55 minutes from Pearl Street — trade the trails for the river for a day.
Located right up against the Front Range, Boulder captivates with its stunning natural beauty — towering peaks, the iconic Flatirons, and endless trails. But most people overlook what's right over the hill: world-class whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, less than an hour away.
Home to the University of Colorado and an energetic, outdoorsy crowd, Boulder has no shortage of things to do — from climbing in Eldorado Canyon to strolling Pearl Street Mall. If you've done every trail in the Flatirons, it's time to get on the water.
The Boulder crowd tends to gravitate toward the Intermediate and Advanced runs — Clear Creek's Class III–IV rapids are a natural fit. First-timers are always welcome too, and the Beginner section is genuinely fun for all ages.
47 miles · 55 minutes — Idaho Springs, CO
US-36 E → I-70 W → Exit 240 (Idaho Springs)The Colorado River near Kremmling — the scenic Upper Colorado float and Class V Gore Canyon — is about 2 hours west if you're chasing the biggest water in the state.
Everything you need to build the perfect day around your time on the water.
Stroll the iconic University of Colorado campus, established in 1876. Beautiful architecture and a lively college-town vibe.
Boulder's beloved outdoor pedestrian mall. Great shopping, street performers, and people watching.
Explore hundreds of miles of trails via AllTrails or connect with the Boulder Mountain Biking Alliance for MTB routes.
Spanish cuisine with stunning Flatirons views. One of Boulder's top fine dining spots.
Creative American cuisine in the heart of downtown Boulder.
Locally sourced American bistro fare in a warm, relaxed setting.
Classic French brasserie right on the Pearl Street Mall.
New Orleans-inspired Creole cooking — a beloved Boulder breakfast institution.
One of Boulder's most iconic music venues — intimate shows and big-name acts alike.
A beautifully restored historic venue right on Pearl Street hosting concerts year-round.
An open-air National Historic Landmark at the foot of the Flatirons. Summer concerts at their best.
CU Boulder's premier concert hall hosting world-class performances throughout the year.
A cozy, eco-friendly venue known for intimate acoustic performances and its long-running radio show.
BMoCA features rotating exhibitions of contemporary works from local and national artists.
An adventurous theatre company bringing bold, thought-provoking productions to Boulder.
A community-driven art space showcasing emerging local talent in an eclectic setting.
A hip, outdoor-inspired hotel steps from Pearl Street — perfect for the adventure crowd.
Boulder's premier luxury hotel with stunning Flatirons views and a world-class spa.
A landmark since 1909 — historic charm, central location, and iconic Boulder character.
Modern boutique hotel with a lively atmosphere right in the heart of downtown Boulder.
A charming bed & breakfast with warm hospitality and a cozy, home-away-from-home feel.
Your Boulder day, start to finish — with a Clear Creek run as the centerpiece.
Run Clear Creek with a guided trip from our Idaho Springs put-in, about 55 minutes from Boulder. Book your trip →
Back in town, grab lunch on the Pearl Street Mall — Lucile's Creole Café or Brasserie Ten Ten.
Walk the Pearl Street Mall or hike the Flatirons and Chautauqua trails.
Dinner at Corrida or OAK, then live music at the Fox Theatre or Boulder Theatre.
Click any city to see how far it is from our two locations. Most of Colorado is closer than you think.