The first major gold strike in Colorado was on January 7, 1859, in Idaho Springs by George Jackson. The gold strike brought many miners to the area, all in search of gold, establishing the Denver Mountain Area. Today, many flock to Idaho Springs and the surrounding area for many recreational activities, such as rafting on the Clear Creek River.

The Clear Creek River is the closest raftable river to downtown Denver, only requiring a 30-minute drive west. This steep, narrow and technical river winds through the historic mining valley of Idaho Springs and contains more rapids than most commercially rafted rivers in the state. The river is open for rafting from May through July.

This area also boasts beautiful mountain scenery, with an abundance of wildlife. If you watch carefully during your time on the river, you can see muskrat, beaver, deer, bighorn sheep, and even an occasional bear or mountain lion.

The Clear Creek River has an average gradient of 67 feet per mile, and over 100 feet per mile on the advanced sections of the stream. For an exciting advanced trip, you will experience a drop of over 1300 vertical feet and weave your way through 30 major rapids. However, this relatively small stream also offers trips for adventurous beginners and intermediate rafters with rapids generally Class III-IV.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat
handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.