Downstream Adventures

Premier Whitewater Rafting in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

Downstream Adventures offers premier whitewater rafting and guided fishing trips on Colorado’s Clear Creek, Colorado River, and Arkansas River.  Located just 40 minutes west of Denver in the mountain town of Empire, this outfitter is owned and operated by expert guides and Class V kayakers. Their focus on safety, exceptional customer service, and high-quality experiences ensures unforgettable river adventures for all skill levels.

What We Offer

Whitewater Rafting Trips:

Clear Creek

Beginner (Class II–III)
Middle Clear Creek: A friendly, splashy trip ideal for first-timers and families. Gentle yet exciting rapids and beautiful canyon scenery make this a perfect intro to rafting.

• Duration: ~ 3 hours total (usually between 1 and 1.5 hours on the water)

• Minimum Age: 5

Intermediate (Class III–IV)
Upper Clear Creek: A fast-moving section with technical features, consistent rapids, and a thrilling ride through the heart of Clear Creek Canyon.

• Duration: ~ 3 hours total (usually between 1 and 1.5 hours on the water)

• Minimum Age: 13

Advanced (Class IV–V)
Lower Canyon of Clear Creek: Steep, demanding, and adrenaline-pumping. This section features some of the most challenging commercially rafted rapids on Clear Creek. Prior rafting experience strongly recommended.

• Duration: ~ 3 hours total (usually between 1 and 1.5 hours on the water)

• Minimum Age: 16

Full Day Clear Creek: Tackle every stretch of Clear Creek on this full-day advanced rafting trip—22 miles of Class IV–V rapids, canyon views, and a riverside lunch. Ideal for thrill-seekers looking for nonstop action near Denver.

• Duration: ~6-6.5 hours total (usually between 4.5 and 5 hours on the water, and 30 minutes for lunch)

• Minimum Age: 16

Colorado River (Kremlin, CO)

Gore Canyon: Experience an epic rafting challenge through Colorado’s rugged Gore Canyon. Navigate intense Class III–V rapids surrounded by towering granite cliffs and pristine wilderness. This trip is perfect for seasoned rafters seeking both adrenaline and dramatic scenery in one of Colorado’s most remote and scenic canyons.

• Duration: 6.5 hours total
• Minimum Age: 18

Upper Colorado River: Relaxing, wide-open float trips through dramatic red rock canyons and wide valleys. Mild Class I–II rapids make this a peaceful choice for young children, groups, or anyone looking for mellow time on the river.

• Duration: ~Half-Day: 4 hours total (usually between 1.5 and 2 hours on the water/ Full-Day: 6.5 hour total (usually 4-4.5 hours on the water)

• Minimum Age: At least 3 years old and weigh at least 35 lbs.

Arkansas River

Browns Canyon: Raft through Colorado’s iconic Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River with Class III rapids, stunning mountain views, and expert guides. Ideal for all skill levels, this trip blends adventure with natural beauty in a national monument setting.

• Duration: ~3.5 hours
• Minimum Age: At least 7 years old & at least 50 lbs. *(May vary depending on water levels)

The Numbers: Conquer intense Class IV rapids on the Numbers section of the Arkansas River—an adrenaline-packed adventure through Colorado’s rugged wilderness. Ideal for experienced rafters or bold first-timers, this trip offers half-day and full-day options with expert guides and stunning mountain scenery.

• Duration: ~Half Day: 3 hours / Full Day: 5 hours
• Minimum Age: 14 years old *(May vary depending on water levels)

Inflatable Kayak Trips

Upper Colorado River Kayaking Trip: Paddle the headwaters of the Colorado River near Rocky Mountain National Park in a solo or tandem inflatable kayak. This guided trip offers a more hands-on, adventurous alternative to traditional rafting and is best for those with some paddling experience. Perfect for mixed groups, as kayaks and rafts run together.

• Duration: Half-day: 4 hours total (usually between 1.5 and 2 hours on the water)
• Minimum Age: At least 13 years old to paddle solo, or at least 8 years old to paddle in a tandem

Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Guided Wade Fishing Trip: Experience guided wade fishing on Colorado’s Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek, and even remote Gore Canyon. Cast for trout in Gold Medal Waters or scenic canyons with expert instruction.

• Great for anglers of all skill levels.

• All gear provided

Colorado Fly Fishing Float Trip: Enjoy a peaceful float fishing trip on the Upper Colorado River, ideal for all skill levels. Expert guides provide all gear and instruction, helping you target large trout in scenic waters.

• Minimum Age: For anglers 12 y/o and up.

• Gear and lunch included

Custom trips and private instruction available.

What to Know Before You Go

What to Bring: Quick-dry clothes, water shoes, sunscreen, and your adventurous spirit

Why Choose Downstream Adventures?

• Owned and operated by experienced guides

• Convenient access from Denver and Summit County

• Excellent customer service for a personalized experience

• Top-notch safety standards and river knowledge

• Family-friendly options and expert-level runs

Book Your Whitewater Adventure Today!

Don’t miss the chance to experience Colorado’s premier rafting destinations! Call or book online with Downstream Adventures for an unforgettable journey!