Things to Do in Idaho Springs

Adventure down Class 2-3 rapids in this 3 hour whitewater rafting tour! Whether you are a first time rafter or traveling with kids or family, this trip showcases Clear Creek's exciting natural flow!

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.

Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and fall in love with the mountain town of Evergreen on a day trip from Denver. Gaze across the glacial Echo Lake and witness the dramatic views at 10,600 feet.

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!

Join us for a visit to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, and catch stunning views from Lookout Mountain before strolling through the charming Western town of Golden.

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.

Soar across 5 separate lines as you experience one of the highest, longest, and most exhilarating high-tower zip line courses with this ziplining adventure in Idaho Springs, near Denver, Colorado.

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.

Embark on a half-day whitewater rafting adventure through the scenic Gold Rush section of Clear Creek. Paddle through gentle Class II rapids and enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

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.

Discover Clear Creek on this beginner rafting trip in Idaho Springs, just west of Denver. Enjoy easy whitewater rapids and terrific views on this tour that is suitable for first timers and families.

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.

Head to the beautiful Clear Creek in Denver for an intermediate level whitewater rafting experience. Experience stunning natural scenery as you take on the challenge of these class III - IV rapids.

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.

Experience a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure along the Clear Creek in Denver, suitable for all levels of ability. Experience the rush of conquering class I-II rapids with your crew.

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.

Get your ticket for Colorado Adventure Center's Ropes Course in Idaho Springs, an aerial park featuring 60 obstacles and short zip lines with 3 distinct levels of difficulty for people of all ages.

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!

Conveniently located west of Denver, Clear Creek's beginner run is the perfect introduction to whitewater rafting. Learn to paddle in Class II & III rapids surrounded by mining ruins and wildlife.

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.

Experience a fun and exciting introduction to whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, perfect for families and first-timers!

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.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Gold Rush Half-Day Rafting and Zipline Combo. Feel the rush of the gentle rapids as you paddle through scenic canyons and soar above the treetops.

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.

Experience the beauty and thrill of whitewater rafting on Clear Creek on this guided intermediate trip for experienced paddlers or aggressive first timers. Near Idaho Springs, just west of 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!

Experience the thrill of conquering raging rapids amidst breathtaking scenery with Upper Clear Creek's half-day rafting adventure.

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.

Take on the lower Clear Creek's rapids on an advanced whitewater rafting experience in Denver. Admire the scenery as you paddle with your crew through intense sections like Double Knife and Corkscrew.

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.

Take control of your own Jeep and explore Idaho Springs’ rugged trails. With expert guidance, you’ll conquer rocky terrain, splash through creeks, and enjoy stunning mountain views!

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.

Enjoy a naturalist-guided birding hike through pristine spruce-fir forest to a lake and an active glacier. Later, relax in a therapeutic natural hot spring in the town of Idaho Springs.

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.

This trip is for people looking for excitement and adventure and will keep your attention the entire time. This an excellent choice for rafting near Denver that will test your limits.

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.

Experience a thrilling whitewater rafting journey in Dumont, located just outside of Denver. Discover the most continuous rapids out of any river in Colorado with an activity suitable for beginners.

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.

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Clear Creek on this intermediate trip. Navigate the continuous Class III/IV rapids with the help of your guide and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Our exciting class III-IV Upper Clear Creek river rafting trip provides an exciting experience for adventurous first-timers and experienced rafters. Class 3: (Minimum ages may vary) Moderately difficult. Irregular waves and narrow channels. This is what we consider to be family-level whitewater rafting. Class 4: (Minimum ages may vary) Difficult. Complex channels with obstacles to be avoided. Precise maneuvering.

Explore the history of Colorado on this interactive tour with a professional guide and photographer. Visit Dinosaur Ridge, Phoenix Gold Mine, and more.

You begin your day flying from ridge to ridge over a forest of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pines. After descending down the mountain you will finish with an exciting 450 foot line running directly into the AVA backyard to begin your second half of the day’s adventure. next up is your Clear Creek Beginner white water rafting trip perfect for all abilities from families on their first whitewater adventure to experienced adrenaline junkies. This one-third-day trip is a great introduction to whitewater.

Enjoy an action-packed adventure on Clear Creek's intermediate whitewater rafting trip with continuous Class III-IV rapids. Enjoy a tour great for first-time rafters or more experienced paddlers.

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. 

Family Fun rafting through the historic gold mining town of Idaho Springs. Adventure through class 2 and 3 whitewater rapids see historical sites and enjoy an active experience only 30 min from 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.

The plunge over Upper and Lower Beaver falls will get your attention but they are just the start! This steep and technical section of Clear Creek boasts an avg gradient of over 100 ’ per mile.

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.

Take a day trip from Denver to Red Rocks Park, Mount Evans, and Indian Hot Springs. Enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains, visit the amphitheater in the world, and relax in the hot springs.

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.