Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Idaho Springs, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Even beginners can enjoy a whitewater rafting trip on Clear Creek with this guided tour in Colorado. All instruction and equipment—wetsuits, paddles, life vests, and personal drybags—are provided for you. This tour is suitable for those who have no experience and is also perfect for families with children, too.
- Use of all equipment, including personal drybags
- Instruction provided, perfect for beginners
- Experience whitewater rafting in a safe way
- Guide provides navigation and commentary
What's Included
- Free use of wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, paddles, and personal flotation devices.
- Gratuities
- Footwear required (no crocs or flip flops)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Downstream Adventures Rafting - Clear Creek409 Park Ave, Empire, CO 80438, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Downstream Adventures
2
Clear Creek Canyon
3
Argo Mill and Tunnel
4
Idaho Springs
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Although the river itself is not wheelchair access, in most cases we can make special arrangements for our guests' needs.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Travis_J
The water is cold but refreshing at the same time, it was amazing! The guides are fun and definitely know what they are doing. We had such a great time that we all wanted to keep going. The only reason we didn't is because my kids aren't old enough for the intermediate course. I definitely recommend, you won't be disappointed.
Reviews
5.0
based on 285 reviews
Michael_N, Aug 2025
Great first-time trip. Johnny was a great guide, highly recommend! Kids had a blast and the views were amazing
Suzy_P, Aug 2025
The water level was fairly low and it wasn't as fast as we anticipated due to the dry conditions but the kids had a blast! Our guide Brian was awesome and made it fun for them.
Juanita_A, Aug 2025
We had the best time ever!!! Our guide Bryan was fantastic and everyone who we encountered that worked there were friendly and helpful!!!
Lisa_M, Jul 2025
Our guide was fantastic, and the rafting was fun. The scenery for the beginner class wasn’t spectacular though; I recommend taking an intermediate or advanced class.
Shelley_R, Jul 2025
Great guides and lots of fun.The beginner experience was just right with plenty of fun rapids. One class 3 rapid on the trip.
Jina_H, Jul 2025
Brian was a great guide and we had a great time rafting! I'll be coming back to do the next levels at Downstream.
Travis_J, Jul 2025
The water is cold but refreshing at the same time, it was amazing! The guides are fun and definitely know what they are doing. We had such a great time that we all wanted to keep going. The only reason we didn't is because my kids aren't old enough for the intermediate course. I definitely recommend, you won't be disappointed.
Carra_N, Jul 2025
Highly recommend!
Downtown Adventures was an amazing company to work with for our families first time white water rafting!
Professional, friendly, and knowledgeable in every way.
Great family owned local business worthy of supporting.
Kurt was our guide and he really gave us an extra effort A+ experience in every way.
Kellie_S, Jul 2025
I absolutely loved my beginner white‑water rafting course in Empire, Colorado! From the moment we launched onto the river, I was captivated by the breathtaking mountain scenery and the gentle roar of rapids ahead. Working as a team to paddle through Class II waters gave me an exhilarating sense of accomplishment, while the expert guides kept the experience safe and fun. I especially appreciated learning the basic paddle commands and rapid‑navigating techniques—it felt empowering. The refreshing splash of cold river water, plus the laughter and camaraderie of fellow rafters, made the day unforgettable. It was an exciting, confidence‑boosting introduction to rafting!
Sherry_L, Jul 2025
Fun-Fun-Fun / Our first time on the river / water was cold but trip was exciting. Smith was a great guide!
Matthew_M, Aug 2024
We had a great time. Kevin was a great tour guide. The day was hot and the water was clear and cool. Did not get as wet as I thought we would, unless you jumped in the water, which you had an opportunity to do about half way through. No special equipment needed. They have everything you need.
Jackie_D, Jul 2024
Our guide Tanner was great. We had a blast! We would highly recommend this for a first timer. We will definitely be back to try the next level rafting trip.
brianne_w, Jun 2024
The rafting was very fun and well organized. Jenna was a great guide, and did a great job teaching us how to raft. We highly recommend!
