Compare tours
| Tour | Starts | Length | From | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho SpringsOperator: AVA Rafting and ZiplineViator | Idaho Springs | 3 hours | $74.92 pp | Class III–IV, 8 miles | Check availability for Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs on Viator → |
| Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for FamiliesOperator: Colorado Rafting CompanyViator | Dumont (near Idaho Springs) | 2.5 hours | $86.90 pp | Families, first-timers | Check availability for Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for Families on Viator → |
| Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho SpringsOperator: AVA Rafting and ZiplineViator | Idaho Springs | 3 hours | See price | Mellower Class II–III | Check availability for Clear Creek Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting from Idaho Springs on Viator → |
| Intermediate Clear Creek Blast! Class III-IV RapidsOperator: Liquid DescentViator | Idaho Springs | 2.5 hours | See price | More action, still beginner-friendly per listing | Check availability for Intermediate Clear Creek Blast! Class III-IV Rapids on Viator → |
| Clear Creek: Family-friendly Whitewater Rafting Splashy funOperator: Colorado Rafting CompanyGetYourGuide | Dumont | 2.5 hours | $85 pp | Class II–III, families | Check availability for Clear Creek: Family-friendly Whitewater Rafting Splashy fun on GetYourGuide → |
| Denver: Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater RaftingOperator: Colorado Rafting CompanyGetYourGuide | Dumont | 3 hours | $95 pp | Continuous Class III–IV | Check availability for Denver: Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting on GetYourGuide → |
| Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Half-Day TripOperator: Browns Canyon RaftingViator | Buena Vista | 3 hours | See price | Arkansas River classic, Class II–III | Check availability for Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip on Viator → |
| Browns Canyon Rafting AdventureOperator: Monumental ExpeditionsViator | Nathrop (near Buena Vista) | 3 hours | $105 pp | Families (min. age 7 per listing) | Check availability for Browns Canyon Rafting Adventure on Viator → |
| Buena Vista: Half-Day Browns Canyon Class III Rafting TripOperator: AVA Rafting & ZiplineGetYourGuide | Buena Vista | 4 hours | $109.92 pp | 10 miles through the national monument | Check availability for Buena Vista: Half-Day Browns Canyon Class III Rafting Trip on GetYourGuide → |
| Cañon City: 2 hour Epic Royal Gorge Adventurous Rafting TourOperator: Arkansas River ToursGetYourGuide | Cañon City | 3.5 hours | $149 pp | Experienced/adventurous: Class III–V under the Royal Gorge Bridge | Check availability for Cañon City: 2 hour Epic Royal Gorge Adventurous Rafting Tour on GetYourGuide → |
| Colorado Springs Area: 2-Hour Class 2-3 Rafting for NovicesOperator: Arkansas River ToursGetYourGuide | Cañon City area | 3.5 hours | $149 pp | Novices staying near Colorado Springs | Check availability for Colorado Springs Area: 2-Hour Class 2-3 Rafting for Novices on GetYourGuide → |
We list tours by fit, not by commission. We haven't taken every tour; details come from each operator's listing. “See price” means the listing showed only a non-USD price when we checked. Click through for live prices and availability.
Clear Creek or the Arkansas?
| Clear Creek | Arkansas River | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Denver | About 30–40 minutes (Idaho Springs / Dumont, off I-70) | About 2–2.5 hours (Buena Vista, Cañon City) |
| Rapids | Class II–III (lower/family) to III–IV (upper) | Class II–III (Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon) to III–V (Royal Gorge) |
| Best for | Half-day from Denver, short trips, steady action | Scenic canyons, families (Browns Canyon), thrill-seekers (Royal Gorge) |
| Half-day price | About $75–$99 | About $105–$149 |
Rapid classes in plain English
- Class II: splashy waves, easy for kids and first-timers.
- Class III: bigger waves and maneuvering. Fine for most fit beginners with a guide, and the classic “fun” level.
- Class IV: powerful, continuous rapids. Swimming is a real possibility, so you should be a confident swimmer in good shape.
- Class V: expert-level. The Royal Gorge has some Class V sections, so choose it only if you're adventurous and fit.
Rapid difficulty changes with water levels. Operators can move sections or raise minimum ages when flows are high.
When to go
Commercial rafting runs from about May through Labor Day; one Browns Canyon outfitter gives exactly those dates for its half-day trip. Snowmelt makes the water biggest and coldest in late May and June. By July and August it's warmer and calmer, which suits young kids. Summer weekends fill up, so book those ahead.
Age and weight limits
Family trips commonly start at about age 6–7 with a 50-lb minimum; Browns Canyon listings, for example, show 6+/50 lbs and 7+/50 lbs. Class IV trips usually take only older teens and adults. Limits change with the section and the flow, so check the listing.
What to bring
- Quick-dry clothes or a swimsuit (no cotton), sandals or shoes that strap on, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
- Wetsuits, splash jackets and booties are often available to rent at the outpost for a small fee, which is worth it in May and June.
- Most operators meet at their river outpost, so you'll need your own transport unless the listing says pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the closest whitewater rafting to Denver?
Clear Creek near Idaho Springs and Dumont is the closest, about 30–40 minutes west of Denver on I-70.
How much does a half-day rafting trip cost?
Clear Creek half-day trips start around $75 per person. Arkansas River half-days (Browns Canyon, Royal Gorge) are about $105–$149.
Is Clear Creek or Browns Canyon better for families?
Both have family trips. Lower Clear Creek (Class II–III) is closer to Denver; Browns Canyon on the Arkansas (Class II–III) is more scenic but about 2–2.5 hours away.
What is the minimum age for rafting in Colorado?
Family trips usually start around age 6–7 and 50 lbs. Class IV trips require older participants. Limits vary by operator and water level.
When is the best time to raft in Colorado?
Late May and June have the biggest water; July and August are warmer and mellower. The season usually ends around Labor Day.
Ready to book? Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before (check each listing).