any questions please call us so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Please see our equipment lists for activity specific gear. For rafting you will want to bring a few towels to leave in your car; you’ll be happy to have something to dry off with after your adventure. Leave a change of dry clothes in your car, too. Our basecamps offer changing rooms so you can be comfortable after your Colorado raft adventure. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses straps, and hats that protect from the sun. Bring water for hydration. Remember, you’re in the Colorado Rockies, and it’s important to stay hydrated!
We typically accept participants 16 years or older for advanced runs, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
Safety gear is mandatory on this trip given the technical rapids and challenging water conditions.
Bring water bottles and snacks to maintain energy levels, as the physical exertion is intense.
Following guide instructions ensures smooth navigation through difficult rapid sections safely.
Wear moisture-wicking and layered clothes to stay comfortable in varying water and air temperatures.
Clear Creek was an important route during Colorado’s gold rush, and remnants of old mining operations can still be found nearby.
Colorado Adventure Guides actively support river clean-ups and promote Leave No Trace principles to preserve Clear Creek’s natural ecosystem.
Protects your head from rocks and collisions during rapid runs.
Ensures buoyancy and safety in fast-moving water.
Keeps you warm and insulated in cold water conditions.
spring|fall|winter specific
Keeps personal belongings dry during the trip.