ErickMartinez, Jun 2024
Family had a blast, our teenage boys were nervous since we had never been rafting but the beginners session was perfect and they had so much fun, guides were great and we can’t wait to go back to try the intermediate session.
Dorien_G, Jun 2024
This was a blast because the water was up so much making the experience exactly the amount of excitement without being too nerve racking for beginners.
Our guide, Savanna, was very pleasant and gave clear instructions as we navigated the river.
Because this was early in the season, the water was quite cold but the provided wetsuits kept up pretty warm even though we got totally soaked. Getting wet was fun!
The operation is well run and all the employees were quite pleasant. Plan on renting the bootees they have to keep your feet dry.
I feel these should be built into the cost of the adventure instead of charging an additional 5 dollars as an unexpected cost.
Overall, I would highly recommend this adventure company if you are looking to ride some beginner or intermediate rapids.
Stephanie_R, Jun 2024
This was such an amazing experience. This was our first time and we had two kids, ages 8 and 10. Sarah, our guide, was fabulous in making sure our safety came first and that we had a great time. Hands down one of our favorite memories from our vacation. We can't wait to come back!
Lynda_B, May 2024
Had a great experience from start to finish on this tour. Tippy was a knowledgeable and fun guide! Highly recommend checking this group out!
Mithun_M, Aug 2023
Our guide Mark was awesome. Great experience for the entire family. Definitely recommend this trip, especially for beginners
Kristina_C, Aug 2023
Henry was our guide and was friendly and knowledgeable. We had so much fun and we all will be doing it again, but leveling up to intermediate.
Lorray_R, Aug 2023
Great experience, can't wait to do it again! Highly recommend this company and their guides. Thank you!
Pepe_F, Aug 2023
We had the absolute best time as a family on this rafting trip. The guides were great and kept everyone safe. We went for my mom's 70th birthday so we had people ages 11-72 and it was the perfect fit for everyone. A touch of excitement with a few of the rapids, but also some slower spots to just enjoy the views. Everything was well-organized and coordinated. Thanks for a fabulous time!
Erica_R, Aug 2023
Such an awesome and fun time. We had an 8, 13, and 15 year old with 3 adults. Kurt was amazing and made it even more fun! Drops were not steep at all and appropriate for the 8 year old. Highly recommend this!
Diana_H, Jul 2023
The team is well prepare to follow all the procedures before the experience, Kevin was our guide and the rafting was the most beautiful experience of my trip to Colorado. The team makes sure to capture amazing pictures. Thank you guys 😊
stacie_b, Jul 2023
Amazing experience ! Russel was our guide and he is super experienced and knew how to make us feel safe while having an exhilarating time! Kids are 8,10 and 12 and this was for sure the highlight of our Colorado trip! Everyone from the company was super nice and friendly and fun- trip ran very smoothly!
Tom_M, Jul 2023
Everyone had a blast. "Most exciting thing I've ever done!" - my daughter. Our guide Tippy was fantastic. Beforehand, Lisa in the office got us situated quickly, efficiently, and pleasantly.
Justin_t, Jul 2023
Great staff that made the whole experience amazing. Never had more fun while feeling completely safe and comfortable.
Alicia_R, Jul 2023
Our guide Russell did a great job! He spoke about the surroundings, very friendly, and was patient with us as being beginning rafters. Luke, the troop leader, was super funny which helped ease the anxieties. It was an amazing tour!! Best yet ever!
Dennis_O, Jul 2023
I planned this for me and my wife as a little adventure for our 30yr wedding anniversary. I chose the milder beginner trip for her, and she loved it! I would pick the intermediate for the next go around, but we had a very good time. Our guide was energetic and provided our rafting group with some great tidbits about the local area as well.
Robert_C, Jul 2023
Whole family had a blast!!!
Views were breath taking and the guides were friendly and professional. Great experience!!!!
Coletta_B, Jul 2023
Luke Johnson was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable, personable and made our experience memorable.
From $70.99
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek
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