Want to Go Whitewater Rafting?

Whitewater Rafting Basics

Why would anyone want to go rafting on turbulent waters, you might ask? Anyone who’s anyone will tell you that it indeed sounds like a crazy thing to get excited for, but those who love it will also note how enriching it is to head down the water at breakneck speeds with your buddies right beside you to conquer the turbulence:

“White water rafting is an awesome adrenaline rush that mixes the thrill of dangerous white water with the camaraderie of a war movie, pitting you and a group of similarly petrified individuals against the best that nature has to throw at them. There’s something about an experience like that, facing down an opponent staggeringly more powerful than you, that really brings a group together.”

That being said, if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start slowly. Rapids are divided into classifications based on their difficulty, with higher numbers denoted a greater level of skill required to navigate them safely:

• Class I — Easy
• Class II — Novice
• Class II Intermediate
• Class IV — Advanced
• Class V — Expert
• Class VI — Extreme

And on the topic of safety, there are a number of tips you’ll want to observe to make sure all goes smoothly while you’re out on the water:

• Choose a licensed and professional rafting outfitter.
• Always wear a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD).
• Be safe and comfortable. Wear the protective gear.
• Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day.
• Hold the paddle properly.
• Stay in the boat!
• Know the proper swimming techniques.
• Know the commands – High-Siding.
• Never panic!

Listen to your guide during the safety talk and on the water.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s take a look at Idaho Springs, and all the options you’ll have for a whitewater adventure while you’re out there by Clear Creek.

Rafting in Idaho Springs

The city of Idaho Springs is small one, with a population just over 1,700 individuals. What it lacks in size, though, it makes up for in excitement, especially when you want to hit the water and try out some rafting. Just what makes Clear Creek so great for rafting, you might ask? First and foremost, they get more rapids per mile than any other river in the whole of Colorado. A big reason for this is due to the geography of the creek, you see, “Clear Creek has an average gradient of 67 feet per mile and over 100 feet per mile on its advanced sections – simply meaning more rapids per mile.”

Thankfully, the creek is divided into different sections, which are categorized by their difficulty. This gives you the ability to plan for your skill level, and hit the water where it will be fun and challenging, but not overwhelming. All the while, the amazing scenery from the rocks around Clear Creek enhance the experience, making for a rafting trip that is simultaneously heart-pounding and pretty.

One of the prime experiences while you’re out here is provided by the Colorado Adventure Center, an outdoor-focused group that has great access to the creek through their base camp. They aren’t the only game in town, however, and if you look around, you’ll see there are plenty of other opportunities for hitting Clear Creek:

• Clear Creek Rafting Company
• AVA Rafting
• Echo Canyon River Expeditions

Once you’ve had your fill of the water, you should feel free to stick around and explore some of the points of interest around Idaho Springs as well. This was once a prominent mining town, and as such, areas like the Argo Gold Mine and Mill are ready for you to tour. This particular spot takes you through the history of gold milling in Colorado, and allows you to tour the Argo Tunnel as well. You can catch one of these tours any day of the week, and they’re staggered throughout the day so that you have ample opportunity to get with a group and look around.

If the mill doesn’t quite sound like your idea of a good time, you might instead want to check out the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, which was built all the way back in 1893 to help power a stamp mill, and even has a small waterfall which makes for some great photographs, if you’re the picture taking sort.

Finally, you can even plan an excursion to Mount Evans if you have the time. It’s about 28 miles south of Idaho Springs, and known far and wide a scenic location that encapsulates all that’s great about the great outdoors. Regardless of what legs you plan on adding to your Idaho Springs tour, however, there’s little doubt it’ll make for an amazing escape from the city, even if it’s just for a short while.

These Apartments for Rent in Denver CO Will Await Your Return

Once you trip from the city to the town and back again is complete, you’ll want to come home to the kind of community that eases you back into Denver life the right way. Few can come close to CoLab, the stylish student community located right among the wonders of Downtown Denver. Here at the city’s heart, there’s plenty for you to experience, but at your own pace, and the spacious residences and fabulous amenities ensure you’ll be in the lap of comfort and luxury while you do. Take a look at what these stellar apartments have to offer, then make CoLab your choice for superior Denver living.