Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting, and River boarding on Clear Creek
Access
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.
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:
Flow Range
100-500cfs is great level for tubing through 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
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
Closures
Clear Creek may be closed to tubers at high water, which would be around 1,000 cfs.