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Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)

109 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 109 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Idaho Springs, USA
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from $94 per person

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Shelby
Ashley L
Eddie
Hank
Keith

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the best family rafting adventure near Denver on this action‑packed Clear Creek trip! Perfect for beginners and thrill‑seekers alike, this exciting run features 10 lively Class III rapids, including guest favorites like Castle Falls, Mountain Lion, and Mr. Twister. With almost no flat water, you’ll stay engaged from start to finish—actively paddling through waves, splashes, and continuous fun.

Your journey flows through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, known as “Where it All Began.” Along the way, you’ll pass iconic Colorado landmarks, including the legendary Argo Gold Mine & Mill and the charming Charlie Taylor Water Wheel. The adventure begins at the famed Chicago Creek put‑in, the very site where George Jackson discovered gold in 1859—a moment that shaped Colorado’s history.

For families, first‑timers, and anyone looking for an approachable yet exciting rafting experience just minutes from Denver, this is the top choice for beginner rafting in Colorado!

What's Included

  • PFD (Life Jacket)
  • Helmet
  • Wet Suit
  • Neoprene river booties (shoes) and Paddle Jacket available for $3 each for $5 for both - Available the day of the trip.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1313 Idaho Street
Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Charlie Taylor Water Wheel at Bridal Veil Falls (pass by)

Originally a part of Tayler’s series of five stamp mills, the waterwheel was moved as a community project to its present location in 1948. Since then, it has served as an important visual landmark for Idaho Springs residents and for those traveling through the area. In 1988, volunteers donated an estimated 3,800 hours of labor to the rehabilitation/restoration of what is considered to be a valuable community resource.
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Argo Mill and Tunnel (pass by)

Soon after 1859, when Colorado’s first gold was struck in Idaho Springs, CO, the Argo and surrounding area became an international center of milling and tunneling innovation and served for many gold mines in Colorado. Partnerships between local entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and international business leaders enabled projects of previously unforeseen scale, ambition, and productivity to be realized. The Mighty Argo has rekindled this spirit and will resume its role as a hub of activity and an engine of economic productivity for the region and beyond.The Argo Mill and Tunnel is a wonder of ingenuity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. Begun in 1893, the 4.2-mile-long Argo Tunnel cuts an ingenious path through the hills, draining and servicing hundreds of miles of workings, thereby prolonging the productivity of the famous gold mines in Colorado for decades. Many of the gold mines in Colorado would have become inoperable if not for the Mighty Argo.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: Will I get seasick on Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-34275P2

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Reviews

4.92
109 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 109 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
105
4 stars
2
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1
1 star
1

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • PFD (Life Jacket).
  • Helmet.
  • Wet Suit.
The following is NOT included:
  • Neoprene river booties (shoes) and Paddle Jacket available for $3 each for $5 for both - Available the day of the trip.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner) is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner) will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • PFD (Life Jacket)
  • Helmet
  • Wet Suit
  • Neoprene river booties (shoes) and Paddle Jacket available for $3 each for $5 for both - Available the day of the trip.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Minimum age is 7.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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