RAFTING NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS
1.5 hours north on I-25 and I-70 — Colorado's best whitewater is worth the drive.
Colorado Springs has no shortage of outdoor adventure — Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds. But one thing the city doesn't have nearby is whitewater. The closest real rafting is Clear Creek in Idaho Springs, 1.5 hours north via I-25 and I-70. For a city with this much outdoor culture, it's a trip that absolutely belongs on the list.
Clear Creek runs beginner through Class IV, so whether you're bringing the family for their first raft trip or looking for a serious day on the water with friends, there's a run that fits. The canyon is stunning, the guides are elite, and the drive up I-70 into the mountains is half the fun.
Most trips are half-day, so you can leave Colorado Springs in the morning, run the river, grab lunch in Idaho Springs, and be back by mid-afternoon. Make a full weekend of it — there's plenty to do on both ends.
Getting to Idaho Springs
~95 miles · ~1.5 hours
I-25 N → I-70 W → Exit 240 (Idaho Springs)Going Bigger?
The Colorado River near Kremmling — Upper Colorado float and Class V Gore Canyon — is about 2 hr 45 min west. Worth the trip for a full adventure weekend.
Which Trip Is Right For You
Explore Colorado Springs
Everything you need to build the perfect Colorado Springs day around your time on the water.
Garden of the Gods
A National Natural Landmark with towering red rock formations and Pikes Peak as the backdrop. Free to enter and endlessly photogenic.
Pikes Peak
America's Mountain — summit via the Cog Railway, a scenic drive, or the challenging Barr Trail. Views extend to Kansas on a clear day.
Cave of the Winds
A dramatic canyon adventure attraction in Manitou Springs — cave tours, via ferrata, and the thrilling Terror-Dactyl zipline swing.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Perched on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain — one of America's most unique zoos with stunning mountain views and excellent conservation work.
Air Force Academy
Explore the grounds of one of America's premier military academies — the striking modernist chapel alone is worth the visit.
The Broadmoor Dining
Multiple award-winning restaurants at the legendary Broadmoor resort — from casual lakeside to formal fine cuisine. A Colorado Springs institution.
The Famous Steakhouse
A Colorado Springs classic — prime cuts, great cocktails, and old-school steakhouse atmosphere that never gets old.
The Melting Pot
The fondue experience — a great choice for groups or anyone looking for a fun, interactive dinner out.
Caspian Cafe
Persian and Mediterranean cuisine — one of Colorado Springs' most beloved local restaurants with consistently excellent food.
Amanda's Fonda
Beloved local Mexican with creative, flavorful dishes and a casual atmosphere — a Colorado Springs staple for decades.
Broadmoor World Arena
Colorado Springs' premier large venue — major touring acts, sporting events, and the biggest shows in the region.
Stargazers Theatre
A beloved intimate music venue in downtown Colorado Springs — consistently excellent bookings in a warm, accessible space.
Sunset Amphitheater
An outdoor venue at the Broadmoor with spectacular mountain backdrops — summer concerts under the Pikes Peak skyline.
Colorado Switchbacks FC
Colorado Springs' USL Championship soccer team — passionate fanbase and affordable, fun matches at Weidner Field all summer.
Rocky Mountain Vibes
Minor league baseball with Pikes Peak looming over the outfield wall — one of the most scenic ballparks in the country.
Fine Arts Center
A world-class regional art museum on the Colorado College campus — strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a historic building.
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
A large, vibrant community arts center with studios, galleries, and classes — a hub for Colorado Springs' creative community.
Manitou Springs
A quirky, artistic mountain town just west of Colorado Springs — eclectic galleries, natural soda springs, and great local character.
The Broadmoor
One of America's great resort hotels — a five-star, five-diamond property at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain. Bucket-list Colorado Springs.
The Antlers Hotel
A Colorado Springs landmark since 1883 — historic elegance downtown, steps from restaurants and entertainment.
The Mining Exchange
A boutique hotel in a stunning 1902 building — Colorado Springs' most characterful downtown property.
Kinship Landing
A modern boutique hotel in downtown Colorado Springs — stylish, social, and great value for the location.
The Flying Horse Resort
An upscale golf resort on the north side — spacious rooms, spa, and a beautiful course with mountain views.
Make a Day of It
Your Colorado Springs day — the red rocks, the river, and a cold beer to cap it off.
Garden of the Gods
Start at Garden of the Gods before the crowds — golden light on the red rocks at sunrise is spectacular.
Drive to Clear Creek
Head north on I-25 and west on I-70 to Idaho Springs — 1.5 hours. Book your trip →
Lunch in Idaho Springs
Post-raft at Beau Jo's mountain pizza or stop in Denver on the drive back for something bigger.
Wind Down
Back in the Springs for dinner at Caspian Cafe or The Famous Steakhouse, then a Vibes game or show at Stargazers.
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.