RAFTING NEAR GEORGETOWN, COLORADO
Clear Creek whitewater is just 10 minutes away — the closest rafting to any I-70 mountain town.
Georgetown is one of Colorado's best-preserved Victorian mining towns, sitting at 8,530 feet along I-70 just west of the Continental Divide. And while most visitors know it for the Georgetown Loop Railroad and historic Main Street, few realize they're sitting just 10 minutes from world-class whitewater. Clear Creek — one of Colorado's most acclaimed rafting rivers — puts in right next door in Idaho Springs.
Clear Creek runs the full spectrum: our beginner trip is perfect for families and first-timers, the intermediate run delivers real rapids and a serious rush, and the advanced section is one of the most challenging commercial runs in the state. No other town on I-70 is this close to all three levels of whitewater on the same river.
Raft in the morning and be back in Georgetown for lunch on 6th Street, a ride on the Georgetown Loop, or a hike into the surrounding peaks. It's hard to beat a day like that in the Colorado mountains.
Getting to Idaho Springs
~8 miles · 10 minutes
I-70 E → Exit 240 (Idaho Springs)Also Nearby
The Colorado River near Kremmling is about 1.5 hours west — offering the scenic Upper Colorado float and Class V Gore Canyon.
Clear Creek Trip Options
Explore Georgetown
Pair your river trip with the best Georgetown and Clear Creek Canyon have to offer.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
One of Colorado's most iconic historic railways — a narrow-gauge steam train that winds through the mountains above Georgetown. A must-do.
Historic Downtown
One of Colorado's best-preserved Victorian mining towns — galleries, shops, and century-old architecture along 6th Street.
Loveland Ski Area
World-class skiing just 12 minutes from Georgetown — one of Colorado's most affordable and underrated resorts, open into spring.
Arapahoe Basin
Epic high-alpine skiing and summer hiking above treeline — 25 minutes from Georgetown via I-70 and Hwy 6.
Georgetown Lake
A scenic reservoir right in town — fishing, wildlife watching, and peaceful walks with mountain views in every direction.
Arapaho National Forest
Hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails surrounding Georgetown — wildflowers, wildlife, and true alpine solitude.
Guanella Pass Scenic Drive
A stunning 23-mile alpine byway connecting Georgetown and Grant — alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and spectacular fall aspens.
The Mountain Roadhouse
Georgetown's go-to for burgers, cold beer, and casual mountain eats — a welcoming spot right on 6th Street after a day on the river.
Café Prague
A charming European-style café in the heart of Georgetown — coffee, pastries, and a warm vibe for a morning before hitting the water.
Tavern of the Five Ails
Georgetown's local pub — draft beers, pub food, and a relaxed atmosphere in a historic building steps from Main Street.
Dine in a Mine
A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside a real Colorado mine — unforgettable atmosphere right in Georgetown's historic mining district.
Buffalo Bar (Idaho Springs)
Just 10 minutes away — a Clear Creek Canyon institution with great food, cold drinks, and a lively post-river crowd.
Georgetown B&Bs
Several charming bed and breakfasts in historic Georgetown homes — a unique and memorable way to stay in one of Colorado's most storied mountain towns.
Idaho Springs Hotels
Just 10 minutes east, Idaho Springs has several comfortable hotels — a great base for rafting with easy highway access.
Summit County Lodging
Breckenridge, Keystone, and Frisco are all 30–45 minutes west — full resort lodging if you're combining rafting with a mountain trip.
Make a Day of It
The perfect Georgetown summer day — history, mountains, and serious whitewater.
Morning Coffee
Start at Café Prague on 6th Street before heading down the canyon.
Hit the Water
10 min east on I-70 to Clear Creek in Idaho Springs. Book your trip →
Georgetown Loop
Back in Georgetown for an afternoon ride on the historic narrow-gauge railroad.
Wind Down
Cold beers and dinner at the Mountain Roadhouse or Tavern of the Five Ails.
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.