No matter what your whitewater rafting skill or experience level is, we are here to help you have your best adventure at our Idaho Springs location which is just a short 30 minute drive west from Denver. From mid-May through August, we offer 1/3 day beginner trips, 1/2 day intermediate trips, and 1/2 day advanced trips that start in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs. Not only is Idaho Springs a hop, skip, and a jump from Denver, but the stretch of water we raft, Clear Creek Canyon, has some of the best rafting in Colorado. It is fast paced with very little flat water, which gives you and your family or friends continuous excitement and not much down time on the water. You also get to enjoy the lush mountainous Colorado lanscape on either side of the river as you raft down the water, leaving you breathless!
Clear Creek County is comprised of 75% public land which allows for so many choices of exciting outdoor activities. Highest on this list is Colorado’s whitewater rafting, so no matter if you’re on family vacation, just making a stop from Denver, or are with a bunch of friends, rafting clear creek with KODI Rafting is a must! We recommend calling ahead to make a reservation, so we can accommodate your group or booking online. You can also spend the entire day adventuring when you pair a class II-IV rafting trip with Kodi’s Saddle Paddle and horseback ride through the Rockies after getting off the water. Find the best adventure for you by giving us a call at our Clear Creek Canyon location at (877) 747- RAFT. Great fun rafting down Clear Creek. Whitewater rafting surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Photo courtesy of Kodi Rafting.
Exploring the Golden History of Clear Creek Canyon
Idaho Springs is a popular spot for people to stop on I-70 to take in the town’s historic mining appeal. The first gold strike took place in Idaho Springs in the mid 1800’s where nearly 3 million dollars’ worth of gold ore came through the Argo Tunnel, and a massive gold vein was discovered at the Phoenix Mine. You can explore both the mine and Argo Tunnel and learn interesting history, and even pan for gold.
If human-powered adventures are more your thing and you want to explore the mountains, take your pick! Pike National Forest, Roosevelt National Forest, James Peak Wilderness, and Mount Evans Wilderness are all found in the Clear Creek area. These forests give way to trout fishing, incredible camping locations, and picturesque views while hiking. A popular and relatively easy hike is St. Mary’s glacier (~1.5 miles roundtrip) boasts some of the most spectacular views and is both dog and family friendly. A more challenging hike is Chief Mountain Trail (~5 miles) and in the summer you won’t want to miss the fields of wildflowers here. Anglers looking to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout will find the best fishing in Colorado’s Clear Creek headwaters, and we suggest checking out Echo Lake for more fishing hot spots. Only 20 miles west of Denver, you don’t need to travel far to immerse yourself in Colorado’s beautiful mountains.
Gorgeous Colorado day for an alpine hike with friends and family. Hike up to St. Mary’s Glacier. Photo courtesy of Trent Milliard.
Where to Call Home for the Night (or weekend!)
There are several great options for camping around the area – from campgrounds, RV parks, KOA’s and tent camp spots. Check here for more details specific to Clear Creek County and choose the right camping experience for your group!
Sometimes after a day on the river, you’d prefer to stay in a cozy cabin, quaint bed and breakfast, or an inn so you can kick back and relax. Dumont, Georgetown, and Idaho Springs have a plethora of places to stay so let Clear Creek County be your base for relaxation! Check out lodging options here.
Spa Time – In the Wild!
Idaho Springs is an ideal pull-off spot for the curious because it is home to geothermal caves with hot mineral baths and large hot spring swimming pools for major relaxation time! For ~$20 you can relax in the somewhat funky Indian Hot Spring caves, or enjoy their mineral water pool. These therapeutic baths are said to improve circulation, alleviate pain, relieve stress, and soothe your skin. It is truly a mind, body, and spirit enriching experience when you visit Indian Hot Springs. You can also choose to stay the night there by calling 303-989-6666 to make a reservation.
Foodie’s Haven
From quick bites to sit downs along the river, Clear Creek County has some hidden gems. Who doesn’t love a good BBQ or pizza spot? Smokin’s Yards is a local’s favorite with some of the most tasty burnt ends around. Beau Joe’s boasts top quality Colorado style pie and we agree! If you love beer as much we do, be certain to make a stop at Westbound & Down which won the Mid-Size Brewpub Award of the Year in 2019, or the tasty Tommy Knockers which is the original microbrewery of Idaho Springs crafting award-winning ales and lagers. We highly recommend the jalapeño poppers!
Blending adventure and quality at Westbound & Down. Different beers on tap. Photo courtesy of Westbound & Down.
Mountain High Views
Colorado is home to fifty-four 14,000 ft mountains (or 14ers as we like to call them) and one where you can drive nearly the entire way to the top is Mt. Evans. This 14,240 ft mountain is located near Idaho Springs and is the highest paved road in the Northern Hemisphere allowing for unbeatable 360 degree views (and most likely a herd of mountain goats!). Please note the ride to the top has no guardrails, so be cautious when driving. Afternoon thunderstorms can be dangerous. As a general rule, you want to be off the summit and coming down by noon if you make the short hike to the very top summit.
14,240 ft up, you’ve reached the Summit of Mount Evans. Mountain goats enjoy living at a higher elevation. Photo courtesy of Steve Boice.
Family Trips
Our last recommendation for an awesome experience in Clear Creek County is to take a ride on the historic Georgetown Loop train. Although Georgetown is a small town today, the town was a historic mining center during the late 19th century, acquiring the nickname the ‘Silver Queen of Colorado’. While exploring the mines and being surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Georgetown Loop creates a fascinating feeling of stepping back in time to when the railroad was fully functioning, and mining was a way of life.
We love rafting the rapids of Clear Creek because there’s a constant rush of excitement and minimal flat water which provides for a huge day of fun! Mixed with the historic mining feel of the county and beauty of the mountains, Idaho Springs is the perfect backdrop to an exciting day. The endless adventures, yummy dining spots, and relaxing hot springs of the area create a lasting memory to an incredible summer spent in Colorado.
Historic mining experience when riding the Georgetown Loop Train. Hop on the train! Photo courtesy of Georgetown Loop Rail Road.
