Top things to do in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (284 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 91.25

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Middle Clear Creek is one of the greatest beginner rafting runs in the nation. With numerous rapids and historical significance, it is hard to deny the value. Although Clear Creek holds more rapids than most any other run in the US, the rapids of our Middle section are straight-forward and perfect for families with children or anyone else looking for something a bit easier. Rafters will also catch glimpses of Colorado's rich gold mining history and maybe even a miner or two as they splash down this unique stretch of whitewater.

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Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting near Denver in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (236 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 102.80

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek Canyon is unique in the quantity and quality of its rapids. It has more rapids than nearly any other commercially run stretch of whitewater in the nation. It is also free-flowing, meaning that the water levels change throughout the season, offering a variety of experiences. In addition to world-class rafting, it is also the home of the 1859 Gold Rush. Gold is still found in the creek by intrepid miners using pans and dredges. Guests will pass many sites of historical significance related to the Gold Rush while rafting on Clear Creek. Clear Creek is also conveniently located nearby Denver and other surrounding resorts, making it the perfect day-trip excursion.

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Clear Creek Intermediate 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Idaho Springs, CO in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (22 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 99.01

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

This Clear Creek intermediate rafting trip with Mild to Wild offers one of the most exciting whitewater experiences near Denver, featuring more rapids per mile than any other stretch in the area. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll paddle through a series of Class III and IV rapids on the steepest commercially run section of Clear Creek, guided by professional, highly experienced trip leaders—many with over 2,000 river miles. Along the way, you'll pass historical landmarks like the Argo Mill and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, bringing Colorado’s Gold Rush era to life. Mild to Wild sets itself apart with small-group attention, complimentary gear including splash jackets and helmets, and entertaining, interpretive guides focused on both safety and fun.

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Clear Creek Classic 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Idaho Springs, CO in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (18 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 82.11

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

The Clear Creek Classic trip offers fun for the whole family with splashy Class II–III rapids. Total activity time is 2 hours and 30 minutes from meet to return. Paddle through the scenic Clear Creek Canyon near Idaho Springs, surrounded by Colorado’s gold rush history and stunning mountain views. This fun, hands-on adventure is ideal for those looking to get wet and enjoy the outdoors without extreme intensity. Paddling is required, and all trips include safety orientation, paddle instruction, and gear (PFD, helmet, and wetsuit rentals available). A great way to cool off and experience Colorado’s whitewater!

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Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Idaho Springs in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (18 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 138.03

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

A Via Ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a method of mountaineering & rock climbing that’s been used in Europe for centuries. Via Ferrata courses use a combination of ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges to aid in moving across and up a cliff face. The Iron Way in Idaho Springs is an assisted rock climbing guided tour where guests clip into cables that run along the side of a cliff. They then move along a designated path of iron rungs and bridges to move across, and along the way they will be required to clip in and out of the cable to progress through the course. This is made possible through an advanced internal locking system in the carabiners. Each guest will have 2 carabiners connected to bungee-style lanyards on their harness. The internal locking system makes it impossible to clip out of both at the same time, insuring that climbers are connected to the cable of the course at all times.

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Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Intermediate Cannonball Run  in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (17 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 97.90

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. It is the first city founded in Colorado, in 1859. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! Conveniently located about 30 minutes west of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

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Advanced Whitewater Rafting in Clear Creek Canyon near Denver in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (16 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 120.12

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Not for the faint of heart, this is one of the most technical and continuous sections of whitewater in the nation. Sections of this run plummet at a rate of over 100 feet per mile. Teamwork and the ability to follow instructions are key to success on this run. Guides will instruct guests how to follow on-water commands and how to stay safe in adverse situations. Swimming skills, although they may not be used, are a must when traveling on this section of Clear Creek.

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Idaho Springs Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (15 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 71.42

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Our zipline course is built within the natural topography of the Colorado Rockies, nestled above historic town of Idaho Springs and at the base of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Explore the cliffside on the six different zip lines, including a dual race line to challenge another member of your group! You'll cross multiple suspended bridges as well while you venture your way back down to our outpost.

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Raft the Gold Nugget Run on Clear Creek: Class l-lll Ages 6+ in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (9 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 86.90

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. One of the first cities founded in Colorado, in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

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Colorado Snowshoeing Adventure in the Rocky Mountains in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (7 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 119.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Why Choose Us? Unmatched Winter Scenery: Immerse yourself in the Rockies' stunning winter landscapes, led by a company passionate about sharing Colorado’s beauty like no one else. Accessible to All Levels: Whether you're a seasoned snowshoer or a first-timer, we design our tours to be safe, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone. Guides Who Make a Difference: Our expert local guides do more than lead; they bring the adventure to life, sharing insights, stories, and personal touches that make each tour unforgettable. Choose us for a winter experience that goes beyond the ordinary—where breathtaking views, exceptional service, and authentic connection with Colorado's wild make every moment unforgettable.

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Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for Families in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (4 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 86.90

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. One of the first cities founded in Colorado, in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

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Clear Creek Intermediate Rafting Trip with Lunch - Denver in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 208.01

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

For travelers looking for a full-day adventure packed with excitement, scenery, and history, this full-Day Rafting Trip offers one of the most unique rafting experiences near Denver. You’ll navigate the steepest commercial rafting section in the region, with more rapids per mile than any other nearby river—making for a thrilling, action-packed day on the water. Along the way, take in Colorado’s Gold Rush past as you pass landmarks like the Argo Mill and Charlie Taylor Water Wheel. What sets Mild to Wild apart is their team of professional, highly trained guides who bring both skill and storytelling to every trip. With over 2,000 river miles on average, they’re experts at making your experience both safe and memorable. Complimentary splash jackets, PFDs, and helmets are included, and the trip’s convenient location just 30–45 minutes from Denver.

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Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting Trip: Intermediate Level in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (1 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 97.90

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. It is the first city founded in Colorado, in 1859. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State! Conveniently located about 30 minutes west of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.

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Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Dare the Advanced Gold Rush section in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (1 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 119.90

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks. This trip is your chance to participate in an unusually challenging raft trip close to Denver, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park. Canyon scenery is dramatic, and adrenaline will be high! Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. Founded in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the state! The season for advanced rafting on Clear Creek is normally June and July, but is dependent on water flows.

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Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson on Clear Creek near Denver in Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs , Colorado

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (1 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 200.00

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

Explore the beauty of Clear Creek Canyon while learning the fundamentals of fly-fishing: casting, wading, reading water, trout habits, pattern selection, and catching fish!

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