Paddling Clear Creek in Colorado

Michele Crockett

Updated on:

River Beta
Mountain Lion rapid Clear Creek Colorado

Every paddler needs a good shortlist of easily accessible half-day trips that can be run either after work on a weekday or in a morning or afternoon on the weekend—leaving time for chores, kids’ soccer games, and other non-paddling slices of life. For folks on the Front Range of Denver, a perfect intermediate half-day run is just west of town on Clear Creek.

Mountain Lion rapid Clear Creek Colorado
Mountain Lion rapid (Class III) on the “beginner” section of Clear Creek in Colorado

Some sections of Clear Creek have as much Class V drama as any advanced paddler would want—and are typically what most paddlers think of when they hear “Clear Creek.” But the “beginner” section that follows I-70 between the Highway 103 (Mt. Evans) exit and Two Bears Tap and Grill is a rollicking, challenging—but not too crazy—Class II-III run that’s perfect for intermediate kayakers and rafters in smallish boats. For paddlers looking for more action, the  intermediate section just above is Class III-IV. Here’s a guide to paddling Clear Creek, with a focus on the beginner section, a delightful half-day getaway for Denver-area boaters with not much time to spare. 

Paddling under the bridges of I-70 is part of the charm in running the upper stretches of Clear Creek

Paddling Clear Creek 

Clear Creek is a small river that Fletcher Anderson and Ann Hopkinson, the authors of the guidebook Rivers of the Southwest, surmised was first paddled in the 1950s. Anderson and others “rediscovered” Clear Creek in the 1970s, focusing their expert skills on the section between Idaho Springs and Golden, which is rife with Class V and Class V+ drops and boulder gardens, creating various dangerous opportunities for pinned boats. But don’t let the formidable reputation of Clear Creek keep you from the entertaining beginner and intermediate sections above.

Clear Creek is fast, cold, and beautiful, rocketing down the east side of the Continental Divide at a furious clip. Although paddling a gorgeous river that is now entwined with a massive interstate system creates some cognitive dissonance, the experience at water level is exhilarating and fascinating. The roar of the whitewater essentially drowns out the roar of the highway. And along the way, you can see historical markers of now-defunct mining operations, including—in the beginner section—the Argo Gold Mine and the Charlie Taylor waterwheel. 

Clear Creek has three defined paddling sections that are on the menu at local commercial rafting companies. The top, “intermediate” section has a few class IV rapids. The middle, “beginner” section is Class II-III. Upper Clear Creek Canyon (historically called Kermits) is Class IV-V. Raft Masters, Clear Creek Rafting Company, and other outfitters run all three trips commercially, with multiple stipulations for paddlers on the advanced section. 

Here are more details and descriptions of the three Clear Creek sections:

Clear Creek intermediate section: Dumont to Clear Creek Administrative Site at Highway 103 and I-70

The intermediate section has several Class III rapids and one Class IV rapid, including Nomad, Fall River, Phoenix, Deliverance, and Outer Limits. Most of the rapids are scoutable from Stanley Road running alongside the river.

Clear Creek beginner section: U.S. Forest Service Clear Creek Administrative Site at Exit 240 (Highway 103—Mt Evans) to Two Bears Tap and Grill at the Highway 6 exit off I-70

This 5-mile run is a terrific half-day dose of splashy waves and intriguing boulder-threading, punctuated by a couple of Class III drops. Notable rapids:

  • Dizzy Lizzy: Most of the water pushes left here, so hug the inside of the curve, then shoot straight down the big wave train for some bouncy fun.
  • Power Line: Read-and-run rapid consisting mostly of rock-dodging for rafts, but fairly straightforward for kayaks.
  • Mountain Lion: Very similar to Dizzy Lizzy, Mountain Lion starts with the river pushing left, then presents an intricate little drop to navigate.
  • Mister Twister: A dramatic but fun drop best entered on the right. 
Mister Twister rapid on Clear Creek Colorado
Mister Twister is a fun drop best entered on the right

Clear Creek “advanced” section (Upper Clear Creek): Two Bears Tap and Grill at the U.S. 6 exit off I-70 to the Clear Creek open space area at the intersection of Highway 119

This is a solid Class IV run that is offered by commercial outfitters to advanced paddlers only. Upper Clear Creek serves up a more intense version of the other two sections. Faster and steeper, this stretch features continuous action with rapids including Upper and Lower Beaver Falls, Nixon, Guide Ejector, Double Knife, Hell’s Corner, and Terminator. See the American Whitewater description for more details about running Upper Clear Creek.

