| Difficulty | III |
| Length | 5.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Clear Creek Near Lawson, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 62 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 14, 2026 |
The Idaho Springs town run is commonly run as an extension of the Dumont section, just upstream. Or it can be run alone as a mellower Class III to III+ stretch on its own. Compared to Dumont, things are a little less busy and the riverside is more urban. A few manmade ledges in town, near 23rd and Colorado, break up the blast rock boogie water a bit, but the whitewater is generally straightforward Class III busy water.
This stretch also connects directly to the “Upper” Clear Creek section just below. At high water, boaters will occasionally run the marathon stretch from Lawson to Golden.
Access: The put in is at the Mount Blue Sky exit from I-70 near Idaho Springs. The take out is at the Two Bears Tap and Grill (formerly Kermit’s) at the junction of I-70 and US 6. For those connecting this section to those above or below, the Idaho Springs Town Park also serves as a convenient put in or take out, as the case may be.
A put in or take out option for those connecting this stretch to those above or below.