Colorado Rafting Company offers whitewater rafting adventures near Denver, CO. Whitewater rafting near Denver is usually available on Clear Creek (45 min drive) from Mid-May to Mid-August and on the Colorado River (1.5 hour drive) from late April to Mid-September. From family friendly scenic river floats to action packed rapid sections, we offer rafting trips for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy thrilling rafting adventures near Denver with Colorado Rafting Company, offering trips on Clear Creek, The Colorado River, and The Blue River. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking challenging rapids, our range of options caters to all skill levels. Join us for outdoor excitement in Colorado’s scenic waterways.
Looking for adventure near Denver? Morning and early afternoon rafting trips depart from our Clear Creek and Colorado River Boathouses. Perfect for families, youth groups, or bachelor/bachelorette parties, our expert guides lead half-day trips just a short drive from Denver.
Our Upper Colorado River raft trip is a family favorite! Mild and scenic, this fully guided adventure showcases the river’s pristine beauty, with ever-changing views of meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and towering canyon walls.
Price: Starting at $89 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse at Rancho Del Rio
122 Miles | 2.5 Hours From Denver
Duration: 1/2 Day | ~3-3.5 Hours
Class: I-II with occasional III at high water
Start Times: 9:00 am, 1:30 pm
Minimum Age: 5 years old (May vary with water flows)
A little lighter on the whitewater and heavy on the scenery join us on this iconic float down the mighty Colorado River! The diverse landscape also supports a variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out for bald eagles, deer, beaver, and bighorn sheep. With mostly gentle Class I-II rapids and some exciting Class III sections at higher flows, this trip offers something for every member of your family.
If you’re a first-time rafter or a family seeking an exciting introduction to whitewater, our Clear Creek Beginner trip is the ideal adventure. Amazing whitewater awaits with exhilarating class 2-3 rapids through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs.
Price: Starting at $69 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
37 miles | 40-60 Minutes from Denver
Duration: 1/3 Day | ~2-3 Hours
Class: II-III
Minimum Age: 6 years old (May vary with water flows)
Spanning approximately 6 miles, this trip combines thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, and tranquil stretches of floating. Splash through Class II-III rapids while honing your paddling skills with our expert guidance. Enjoy a relaxing float through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, passing the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel. As you experience your Colorado adventure, keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding canyons. This trip is excellent for beginners, families, and large groups with diverse experience levels.
Looking for a step up from beginner rafting on Clear Creek? Our Intermediate trip is ideal for experienced paddlers and adventurous first-timers craving a whitewater thrill. Thrilling whitewater in close proximity to Denver!
Price: Starting at $84 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Clear Creek
37 miles | 40-60 Minutes from Denver
Duration: 1/2 Day | ~2-3 Hours
Class: III-IV
Start Times: 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm
Minimum Age: 12 years old (May vary with water flows)
This exciting Clear Creek run offers a steady dose of challenging Class III-IV rapids, including favorites like Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance, and the climactic Outer Limits.
Active paddling and teamwork are essential as we navigate this steep and narrow section, dropping about 75 feet per mile. While all are welcome, good physical condition and swimming ability are recommended. Get ready to get wet!
The Blue River offers the best rafting in Summit County, winding through Colorado ranch lands near the Gore Range mountains. This scenic class III river is located north of Silverthorne, 20 minutes from Breckenridge, 30 minutes from Vail, and just 1 hour from Denver. Ideal for those short on time, it provides an iconic taste of Colorado adventure!
Price: Starting at $99 per person
Location: CRC Boathouse @ Silverthorne
Duration: 1/3 Day | ~2-2.5 Hours
Class: II-III
Minimum Age: 7 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Clear Creek
291 County Road 308 Dumont, CO 80436
37 miles | 40-60 Minutes from Denver
Duration:
1/3 Day ~2-3 hours
Class:
II – III
Price:
$79 Adult | $74 Youth (12 & under)
Minimum Age:
6 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Clear Creek
291 County Road 308 Dumont, CO 80436
37 miles | 40-60 Minutes from Denver
Duration:
Half Day ~3 hours
Class:
III-IV
Price:
$89 pp
Minimum Age:
12 years old (May vary with water flows)
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
122 Miles | 2.5 Hours From Denver
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$85 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Clear Creek Boathouse, just 45 minutes from Denver, offers convenient half-day rafting trips. World-class whitewater rafting close to Downtown Denver! Head up the mountain for an unforgettable day on Clear Creek. Its proximity and half-day trips make it ideal for a Denver day trip.
