The 15 best things to do in Idaho Springs (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek

   Outty Ranking92

   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. 90+ Club at 92/100, 5.0/5 from 307 traveler reviews, 3h from $66, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Clear Creek Intermediate Whitewater Rafting near Denver

   Outty Ranking87

   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 lev. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 245 traveler reviews, 3h from $94, free cancellation.

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3. 

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

   Outty Ranking74

   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 Sp. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 25 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $83, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Intermediate Cannonball Run

   Outty Ranking74

   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, wildlif. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 20 traveler reviews, 3h from $95, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Clear Creek Adv/Int 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Idaho Springs, CO

   Outty Ranking73

   Embark on an exhilarating 2.5-hour whitewater adventure on Clear Creek, just 30 minutes from Denver. This intermediate rafting trip is perfect for adventurous first timers and seasoned paddlers alike, offering a thrillin. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 5.0/5 from 23 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $100, free cancellation.

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6. 

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

   Outty Ranking71

   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. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 5.0/5 from 19 traveler reviews, 3h from $138, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Raft the Gold Nugget Whitewater Challenge on Clear Creek: Ages 6+

   Outty Ranking67

   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, wildlif. Solid Choice at 67/100, 5.0/5 from 9 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $95, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Upper Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting plus Cliffside Zipline from Idaho Springs

   Outty Ranking66

   Package a thrilling zipline tour with the Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day rafting trip for an adventure of a lifetime! Start off the day on AVA’s Cliffside Zipline Tour. With 6 exciting lines and additional features such as th. Solid Choice at 66/100, 4.5/5 from 17 traveler reviews, 7h from $189, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Idaho Springs Cliffside Zipline

   Outty Ranking63

   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. Solid Choice at 63/100, 4.5/5 from 23 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $95, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Clear Creek Whitewater Raft near Denver: Splashy Fun for Families

    Outty Ranking63

    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, wildlif. Solid Choice at 63/100, 5.0/5 from 4 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $85, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Dare the Advanced Gold Rush section

    Outty Ranking63

    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, wildlif. Solid Choice at 63/100, 5.0/5 from 4 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $120, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Clear Creek Adv/Int Rafting Trip with Lunch - Idaho Springs

    Outty Ranking63

    Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on Clear Creek, just 30 minutes from Denver. This intermediate trip offers over 3 hours on the water, navigating continuous Class III–IV rapids that challenge and th. Solid Choice at 63/100, 5.0/5 from 5 traveler reviews, 4.5h from $209, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting Trip: Intermediate Level

    Outty Ranking58

    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, wildlif. Worth a Look at 58/100, 5.0/5 from 1 traveler reviews, 3h from $95, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Scenic Hike with Charcuterie Tasting

    Outty Ranking58

    As a local Colorado guide, I create personalized outdoor experiences with scenic destinations tailored to your fitness level and comfort. Through a brief intake call, I assess your abilities, weather conditions, timing,. Worth a Look at 58/100, 8h from $149, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson on Clear Creek near Denver

    Outty Ranking56

    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! Worth a Look at 56/100, 5.0/5 from 2 traveler reviews, 4h from $200, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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