Commercial outfitters launching an “advanced” paddling trip on Upper Clear Creek—the put-in for that stretch (at Two Bears Bar and Grill) is the take-out for the beginner section

Planning a Clear Creek paddling trip

Once you’ve run it a couple of times, organizing a Clear Creek run is fairly simple—especially for Denver-area paddlers—because of the easy access. Here are some tips for planning a paddling trip on Clear Creek.

Choose your section

Clear Creek offers something for every level of paddler. Keep in mind that this river is narrow, technical, and cold, which adds an additional layer of consideration when you’re choosing which section to run. If in doubt—and if you don’t know anyone who’s familiar with the river who can accompany you on your first trip—consider booking a trip with one of the commercial outfitters in the area (two to consider: Raft Masters and Clear Creek Rafting) so you can see the river first-hand before you run it as a private boater. These commercial trips are relatively short and inexpensive: Worth the additional time and money if you’re wavering on which section is best suited to your skill level. Also check the Clear Creek County map of rapids and access points.

Clear Creek rapids in beginner section
For much of the time you’re paddling Clear Creek, you won’t perceive the nearby presence of Idaho Springs and I-70

Study the access points for the Clear Creek stretch you want to run

Be especially aware of your take-out point if you want to stick with the beginner stretch, as you don’t want to inadvertently discover you’re headed for the Class IV section by missing the take-out at Two Bears. Again, check the Clear Creek County map of rapids and access points. For the beginner section, the launch site is at the U.S. Forest Service Clear Creek Administrative Site at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103 (Mt Evans). At the bottom of the exit, take a left, then you’ll see the parking lot on the right just after you cross over the bridge.

US Forest Service Administrative Site at Highway 103 and I-70
U.S. Forest Service Administrative Site at the southwest corner of the intersection of I-70 and HIghway 103 is a convenient put-in for the Clear Creek beginner section

You can launch right from the parking lot by sliding your boats down the somewhat steep bank.

Raft at launch of Clear Creek beginner section
Private boaters launching directly from the parking lot at the Clear Creek Administrative Site by sliding boats down the embankment

Check the water level

Clear Creek, which is typically runnable from May through mid-July, rarely exceeds 1,000 cfs. Ideal paddling level is about 250 cfs to 700 cfs. Small boats are the go-to for Clear Creek: You’re better off navigating the boulders and drops in kayaks and small rafts (10 feet or less). Here’s a link to the Clear Creek flow info at American Whitewater.

Clear Creek launch site at Highway 103 and I-70 in Colorado
Launching on Clear Creek at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103 at about 280 cfs—smaller boats like this 9-foot Tributary are best for this small-volume river

Pack your warmest and most waterproof paddling apparel

Clear Creek is cold and fast. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll be continuously doused. For kayakers, I highly recommend a dry suit or at least a neoprene top and pants under a paddle jacket and paddling pants. Here are some of my favorite cold-water paddling clothes:

Kayaker with NRS Star Viper inflatable kayak at Clear Creek
Clear Creek water is cold, so wear your warmest paddle jacket and pants—or, better yet, a dry suit

Time your Clear Creek run to beat the crowds

First step is to check the I-70 traffic reports, a necessary evil of enjoying the outdoor wonders on the western slope of Colorado if you live on the Front Range. Especially in the summer, check for closures due to construction, fire, rockslides caused by flooding in burned areas, and general traffic. Also consider the Clear Creek river traffic: Commercial trips tend to launch at regular intervals throughout the day, but if you start paddling early in the morning (before 9 am), right at noon, or late in the afternoon, you can avoid some of the heaviest river traffic. 

Find a campsite or other lodging in the area if needed

If you’re traveling from afar and need a place to stay close to Clear Creek, check out nearby camping options: Check this list of Clear Creek campgrounds for more information and reservations. If you’d rather grab a motel, nearby Idaho Springs has an abundance of choices. 

Organize your shuttle with your crew

It won’t take long to run your own shuttle, but of course you’ll need two vehicles to accomplish that. You’ll find plenty of parking for the beginner section at the Clear Creek Ranger Station off exist 240.

Enjoy paddling Clear Creek

If you’re passing through Colorado—or if you’ve lived here for a decade or two—and you’ve never paddled Clear Creek, put it on your list. It’s a commanding stretch of water that tumbles straight down the mountains to the Front Range, serving up superb whitewater for every level of paddler.

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