Frequently Asked Questions

You should plan on being wet! Swimsuits and nylon shorts generally work best; avoid cotton as it draws away warmth. For layering, stick to synthetic fabrics that insulate when wet, like fleece and polypropylene. Wool also works well. You must wear secure footwear such as river sandals with an ankle strap, our rental booties, or tennis shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops or crocs). Sunglasses with a strap and sunscreen are important for sunny days on the river. Dry clothing and a towel for after the trip round out the list. Most of these key items can be purchased at our shop.

A change of clothes and towel that can be stored in our community lockers for after your trip. We provide complimentary digital photos of your group rafting. However, you are welcome to bring your waterproof camera if you choose. You should also bring along any prescribed medication you may require such as epi-pens or asthma inhalers. Anything you bring on the raft will get wet and could be lost, so we recommend leaving all valuables such as jewelry, cellphones and other electronics at home or in your car. Prior to trip departure, we will collect your keys and keep them behind the front counter until you return. Please leave pets at home, as our parking area does not have adequate shade to keep your canine friends cool in the hot summer sun.

1) The desired level of adventure for all participants in your group.
2) The ages of all participants.
3) Your desired rafting location.

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions and help you choose the best trip to make your rafting adventure the highlight of your Colorado vacation.

Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. Walk-ins are welcome on any trip, based on availability. Call 800-353-9901 or click here to book online! You can book your rafting trip on-line 24/7/365.

You can book a trip for Clear Creek or the Arkansas River on-line 24/7. To book with a reservation specialist, call us at 800-353-9901. We are happy to answer any questions and help you choose your perfect Colorado rafting adventure. Full payment is due at the time of reservation.

To qualify for group rates we do ask for 1 person to be responsible for all payments. Group rates do not apply if everyone in your group is paying individually. * Discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.

Clear Creek Rafting Company runs all trips rain or shine, regardless of the weather. Please be on time. If you are late, we may not be able to accommodate you and your trip will be forfeited. Cancellations and changes cannot be made online or by email and must be confirmed by a Clear Creek Rafting Company representative. Clear Creek Rafting Company reserves the right to cancel or alter any trip.

Standard Cancellation Policy:
Once payment has been submitted, it is full price per spot booked so if you fail to show up or show up with fewer than the number of people booked, you will still be charged for each spot reserved.

Worry-Free Cancellation Option:
At the time of making a reservation and for an additional fee of 8%, guests may opt into the Worry-Free Cancellation. With this added, cancellations made by 11:00 AM MST the day prior to trip departure receive a full refund less 8% of the reservation total. For cancellations made after 11:00 AM MST, it is full price per spot booked so if you fail to show up or show up with fewer than the number of people booked, you will still be charged for each spot reserved. Guests who opt out of the Worry-Free Cancellation are subject to the Standard Cancellation Policy.

We can provide everything you need for your rafting adventure! Each guest is fitted with a type V Coast Guard approved life vest and helmet. Complementary wetsuits and splash jackets are provided for all trips and may be required depending on trip difficulty and water levels. Neoprene booties are available for a small rental fee. We are pleased to offer hot showers at the Idaho Springs office for your post-trip convenience. Our rafts are state-of-the-art self-bailers equipped with foot cups that can accommodate up to 7 participants plus a guide depending on water levels and trip difficulty.

Click here to see the current water levels on Clear Creek. 

Idaho Springs Weather

Class I

Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. There are few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

Class II

Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.

Class III

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Injuries while swimming are possible; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.

Class IV

Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must make” moves above dangerous hazards. Risk of injury to swimmers can be moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential and requires teamwork. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.

Class V

Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.

Class VI

This classification is generally reserved for rapids that are considered un-runnable.