RAFTING NEAR BOULDER, COLORADO
55 minutes from Pearl Street — trade the trails for the river for a day.
Located right up against the Front Range, Boulder captivates with its stunning natural beauty — towering peaks, the iconic Flatirons, and endless trails. But most people overlook what's right over the hill: world-class whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, less than an hour away.
Home to the University of Colorado and an energetic, outdoorsy crowd, Boulder has no shortage of things to do — from climbing in Eldorado Canyon to strolling Pearl Street Mall. If you've done every trail in the Flatirons, it's time to get on the water.
The Boulder crowd tends to gravitate toward the Intermediate and Advanced runs — Clear Creek's Class III–IV rapids are a natural fit. First-timers are always welcome too, and the Beginner section is genuinely fun for all ages.
Getting Here
47 miles · 55 minutes — Idaho Springs, CO
US-36 E → I-70 W → Exit 240 (Idaho Springs)Going Bigger?
The Colorado River near Kremmling — the scenic Upper Colorado float and Class V Gore Canyon — is about 2 hours west if you're chasing the biggest water in the state.
Which Trip Is Right For You
Explore Boulder
Everything you need to build the perfect day around your time on the water.
CU Boulder Campus
Stroll the iconic University of Colorado campus, established in 1876. Beautiful architecture and a lively college-town vibe.
Pearl Street Mall
Boulder's beloved outdoor pedestrian mall. Great shopping, street performers, and people watching.
Hiking & Biking
Explore hundreds of miles of trails via AllTrails or connect with the Boulder Mountain Biking Alliance for MTB routes.
Corrida
Spanish cuisine with stunning Flatirons views. One of Boulder's top fine dining spots.
OAK at Fourteenth
Creative American cuisine in the heart of downtown Boulder.
Salt
Locally sourced American bistro fare in a warm, relaxed setting.
Brasserie Ten Ten
Classic French brasserie right on the Pearl Street Mall.
Lucile's Creole Café
New Orleans-inspired Creole cooking — a beloved Boulder breakfast institution.
The Fox Theatre
One of Boulder's most iconic music venues — intimate shows and big-name acts alike.
Boulder Theatre
A beautifully restored historic venue right on Pearl Street hosting concerts year-round.
Chautauqua Auditorium
An open-air National Historic Landmark at the foot of the Flatirons. Summer concerts at their best.
Macky Auditorium
CU Boulder's premier concert hall hosting world-class performances throughout the year.
eTown Hall
A cozy, eco-friendly venue known for intimate acoustic performances and its long-running radio show.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
BMoCA features rotating exhibitions of contemporary works from local and national artists.
The Nomad Playhouse
An adventurous theatre company bringing bold, thought-provoking productions to Boulder.
The New Local Annex
A community-driven art space showcasing emerging local talent in an eclectic setting.
Basecamp Boulder
A hip, outdoor-inspired hotel steps from Pearl Street — perfect for the adventure crowd.
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Boulder's premier luxury hotel with stunning Flatirons views and a world-class spa.
Hotel Boulderado
A landmark since 1909 — historic charm, central location, and iconic Boulder character.
Limelight Boulder
Modern boutique hotel with a lively atmosphere right in the heart of downtown Boulder.
Bradley Boulder Inn
A charming bed & breakfast with warm hospitality and a cozy, home-away-from-home feel.
Make a Day of It
Your Boulder day, start to finish — with a Clear Creek run as the centerpiece.
Hit the Water
Run Clear Creek with a guided trip from our Idaho Springs put-in, about 55 minutes from Boulder. Book your trip →
Refuel on Pearl St.
Back in town, grab lunch on the Pearl Street Mall — Lucile's Creole Café or Brasserie Ten Ten.
Explore Boulder
Walk the Pearl Street Mall or hike the Flatirons and Chautauqua trails.
Wind Down
Dinner at Corrida or OAK, then live music at the Fox Theatre or Boulder Theatre.
How Far Is the River?
Click any city to see how far it is from our two locations. Most of Colorado is closer than you think.