RAFTING NEAR WINTER PARK, COLORADO
Two rivers within an hour — 45 minutes to Clear Creek, 55 to the Colorado.
Winter Park is one of Colorado's favorite mountain towns — a year-round playground famous for skiing, mountain biking, and easy access from Denver over Berthoud Pass. What a lot of visitors miss is that two world-class rafting rivers sit within an hour. Clear Creek in Idaho Springs is 45 minutes east, and the Colorado River near Kremmling is 55 minutes northwest.
Clear Creek is the closer option and runs the full range — beginner Class II through serious Class IV — making it the natural day-trip choice for any Winter Park crowd. The Colorado River near Kremmling adds the scenic Upper Colorado float, perfect for families, plus the Class V Gore Canyon for serious paddlers.
It's an easy add-on to a Winter Park summer trip: raft in the morning, then get back for an afternoon at Trestle Bike Park or on the trails. The mountains aren't going anywhere — but the river runs best in early summer.
Getting to Idaho Springs
~35 miles · 45 minutes
US-40 E over Berthoud Pass → I-70 E → Exit 240Or the Colorado River
55 min to Kremmling — the scenic Upper Colorado float and Class V Gore Canyon, northwest through Granby.
Which Trip Is Right For You
Explore Winter Park
Everything you need to build the perfect Grand County day around your time on the water.
Trestle Bike Park
One of the best lift-served downhill mountain bike parks in North America — trails for every level right at Winter Park Resort.
Alpine Slide
The famous Winter Park alpine slide plus a full lineup of summer mountain activities for the whole family.
Hiking Trails
Hundreds of miles of trails through the Fraser Valley and Continental Divide — from easy valley walks to alpine summits.
Winter Park Resort
Scenic chairlift rides, mountaintop dining, and an endless slate of summer events at Colorado's longest continually operated resort.
Deno's Mountain Bistro
A Winter Park institution — a huge menu, legendary wine list, and a welcoming atmosphere that locals have loved for decades.
Volario's
Upscale Italian dining in Winter Park — handmade pasta, a great wine program, and a warm, mountain-modern space.
Hernando's Pizza Pub
A beloved Winter Park pizza joint covered in dollar bills — casual, fun, and the perfect post-adventure dinner.
Namaste India
Flavorful, authentic Indian cuisine right in Winter Park — a great change of pace and reliably excellent.
Winter Park Jazz Festival
A summer tradition for over 40 years — top jazz acts performing outdoors with the mountains as the backdrop.
Rendezvous Event Center
Winter Park's hub for concerts, festivals, and community events all summer long in the heart of the village.
Resort Summer Events
From beer festivals to live music series, Winter Park Resort runs a packed calendar of summer happenings.
UPTRIPPING Art Gallery
A contemporary art gallery in Winter Park showcasing adventure-inspired and local artwork — worth a browse.
Grand County Museum
Just down the valley in Hot Sulphur Springs — a deep look at the area's railroad, ranching, and pioneer history.
Cooper Creek Square
Winter Park's walkable shopping and dining village — galleries, boutiques, and cafes in the center of town.
Gravity Haus Winter Park
An adventure-focused hotel and members club — the ideal base for a trip mixing rafting, biking, and hiking.
Winter Park Mountain Lodge
A comfortable, family-friendly lodge with an indoor pool and easy access to the resort and town.
The Vintage Hotel
A classic slopeside Winter Park hotel — reliable, well-located, and a solid value for resort access.
Winter Park Chateau
Cozy, characterful lodging with a mountain-lodge feel — a charming alternative to the big resort hotels.
The Viking Lodge
An affordable, no-frills downtown Winter Park spot — walkable to dining and a budget-friendly base for adventure.
Make a Day of It
Your Winter Park day, start to finish — with a river run as the centerpiece.
Hit the Water
45 min east to Clear Creek or 55 min northwest to the Colorado River. Book your trip →
Lunch in Town
Back in Winter Park for pizza at Hernando's or a relaxed bite at Deno's Mountain Bistro.
Ride Trestle
Hit the lift-served trails at Trestle Bike Park or ride the alpine slide at the resort.
Wind Down
Dinner at Volario's, then catch a show at the Rendezvous Event Center or a summer concert.
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.