Clear Creek - Upper Clear Creek

Colorado-US  

Description

Also known as the "Kermits" run.

This is most accurate gauge for the run:

http://www.clearcreekwater.org/flow.html

 

Another good after work class IV section from "The Tributary at 244" (formerly, "Kermitts") restaurant on Hwy 6 to Hwy 119.  Of the class IV sections on Clear Creek, this one tends to pack the most punch.  Although short, the run doesn't waste mileage and stays fairly continuous for the course of the run.

Put in at the large dirt pull out by The Tributary at 244 Bar on Hwy 6. Soon after putting on, you drop through the Beaver Drops, two 5 or 6 foot ledge drops. Class III boogie leads into Double Knife rapid, the biggest drop on the run.  But don't rest on your laurels here because much of the carnage on this run happens in the busy section of whitewater that follows as the river tumbles through a couple of bends.  Keep your eyes peeled for the terminator hole as you pass the eastern portal of the tunnel.  Either sneak it on the far right side or boof hard. 

In the straightaway that follows, there is a sleeper hole behind a wave that often surfs and sometimes swims the unexpected boater.  One last fun rapid that can be seen from the road completes the run just before Hwy  6 & 119 intersection. There's a fun surf wave just under the bridge at the takeout.  Due to contruction use a TO downstream of the intersection. Take out 1/4 mile downstream of the stop light. There is a paved parking area or continue on down Hwy 6 to many alternate TO options on Middle Clear Creek before the Blackrock section (V).

Put in: Pullout near The Tributary on Hwy 6

Take out: Pullout 1/4 mile downstream of the stop light for Hwy 6 and Hwy 119.

Statistics

Joshua Darnell, KSC
Class IV- to IV+
Current Flow 381.0 CFS
05-19-2024 19:45


View River Forecast

Recommended Flow Minimum: 300.0
Average: 500.0
Maximum: 2000.0
Typical Season Begins: May
Ends: August
Recommended Use Kayaking: Yes
Rafting: Yes
Canoeing: No
SUP: No
Packrafting: No
Fishing: No
Primary Gauge CLEAR CREEK AT GOLDEN, CO
Length 2.5 Mile(s)
Gradient FPM