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.
Experience thrilling rafting adventures just a short drive from Denver with Colorado Rafting Company, offering exhilarating trips on Clear Creek, The Colorado River, and The Blue River. Whether you’re seeking beginner-friendly runs or challenging rapids, our diverse range of rafting options caters to all skill levels and preferences. Join us for an unforgettable day of outdoor excitement in the scenic beauty of Colorado’s renowned waterways.
Looking for a thrilling outdoor activity while visiting Denver? Guided rafting trips take off in the morning and early afternoon from our Clear Creek and Colorado River Boathouses. Whether you are planning a summer adventure for your family, organizing a youth trip, or setting up a bachelorette/bachelor party, whitewater rafting is an amazing option. Colorado Rafting Company has some of the best rafting guides in the state and offers a variety of half day rafting trips within a short drive of Denver.
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)
The Clear Creek Boathouse is only approximately 45 minutes from Denver. A half day rafting trip on Clear Creek is the most convenient option if you are staying in Denver. The Colorado River Boathouse is an approximately 1.5 hour scenic drive from Denver. Colorado River trips will be slightly longer drive time but small price to pay to float on this iconic stretch of river.
World class whitewater rafting trips just a short drive from the heart of Downtown Denver! Shoot up the mountain for a unforgettable day on Clear Creek. The close proximity to the city and half day trips make it easy to do a day trip rafting coming from Denver.
Clear Creek provides beginner, intermediate, and advanced level white water rafting excursions. Paddle past historic gold mines and the historic mining town of Idaho Springs on the beginner section (Class II & III rapids depending on river flow). Step it up a couple notches while navigating a handful of class IV rapids on the intermediate. Get ready for non stop paddling and adrenaline navigating Class IV & V rapids through Clear Creek Canyon on the advanced.
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:
$400 pp
Minimum Age:
5 years old (May vary with water flows)
Craving an exhilarating twist on rafting? Try our inflatable kayaks, also known as ‘duckies,’ for a more personal adventure with the river. Kayaking offers the freedom to chart your own course, and we provide both single and double kayak options. Our trips take you down the stunning Upper Colorado River, available as 3/4-day or full-day excursions. We’ll provide everything you need, including top-notch gear, a delicious riverside lunch, a certified professional guide, and convenient transportation to and from the river. Get ready for a thrilling day on the water!
Ready to try something new? Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the river! At CRC, we offer SUP rentals, guided SUP river trips, and a variety of SUP courses tailored for all skill levels.
Our guided SUP trips navigate the beautiful Colorado and Blue Rivers near Silverthorne, with all necessary gear provided, plus a certified and experienced guide. For those eager to learn, we offer instructional courses, including an Intro to SUP half-day course and a 1-day River SUP option. Prefer an independent adventure? We’ve got you covered with half-day, full-day, and even overnight SUP rentals!
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.
