Clear Creek Safety Information

Clear Creek runs through the heart of Golden, offering scenic beauty, recreation, and a valuable natural resource. Visitors and residents enjoy cycling, walking, and water sports along Clear Creek. Golden strives to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all. Please practice responsible tourism to protect this amazing resource and ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Clear Creek is not a “lazy river” float! It is a naturally flowing creek with objects and hazards that can change without warning. There is an inherent risk to any whitewater sport, including tubing.

If you're looking to rent/purchase water sports equipment, we encourage you to use a local outfitting company listed below.

To check out the current status of Clear Creek, click here.

Creek Safety Status Information

Look for colored flags along Clear Creek that correspond to the safety levels on the Creek Warning Flags sign:

• Double-Red Flag: Closure – Clear Creek is closed to all users. This is a combination of high flows and other unsafe conditions, such as low temperature or debris in the water, that makes Clear Creek unsafe for all uses.
• Red Flag: High Flow – Clear Creek is closed for swimming and tubing. Only experienced kayakers and other vessels should be on the creek. Users should wear protective gear and be able to rescue themselves in the water. High caution should be used in the water.
• Yellow Flag: Moderate to High Flows – Considered unsafe for children under 18. Clear Creek is open to all uses. Please exercise heightened caution while in the creek.
• Green Flag: Moderate Flows – Clear Creek is open to all users. Always use caution.

Report a Concern

To report any concerns about trail maintenance or park issues, or to give feedback about your experience on the Creek in Golden, please call 303-384-8074 or email Creek@CityofGolden.net. To report criminal, or non-emergency issues please contact the Golden Police department at 303-980-7300. For emergencies, dial 911.

Need Help?

Creek Ambassadors - The Clear Creek Ambassadors are friendly City of Golden staff who are out every weekend to help make your visit to Clear Creek safe, fun, and memorable. You’ll find them at key locations including the Clear Creek Parking Lot, Vanover Park, near the ball fields, and at the west end of the Golden RV Park—just look for their stations and uniforms. Ambassadors are here to help! They can provide directions, share the best access points to the creek, and offer tips to make the most of your day in Golden. Select locations also offer Spanish language services, and all sites feature inflation stations where you can inflate your tube and get ready for the water. Next time you’re near the creek, stop by and say hello!