Clear Creek caters to all levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced rafting options. Beginners enjoy Class II & III rapids near Idaho Springs, passing historic sites. Intermediates tackle Class IV rapids, while advanced adventurers navigate Class IV & V rapids in Clear Creek Canyon.
Embark on an unforgettable whitewater rafting journey with Colorado Rafting Company along the majestic Colorado River. Our expert guides ensure a safe and thrilling adventure through exhilarating Class II and III rapids, perfect for both novice paddlers and seasoned adventurers alike.
Located 1.5-2 hours from Denver, our trips on the Colorado River offer breathtaking views of Colorado’s rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on the rapids or simply enjoy a scenic float, our trips provide an unmatched outdoor experience amidst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Join us for a day of adrenaline-pumping fun and create lasting memories on the iconic Colorado River.
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
122 Miles | 2.5 Hours From Denver
Duration:
Half Day ~3- 3.5 hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$85 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
9:00 am
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
122 Miles | 2.5 Hours From Denver
Duration:
Full Day ~ 8 Hours
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$155 Adult | $150 Child (12 and under)
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Start Time:
8:30 am
Location:
CRC Boathouse at Rancho del Rio
4199 Trough Rd. Bond, CO 80423
122 Miles | 2.5 Hours From Denver
Duration:
2 Days w/ Overnight Camp
Class:
I-II rapids with occasional III at high water
Price:
$450 to 510 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Looking for a thrilling twist on rafting near Denver? Try our inflatable kayaks, or ‘duckies,’ for a personalized adventure on the Upper Colorado River. Choose from single or double kayaks, available for 3/4-day or full-day trips. Get ready for an exhilarating day on the water
Experience stand up paddleboarding in Colorado! SUP Rentals, guided trips, and courses available for all levels. Choose from professional guided adventures, introductory courses to rentals for solo adventures!
Denver offers some fantastic options for white water rafting, with several rivers nearby providing exhilarating experiences. Here are some of the best options:
The closest white water rafting to Denver, Colorado, is typically found on Clear Creek. Clear Creek is conveniently located just west of Denver and offers various sections suitable for rafting, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced rapids.
The Clear Creek Canyon section, in particular, is popular for its proximity to Denver and its thrilling Class III and IV rapids. It’s roughly a 30 to 45-minute drive from downtown Denver, making it an easily accessible option for those looking for a day trip or a half-day adventure.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an introduction to white water rafting or an experienced rafter seeking some adrenaline-pumping rapids, Clear Creek offers options for all skill levels just a short drive from Denver.
The best time of year for white water rafting near Denver, Colorado, typically depends on the river and the desired level of difficulty.
For most rivers in Colorado, including those near Denver like Clear Creek, the prime rafting season usually runs from May through August. This period coincides with the spring snowmelt and early summer rains, which contribute to higher water levels and more exciting rapids.
It’s important to note that water levels and conditions can vary from year to year based on factors like snowpack, rainfall, and dam releases. Additionally, certain sections of rivers may have specific optimal times for rafting based on their characteristics and the desired level of challenge.
Before planning a rafting trip, it’s a good idea to check with local outfitters for current conditions and availability. They can provide insights into the best times to go rafting based on the specific river and your preferences.
Every guide we employ undergoes rigorous training, including basic first aid and CPR, with all our river guides holding certification from the state of Colorado. Rafting is an adventurous sport that naturally involves some level of risk for participants. While we strive to take measures that ensure a pleasant and secure experience, we cannot be held liable for any personal injury or the loss or damage of belongings. It’s crucial for groups to select trips that are within the capabilities of everyone involved. At Colorado Rafting Company/Colorado Adventure Guides, guest safety is our top priority. Given the inherent dangers associated with certain outdoor activities in remote areas, all participants must read and sign a liability waiver before embarking on their trip. For those under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a liability and health history waiver. Additionally, each participant is required to complete a health questionnaire. This information remains strictly confidential and will only be disclosed in emergencies to medical or rescue teams attending to the guest.
