Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)

Name: Middle Clear Creek Canyon (Beginner)
Price: 89 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.88 (108 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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

Minimum age is 5.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Charlie Taylor Water Wheel at Bridal Veil Falls

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Argo Mill and Tunnel

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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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