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Access Site CO

Take Out

Clear Creek • Elk Creek

Source: american_whitewater Updated 3 months ago

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City: CO
County: Jefferson
Type: Whitewater Take Out
Location: 39.74081600, -105.32923400
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
North Clear Creek above Mouth near Black Hawk, CO Same River 3.8 mi away
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Clear Creek at Golden, CO Same River 5.1 mi away
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Clear Creek near Lawson, CO Same River 15.9 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Run
IV Take-out Clear Creek - 05. Upper Clear Creek ("Kermits")
110 ft/mi
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Current Conditions
-- • 199.00-1000.00 cfs
Clear Creek near Lawson, CO
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(V+) Put-in at this location 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 (2.2 mi to put-in) 08. Lower - Rigor Mortis (MM 267.2) to the diversion Dam
2.9 mi 85 ft/mi
IV Upstream from here (2.9 mi from take-out) 05. Upper Clear Creek ("Kermits")
5.4 mi 110 ft/mi
III Upstream from here (2.5 mi from take-out) 06. Middle Clear Creek
1.9 mi
III Upstream from here (7.3 mi from take-out) 04. Idaho Springs Town Run
4.7 mi
III-IV Upstream from here (12.4 mi from take-out) 03. Lawson to Idaho Springs
7.7 mi
V+ Upstream from here (26.2 mi from take-out) 02. Silverplume to Georgetown
0.9 mi 390 ft/mi
IV(V+) Upstream from here (27.3 mi from take-out) 01. Loveland Ski Area to Silverplume
11.1 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
V 85 mi away 01. Missouri Creek TH to Dirt Road
7.7 mi 163 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
This take-out site on Clear Creek in Jefferson County, Colorado provides access to a significant whitewater river system. Clear Creek is a large river with a total length of 93.73 miles and drains 1,015 square miles, making it a substantial waterway in the region. The creek features a significant elevation drop of 3,193 feet across its length, with an average gradient of 34.1 feet per mile, indicating substantial whitewater character throughout much of the river.

With an average flow of 187.55 cubic feet per second and an average velocity of 2.56 feet per second, Clear Creek presents dynamic water conditions typical of Colorado mountain streams. The take-out location at coordinates 39.74081600, -105.32923400 serves as an exit point for boaters completing sections of the creek. As a designated take-out, this site is positioned to receive paddlers finishing upstream runs and should provide adequate access for egress from the water.

Paddlers should be aware that whitewater on Clear Creek varies seasonally with runoff patterns. The significant gradient and flow characteristics indicate this waterway is best suited for paddlers with intermediate to advanced skills, particularly during higher water periods. Proper safety equipment, including personal flotation devices and helmets, is essential for anyone running this creek.