Things to Do in Idaho Springs

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.

What sets our You-Drive Jeep Tours in Idaho Springs apart is the thrill of being in control. Unlike typical ride-along tours, you get to be in the driver’s seat, navigating rugged terrains and exploring off-the-beaten-path trails. You’ll tackle mountain roads and off-road challenges with expert guidance, all while enjoying incredible panoramic views of Colorado’s backcountry. This tour is perfect for both thrill-seekers and families looking for a fun adventure. Our knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and tailored experience based on your skill level, making this a unique, hands-on way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s natural beauty.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

This is a great family adventure for rafting near Denver! This trip offers 10 fun rapids, including Castle Falls, Mountain Lion and Mr. Twister.

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 the best of both worlds with a combo adventure in Idaho Springs. Feel the adrenaline rush of navigating the rapids of Upper Clear Creek and soar through the air on a zipline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

Escape the city and explore the Rocky Mountains on a day trip from Denver. Drive along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, see Echo Lake, and look for wildlife like bighorn sheep.

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.

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!

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.