It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, for kayakers.
Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park is a popular destination year-round, but June typically kicks off the summer run-off season for Clear Creek and other waterways in Colorado.
As the water gets higher and faster, officials recommend those recreating in and on Clear Creek should check the warning flag status before doing so. If the creek is safe for their chosen activity, they should proceed with caution.
As of May 27, water levels were still low enough that no warning flag was posted. Historically, though, June often sees red- and/or yellow-flag conditions for much of the month.
For more information, visit visitgolden.com/plan-your-visit/creek-info.
The summer run-off season is “prime time” for kayakers, so to speak, as organizations like the Colorado Whitewater Association host many of their events. CWA typically hosts its annual Kayak Rodeo and other events in or near Golden throughout the summer.
As of May 27, CWA’s website lists two Golden-area events this summer, a pair of evening cruises down Clear Creek on July 1 and July 8. Both will be led by local kayaker Chris Zeller, and both will start near Clear Creek Canyon Park’s Tunnel 1 trailhead.
On May 20, Zeller and fellow kayaker Ben Bohren were enjoying a sunny evening at Clear Creek Whitewater Park. They and other, separate kayakers said they were gearing up for the summer.
Zeller recommended anyone interested in upcoming CWA events, whether in the Golden area or throughout Colorado, visit coloradowhitewater.org for more information.
Click through additional photos from Clear Creek Whitewater Park:
On May 20, Chris Zeller navigates his kayak through a rapid at Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park. Zeller is a member of the Colorado Whitewater Association and will be leading kayaking cruises down Clear Creek this July. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
On May 20, Jack Oliver navigates his kayak through the Clear Creek Whitewater Park. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is a popular spot for kayakers year-round, but particularly during the summertime run-off season. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Kayaker Chris Zeller sports a Colorado flag-inspired helmet while visiting Clear Creek Whitewater Park on May 20. Water levels will be rising this month as the summertime run-off begins, so those recreating in Clear Creek should proceed with caution. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Ben Bohren kayaks May 20 at Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is a popular spot for kayakers year-round, but particularly during the summertime run-off season. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
On May 20, Jack Oliver kayaks down Clear Creek near Golden’s Lions Park. Water levels will be rising this month as the summertime run-off begins, so those recreating in Clear Creek should proceed with caution. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
On May 20, Jack Oliver navigates his kayak down a rapid at Clear Creek Whitewater Park. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is a popular spot for kayakers year-round, but particularly during the summertime run-off season. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Ben Bohren kayaks May 20 at Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is a popular spot for kayakers year-round, but particularly during the summertime run-off season. Credit: Corinne Westeman