Clear Creek Rafting

Are you planning to take a fun adventure rafting trip?

Would you like to try out something in Colorado?

Do you want to combine some amazing thrills on the water along with some gorgeous scenic beauty?

If this sounds like something that you would absolutely love to do, or at least give it a try, then you may want to scroll down through the rest of the article. Here, we are going to talk about rafting in the Clear Creek, which is one of the more popular rafting destinations in Colorado.

From where it is located to the right time to visit, to the different spots you can get there for rafting and more, we are here to tell you everything you need to know about clear creek rafting. Don’t forget to read about some other activities that you can do in the area when you are there.

What is Clear Creek?

The Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte river in Colorado in the USA.

Where is it located?

Clear Creek is located in north central Colorado in the United States of America.

• It is located 25 miles west of Denver in the Idaho Springs.
• It is about 66 miles in length.
• It flows through the Clear Creek Canyon that is located in the Rocky Mountains that are situated directly west of Denver.
• It then descends through a long gorge and comes out on the Colorado Eastern Plains.
• Here, it joins with the South Platte.

What is unique and unusual about Clear Creek is the fact that it is a stream that is named ‘creek’, while it is fed by a stream that is named ‘river.’

It is quite a popular and recognized destination for rafting.

3 reasons why rafting enthusiasts come here for an awesome adventure

While rafting enthusiasts find many reasons to keep going back to Clear Creek for rafting, here are 3 reasons that are definitely good enough to check out the place:

Option #1

Proximity to the city:

• The Clear Creek is easily accessible from the main city.
• This makes it very easy and convenient for rafting enthusiasts to reach there.
• It also makes it convenient for you to go rafting if you are short on time.

Option #2

Amazing scenery on the way:

• The water route on Clear Creek is located in a historic mining valley and is dotted with beautiful scenic spots.
• You may also be able to spot some of the local wildlife such as beavers, deer, muskrats, bear, bighorn sheep or, sometimes, even a mountain lion!
• From different types of greens to views of the mountains and plains, there is a lot of variation in land and water scape that you will surely enjoy.

Option #3

Many rafting opportunities:

• There are a lot of spots along the water route that are ideal for rafting here.
• You can choose from easy beginner rapids (class II) to some more challenging ones (class III and IV), depending on what you want from your trip.
• It also gives you the benefit of choosing something that is perfect for the entire family, or is suitable for thrill-seeking grown-ups.

All you need to know about Clear Creek rafting

Difficulty/skill level required here

• You can choose from different types of rapid levels here, from easy/beginner to moderate and difficult levels.

Exact location and how to get there

• You can take a scenic drive through the I-70 to reach there.

Trip duration

• Whole day
• Half day
• A few hours
• Evening trips (by some providers for those short on time during the day)
• Multi-days and overnight

Description of the area

• It is a very family-friendly place to go whitewater rafting, as you can choose the type of rapids you want to go for
• There are a lot of  notable things to see and do apart from rafting, once you are there
• Most providers will also provide you with onsite gear rental, including rafts, helmets, life jackets, paddles, splash jackets, dry bags, throw bags, boots, wetsuit and more. Please check about the same with your trip provider to know more.

Pros

• Reasonable pricing and various package deals
• A huge variety of rapids to choose from
• Perfect for the entire family
• Perfect for those seeking extreme rafting thrill
• Most providers have helpful and knowledgeable guides to help
• Proximity to the city
• Options to choose between different durations of the trip, from a few hours to a few days
• Gorgeous scenery on the way as you raft

Cons

• None as yet

When is the best time to come to Clear Creek for rafting?

The best time to visit Clear Creek for rafting is between early and late spring. Here is a look at the different rafting months and whether or not they will suit you:

May rafting season

• This offer is an especially good time to go rafting.
• You avoid crowds and have high water.
• Ideal for children aged 6 and above, as well as grown-ups.

June rafting season

• This is the month when more crowds start coming.
• This choice is also the time when you will have higher water.
• Ideal for children aged 6 and above, as well as grown-ups.
• However, with change in water levels, the minimum age criteria can change.

July rafting season

• This option is one of the most popular season for rafting in this area.
• The water levels will now start to get lower and age restrictions will be a little easier.
• Ideal for children aged 6 and above, as well as grown-ups.

August and September rafting season

• You will have very less crowd around this time.
• The water will be quite tame and it is more perfect for families around this time.
• It’s the perfect time to relax on the water and enjoy scenery.
• Ideal for children aged 6 and above, as well as grown-ups.

Advantages of coming here during peak season vs off season

• You will have more tour options to choose from
• There will be more trained staff on hand
• You will be able to move through the best of rapids
• Weather conditions will most likely be suitable for rafting

Disadvantages of coming here during peak season vs off season

• You can expect the place to be crowded
• You may not always get the choice of raft you want
• Higher number of visitors means you may have to wait in queue for your turn, which could be difficult when you are with family and have younger kids
• Off-season may not always be the best time for whitewater rafting. It is possible that the weather conditions and water level may not be conducive for your tour to be conducted properly.  

Some other activities you can do in the area when you visit

Once you are done with your whitewater rafting adventure, there are quite a few other attractions that you can try out too, depending on how much time you have on hand. Here are some places that are worth visiting:

• The Cook Forest State Park
• The Farmer’s Inn
• Blackbird Distillery
• Jesse’s Dream Park – The Mysterious Maze
• Double Diamond Deer Ranch

Make sure to listen to all the safety instructions from your guides and follow them properly. Also, for your own safety, it is best to always keep your life jacket on, while you are on water. Have a great time!