Middle Clear Creek is one of the greatest beginner rafting runs in the nation.  With numerous rapids and historical significance, it is hard to deny the value.  Although Clear Creek holds more rapids than most any other run in the US, the rapids of our Middle section are straight-forward and perfect for families with children or anyone else looking for something a bit easier.  Rafters will also catch glimpses of Colorado's rich gold mining history and maybe even a miner or two as they splash down this unique stretch of whitewater. 

Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek

Clear Creek Canyon is unique in the quantity and quality of its rapids.  It has more rapids than nearly any other commercially run stretch of whitewater in the nation.  It is also free-flowing, meaning that the water levels change throughout the season, offering a variety of experiences.  In addition to world-class rafting, it is also the home of the 1859 Gold Rush.  Gold is still found in the creek by intrepid miners using pans and dredges.  Guests will pass many sites of historical significance related to the Gold Rush while rafting on Clear Creek.  Clear Creek is also conveniently located nearby Denver and other surrounding resorts, making it the perfect day-trip excursion.

Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting near Denver

We offer an experience that is one of a kind. We have beautiful facilities, fantastic gear and amazing guides! From the minute you arrive to the outpost you'll be greeted with a smile by our front desk staff. After checking in, you'll have the opportunity to browse retail, see photos and make yourself comfortable prior to your gear-up speech. Every detail, from the music to the orientation has been crafted with your experience in mind. We care deeply about your river experience and do everything possible to make sure your river trip with us is the highlight of your summer!

Intermediate Clear Creek Blast! Class III-IV Rapids 

Liquid Descent's Beginner Rafting Trip provides a unique experience during which participants will get their share of light adrenaline, beautiful river scenery, and a glimpse into the history of Idaho Spring's mining history. 

Raft the Beginner stretch on Clear Creek!

You don’t ride along—you DRIVE the Jeep! This is Colorado’s only guided tour where you take the wheel of a real off-road Jeep and follow our expert guide through the mountains near Denver. We provide the vehicle, coach you through every step, and lead the way on scenic, beginner-friendly trails with just the right amount of adventure. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups who want a hands-on, exciting alternative to crowded bus tours. No off-roading experience needed—we make it fun and easy. Just show up ready to explore! We keep group sizes small and never pile strangers into the same vehicle. If you’ve ever wanted to see Colorado like a local—this is it.

YOU Drive the Jeep! Guided 4x4 Tour in Idaho Springs (Denver)

The Clear Creek advanced rafting trip is extremely exciting and is intended for those who are strong swimmers and in good physical condition. The rapids are long and in close proximity to each other. This makes for an exhilarating and continuous whitewater rafting experience!

Clear Creek Advanced half day

Our exciting class III-IV Upper Clear Creek river rafting trip provides an exciting experience for adventurous first-timers and experienced rafters. This continuous, steep, technical section will keep your paddle moving and your heart thumping as you crash through Class IV rapids such as Phoenix, Nomad, Fall River, and Outer Limits.



Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

Our Clear Creek Gold Rush whitewater rafting trip (Class II-III) near Idaho Springs provides a unique introduction to summer in Colorado. If you’re looking for an adventure for a family trip, work event, school event, or scouting trip the Clear Creek Gold Rush is the perfect introduction to beginner whitewater rafting.

Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs

Package a thrilling zipline tour with the Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day rafting trip for an adventure of a lifetime! Start off the day on AVA’s Cliffside Zipline Tour. With 6 exciting lines and additional features such as the Jungle Bridge and dual race line, you will be soaring through the trees. Finish your course with an exciting 450 foot line running directly over Chicago Creek and landing back at our outpost. Up next, it's time to raft the thrilling whitewater of the Upper Clear Creek! Starting high in the canyon,  you’ll encounter 30 major rapids on this 8-mile trip dropping an incredible 1,300 vertical feet. This continuous, steep, technical section will keep your paddle moving and your heart thumping as you crash through pulsing, class IV rapids. As you marvel at the beautiful Colorado scenery, keep a lookout for Big Horn Sheep, river otters, deer, and other native wildlife. Either pack a lunch or eat in Idaho Springs between trips. 



Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

This Clear Creek intermediate rafting trip with Mild to Wild offers one of the most exciting whitewater experiences near Denver, featuring more rapids per mile than any other stretch in the area. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll paddle through a series of Class III and IV rapids on the steepest commercially run section of Clear Creek, guided by professional, highly experienced trip leaders—many with over 2,000 river miles. Along the way, you'll pass historical landmarks like the Argo Mill and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, bringing Colorado’s Gold Rush era to life. Mild to Wild sets itself apart with small-group attention, complimentary gear including splash jackets and helmets, and entertaining, interpretive guides focused on both safety and fun.

Clear Creek Intermediate 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Denver, CO

Not for the faint of heart, this is one of the most technical and continuous sections of whitewater in the nation. Sections of this run plummet at a rate of over 100 feet per mile. Teamwork and the ability to follow instructions are key to success on this run. Guides will instruct guests how to follow on-water commands and how to stay safe in adverse situations. Swimming skills, although they may not be used, are a must when traveling on this section of Clear Creek.

Advanced Whitewater Rafting in Clear Creek Canyon near Denver

A Via Ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a method of mountaineering & rock climbing that’s been used in Europe for centuries. Via Ferrata courses use a combination of ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges to aid in moving across and up a cliff face. The Iron Way in Idaho Springs is an assisted rock climbing guided tour where guests clip into cables that run along the side of a cliff. They then move along a designated path of iron rungs and bridges to move across, and along the way they will be required to clip in and out of the cable to progress through the course. This is made possible through an advanced internal locking system in the carabiners. Each guest will have 2 carabiners connected to bungee-style lanyards on their harness. The internal locking system makes it impossible to clip out of both at the same time, insuring that climbers are connected to the cable of the course at all times.

Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Idaho Springs

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. 

Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. It is the first city founded in Colorado, in 1859. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! 

Conveniently located about 30 minutes west of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Intermediate Cannonball Run 

Our zipline course is built within the natural topography of the Colorado Rockies, nestled above historic town of Idaho Springs and at the base of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Explore the cliffside on the six different zip lines, including a dual race line to challenge another member of your group! You'll cross multiple suspended bridges as well while you venture your way back down to our outpost.

Idaho Springs Cliffside Zipline

The Clear Creek Classic trip offers fun for the whole family with splashy Class II–III rapids. Total activity time is 2 hours and 30 minutes from meet to return. Paddle through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon near Idaho Springs, surrounded by Colorado’s gold rush history and stunning mountain views. This fun, hands-on adventure is ideal for those looking to get wet and enjoy the outdoors without extreme intensity. Paddling is required, and all trips include safety orientation, paddle instruction, and gear (PFD, helmet, and wetsuit rentals available). A great way to cool off and experience Colorado’s whitewater! 



Clear Creek Classic 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Denver, CO

Join us on one of our best family trips, and experience Colorado fun on the river and in the air. From our Idaho Springs outpost, paddle Clear Creek’s best family-friendly whitewater and soar through the trees on our cliffside zipline course.

Gold Rush Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

If you’re in the area looking for the perfect day-trip getaway, outdoor adventure or even just a unique Instagram photo op surrounded by the fourteeners of the Rocky Mountains, Native Jeeps is the perfect fit for your plans.

YOU Drive the Jeep! Guided Sunset Tour in Idaho Springs (Denver)

Why Choose Us?

Unmatched Winter Scenery: Immerse yourself in the Rockies' stunning winter landscapes, led by a company passionate about sharing Colorado’s beauty like no one else.

Accessible to All Levels: Whether you're a seasoned snowshoer or a first-timer, we design our tours to be safe, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone.

Guides Who Make a Difference: Our expert local guides do more than lead; they bring the adventure to life, sharing insights, stories, and personal touches that make each tour unforgettable. 

Choose us for a winter experience that goes beyond the ordinary—where breathtaking views, exceptional service, and authentic connection with Colorado's wild make every moment unforgettable.

Colorado Snowshoeing Adventure in the Rocky Mountains

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. 

Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. One of the first cities founded in Colorado, in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! 

Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

Raft the Gold Nugget Run on Clear Creek: Class l-lll Ages 6+

For travelers looking for a full-day adventure packed with excitement, scenery, and history, this full-Day Rafting Trip offers one of the most unique rafting experiences near Denver. You’ll navigate the steepest commercial rafting section in the region, with more rapids per mile than any other nearby river—making for a thrilling, action-packed day on the water. Along the way, take in Colorado’s Gold Rush past as you pass landmarks like the Argo Mill and Charlie Taylor Water Wheel. What sets Mild to Wild apart is their team of professional, highly trained guides who bring both skill and storytelling to every trip. With over 2,000 river miles on average, they’re experts at making your experience both safe and memorable. Complimentary splash jackets, PFDs, and helmets are included, and the trip’s convenient location just 30–45 minutes from Denver.

Clear Creek Intermediate Rafting Trip with Lunch - Denver

Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for Families

Explore the beauty of Clear Creek Canyon while learning the fundamentals of fly-fishing: casting, wading, reading water, trout habits, pattern selection, and catching fish!

Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson on Clear Creek near Denver

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. 

This trip is your chance to participate in an unusually challenging raft trip close to Denver, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park. Canyon scenery is dramatic, and adrenaline will be high!

Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. Founded in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the state! 

The season for advanced rafting on Clear Creek is normally June and July, but is dependent on water flows.

Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Dare the Advanced Gold Rush section

Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting Trip: Intermediate Level

What sets the Fall Finale: Scenic Jeep Tour apart is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of Colorado's most scenic landscapes. While other tours may focus on rugged, intense off-roading, this tour is tailored for travelers looking to enjoy an easier, more leisurely drive through the beautiful mountains. You get to drive your own Jeep and explore at a comfortable pace, making it ideal for those who want to experience off-roading without the technical challenges of rock crawling.

Additionally, this tour is seasonally exclusive—as the last of the fall colors fade and the crowds disappear, you'll have the trails mostly to yourself. Take in the panoramic views of the towering peaks and vast valleys, all while cruising along with ease. It’s a chance to embrace the crisp, fresh mountain air without the high summer or peak fall traffic.

Lastly, the discounted pricing makes it a fantastic value for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. 



Early Season Special: Scenic Jeep Tour

We provide a unique experience to experience Colorado's rocky mountains at a less frequented part of the day. We operate on clear, mild nights and give guests a variety of beautiful and unique locations that otherwise may have been missed. 

Colorado Astrophotography Experience

This stretch of whitewater has the most continuous rapids out of any river in Colorado and only 30+ minutes from the Denver metro area. This area is also know as Colorado first finding of Gold and you will pass by the exact spot where Chicago creek comes through. Your guide will also tell you some interesting stories and entertain you along the way.

Whitewater Rafting Adventure Near Denver

Picture yourself floating down a river through the mountains of Colorado with your family and friends on a beautiful summer day. Rafting is a great way to see Colorado and to cool off too! You will experience the thrill of splashing your way through some fun and easy rapids on this family friendly stretch of river!

Family Friendly Whitewater Rafting near Denver

These tea room delicacies are delicious and easy to make.

They look complicated and fancy - so you can impress your family and friends!

No special knowledge of baking, cooking, food preparation or measuring is required.


Experiences in Black Hawk, United States Of America