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Access Site CO

Put In

Clear Creek

Source: american_whitewater Updated 3 months ago

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City: CO
County: Clear Creek
Type: Whitewater Put In
Location: 39.68050000, -105.89600000
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Clear Creek below Quayle Creek at Bakerville, CO Same River 4.9 mi away
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West Fork Clear Creek near Berthoud Falls, CO Same River 8.2 mi away
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Clear Creek above West Fork Clear Creek near Empire CO Same River 13.4 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
IV(V+) Put-in Clear Creek - 01. Loveland Ski Area to Silverplume
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Current Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Clear Creek
9 runs (8 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
IV(V+) Put-in at this location 01. Loveland Ski Area to Silverplume
11.1 mi
V+ Downstream from here (12.1 mi to put-in) 02. Silverplume to Georgetown
0.9 mi 390 ft/mi
III-IV Downstream from here (18.7 mi to put-in) 03. Lawson to Idaho Springs
7.7 mi
III Downstream from here (27.1 mi to put-in) 04. Idaho Springs Town Run
4.7 mi
IV Downstream from here (32.0 mi to put-in) 05. Upper Clear Creek ("Kermits")
5.4 mi 110 ft/mi
III Downstream from here (35.1 mi to put-in) 06. Middle Clear Creek
1.9 mi
IV-V(V+) Downstream from here (39.3 mi to put-in) 07. Black Rock - Green Bay Rock (MM 262.9) to Rigor Mortis (MM 267.2)
3.1 mi 114 ft/mi
IV Downstream from here (41.6 mi to put-in) 08. Lower - Rigor Mortis (MM 267.2) to the diversion Dam
2.9 mi 85 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
V 55 mi away 01. Missouri Creek TH to Dirt Road
7.7 mi 163 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Put In is a whitewater access point on Clear Creek in Clear Clear County, Colorado, located at the headwaters region of this substantial waterway. Clear Creek is a large river system with a total length of nearly 94 miles and a significant elevation drop of 3,193 feet, creating an average gradient of 34.1 feet per mile. This gradient indicates technical whitewater conditions suitable for experienced paddlers. The creek maintains an average flow of approximately 188 cubic feet per second with velocities around 2.56 feet per second, though conditions will vary seasonally and with recent precipitation.

The water conditions at this location are characterized by fast current and whitewater features typical of mountain stream environments. The steep gradient and high elevation of the drainage area mean paddlers should expect challenging conditions, cold water temperatures, and potential hazards including strong currents, submerged obstacles, and technical rocky sections. This access point is best suited for intermediate to advanced kayakers and boaters with whitewater experience.

Paddlers should be prepared for alpine conditions, including cold water, potential flash flood risks during heavy rain, and limited access to services. The location's position in the Colorado high country means weather can change rapidly, and water levels fluctuate seasonally. This is an ideal put-in for those seeking technical whitewater paddling and mountain river adventures.