Whitewater Rafting - Idaho Springs Activity: Rafting Nearby Resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne Proximity: 30 miles east of Keystone THE summertime activity in The Mountains is Whitewater Rafting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing float trip to soak up the sun and scenery, or the full-on adrenaline high of a white-knuckle class 5 wild ride, there is everything here for you! The intensity of the water on a rafting trip is classified on a scale of one to six. One being a simple float trip and six being defined as cannot be attempted without risk to life and limb and is considered unrunnable!! Generally commercial rafting outfitters therefore restrict themselves to the classes 1 thru 5!! For most first timers the limit would be a class 3 or class 3/4 mixed trip. For younger kids, you should look at staying with a class 1/2 trip and kids must weigh at least 40lbs (normally minimum 4 years old) in order to fit into a commercial PFD (Lifejacket). For children a little older looking for a little more adventure a class 2/3 trip is appropriate (normally minimum 7 years old). For a class 3/4 trip normally an aggressively minded older child or teenager would be the minimum advised. Class 5 trips are restricted to adults and teenagers 16 or older who have experienced and are happy on class 3/4 water. All rafting outfitters are required by Colorado State Laws to ensure that their guides are trained to rigorous proficiency standards in commercial rafting experience, including first aid, CPR, and swift-water rescue, so you can be sure you're in good hands. The outfitters that we select for â..The Mountains USAâ.� have extensive training programs, which all meet and in many cases substantially exceed these requirements. All equipment meets or exceeds state requirements and rafts are self-bailing. PFD's (lifejackets) are all class V with the maximum amount of floatation available. Wetsuits and booties are available for rent to ensure that you are kept warm (if not dry!) and splashjackets are available for all trips. Weather in the high country is notoriously volatile, even in summer time, and all trips go out rain or shine, so be prepared! Cotton garments are a bad idea on the river; they get wet, stay wet and make you cold. Polypropylene/wool, or a â..wickingâ.� material is best. Quick dry shorts and tops work well, and don't forget sun protection - hats, sunscreen and sunglasses (with croakies) are all a must. Footwear will get wet, so, sandals with heel retention (like Teva's or similar) or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet are fine. If you are looking for a real adventure during your stay in The Mountains, make sure that this is the first one you choose. Whitewater Rafting, whichever trip you select, is a great day out and will leave you with memories that will last all year and ensure that you come back again for more! Clear Creek River Trips: Class I/II: The Sure Shot (7 yrs & older) A perfect introduction for kids of all ages, the Sure-Shot is bound to leave a smile on your face. While floating through the historic town of Idaho Springs youâ..ll encounter Castle Falls and the Argo Holes. Below town history and nature abound, with the occasional sighting of redtail hawks and bighorn sheep. Dizzy Lizzie, Mountain Lion, and Box rapids prepare us for the grand finale of Mister Twister! Class III/IV: The Blast (15 yrs & older) - Our most Popular Trip!!! Perhaps youâ..ve already been there and done that, and are looking for something more. Most folks who paddle the Blast werenâ..t expecting some of Coloradoâ..s most consistent whitewater, and cone back for more! With five solid class IV rapids and more class three whitewater than we have space to mention, the Blast is waiting for those with good physical conditioning and an attitude for adventure. The ability to swim is recommended. Class IV: The Kamikaze (15 yrs & older) One of our former guests refers to this trip as â..the best darn whitewater around!â.�, and after braving the rapids of the Kamikaze trip youâ..ll understand why. Add another two miles of continuous (and we arenâ..t kidding!) class IV/III whitewater onto the Blast and you have an adventure that will bring you back over and over. If youâ..re on your toes you might have time to enjoy the scenery of the Front Range before you dive into your next rapid. Previous experience and the ability to swim is highly recommended. Class IV+: The Ultimo (15 yrs & older) This is the most consistent whitewater available on the Front Range, and almost the state. If action is what you are after then this is for you. We start off at our office on the banks of Clear Creek above the town of Lawson. Begin your day reveling in all the excitement of the Kamikaze, and then enjoy a tasty lunch prepared on the spot by your guides. Continuing downstream, please digest your lunch before plunging into the awesome class IV rapids of the Lower Canyon, including Ejector, Double Knife, Deep Hell, and Terminator, just to name a few. An adventure for the brave of heart! Be prepared for a workout. Prices and Dates Trip Type/Name Trip Length Trip Times Price per Tour Price per Adult/Driver Price per Child/Passenger         From 13 Yrs From 7 To 12 Yrs The Sure Shot  1/3rd Day  8:00 AM $37 $30 The Blast  1/2 Day  8:00 AM $47 $N/A The Kamikaze  1/2 Day  8:30 AM $57 $N/A The Ultimo  Full Day  9:00 AM $87 $N/A The Sure Shot  1/3rd Day  11:00 AM $37 $30 The Blast  1/2 Day  11:30 AM $47 $N/A The Kamikaze  1/2 Day  12:00 PM $57 $N/A The Sure Shot  1/3rd Day  2:30 PM $37 $30 The Blast  1/2 Day  3:00 PM $47 $N/A The Kamikaze  1/2 Day  3:00 PM $57 $N/A The Sure Shot  1/3rd Day  5:00 PM $37 $30 The Blast  1/2 Day  5:00 PM $47 $N/A
Activity Notes Includes: Helmets (if needed) and PFDâ..s (personal flotation device). Wetsuits, booties and splash jackets available for rent. What to wear: Weather in the high country is unpredictable, so be prepared! Normally quick dry shorts/bathing suits and tops are the best idea. Cotton is not a good idea on the river since it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Polypropylene, wool or some other wicking material work best. Sun protection is VERY important, so a hat, sunglasses with â..croakiesâ.�, and plenty of sun screen. Footwear will get wet, so sandals with heel retention are the best (Tevaâ..s or similar) â.. flip-flops types are not allowed. Sneakers are fine too, but they WILL get wet! What to bring: Waterproof cameras are a good idea. A towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes. Bottled water or sports drinks to fend off dehydration. Last, but not least, a BIG smile and lots of enthusiasm!!!