Disclaimer: The accuracy of the CFS data provided cannot always be guaranteed. Please verify conditions before heading out.

Clear Creek

656

Safe: <200 CFS

Moderate: 200-400 CFS

High: 400-600 CFS

Dangerous: >600 CFS

Access

Easy. A bike path parallels the creek most of the way. You can get in and out anywhere along that path. You can start as high as the Tunnel 1 on Hwy 6 in Clear Creek Canyon. See map for details. You can float down to the end of the whitewater park in Downtown Golden. The whitewater park is located in Lyons Park on 10th street. There is an obvious pool at the end of the park to get out of the river.

Flow Range

40cfs to 100cfs is a good mellow to moderate level for tubing in the whitewater park. 100-500cfs is a great level for tubing from Tunnel 1 to the whitewater park. 500-1000cfs is best for kayaking or canoeing by experienced paddlers. The river starts to move pretty fast for tubing. 1,000 cfs: experienced paddlers only.

Water Temperature

During May and June the water is typically pretty cold. When the water is over 300 cfs, it’s usually in peak snow melt time. That means, you guessed it, cold water. We rent wetsuits. The water usually starts warming up when the snowmelt is winding down.

When is it running?

Clear creek is usually floatable from April through August. Weather and snow pack are different every year. You don’t need much water to float in the Golden whitewater park. The whitewater park has man made features that help channelize and pool up the water, making it fun even at very low water. It’s a great place to swim at low water too.

Difficulty

<200cfs: easy/moderate >200cfs: moderate >500cfs: advanced

Kids

Over 13 and good swimmers are okay. Younger kids are okay at lower water levels. Good swimming ability and lifejackets and helmets are a must.

Transportation

The Golden whitewater park is only 25 minutes from our shop. We have twine and straps that will help you strap the tubes to your vehicle. You could also transport them deflated, and inflate them when you get to the river.