DOWNIEVILLE, LAWSON & DUMONTThree small communities. One creek running through it.
What to ExpectSome days start with a paddle in your hands. Others start with coffee and no particular hurry. Along Clear Creek, Downieville, Lawson and Dumont make room for both. These neighboring communities share mining roots, mountain surroundings and plenty of reasons to pull off the highway.
Make a guided rafting trip the center of your day, or stop at Lawson Whitewater Park to watch paddlers work their way through the waves. Between outings, leave time for a bite and a little wandering. You don’t need a packed itinerary to find something worth remembering here.
River days. Mountain rides. Time together.
Good at guided rafting, watching paddlers at Lawson Whitewater Park, exploring historic mining routes by ATV, coffee before the outing and cabin nights afterward.Good At.
ON THE WATERA little whitewater. A lot to talk about later.
In rafting season, local outfitters help you find a trip that fits your crew, from a first paddle together to more demanding whitewater. At Lawson Whitewater Park, river walks and public access let you enjoy the creek from the bank, watch experienced kayakers work the waves, or find a place to fish. Give yourself time to enjoy the water at your own pace.
Find your next good plan.
Meet the guides, gathering places and local businesses that help make a day here your own. Choose an outing, find your morning coffee or book somewhere to settle in.
Lawson Whitewater Park
Watch experienced kayakers work the waves, walk beside Clear Creek or spend a little time fishing. Lawson Whitewater Park offers public river access and a place to enjoy the water from shore.
Downstream Adventures
Share a paddle, a few splashes and a story for the ride home. Downstream Adventures offers seasonal guided rafting trips on Clear Creek from its Dumont outpost, with options for different experience levels.
Idaho Springs Rafting Company
Meet your guide in Dumont and make a little time for the river. Idaho Springs Rafting Company offers guided Clear Creek trips, helping you find an outing that fits your crew.
MAD Adventures
Turn a summer day into a shared river story. MAD Adventures runs seasonal guided rafting trips on Clear Creek from its Dumont river office, with beginner and intermediate options for your crew.
ATV Tours Colorado
Follow a guide along historic mining routes, pause for mountain views and explore the country above Dumont. ATV Tours Colorado starts each ride with instruction and time to get comfortable with your machine.
Colorado Adventure Center — nearby in Idaho Springs
Share a first zip line or work your way through an aerial ropes course together. Nearby Colorado Adventure Center offers zip lines, ropes challenges and seasonal rafting from its Idaho Springs base.
Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea
Start with a coffee and a little time to talk through the day. Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea’s Downieville café gives you a place to meet before an outing or linger afterward.
Downieville Fuel Stop / Sinclair
Take care of the tank before you head out for the day. Downieville Fuel Stop’s Sinclair station serves everyday drivers and trucks, keeping the practical part of your mountain plans simple.
Base Camp Lodging Company
Make yourself at home in a cabin or try a night in a yurt. Base Camp Lodging Company offers a place to settle in between river days, mountain outings and slow mornings.
Know before you go.
Clear Creek is cold, moving water. Choose a guided trip suited to your group, and give the current plenty of space when enjoying the banks.
Leave room for dinner.
Find a table. Settle in. Share the stories of the day while a local kitchen takes care of dinner. Stay the night and give tomorrow a slower start, with coffee, breakfast, and a little more time in the mountains.
STAY FOR ANOTHER DAY
Leave a little room for tomorrow.
Book a stay in Clear Creek and make time for dinner, a slow morning, and whatever your adventure has planned next.