Access to Golden’s Clear Creek water activities limited due to high water levels
Clear Creek restrictions are in place for water activities, which started noon Monday, June 9, 2025.
A stretch of Clear Creek in Jefferson County now has limitations on certain water activities as of noon Monday due to expected increases in run-off water levels, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Currently Clear Creek, measured at the USGS Golden monitoring station, is flowing between 675 and 725 cubic feet per second, and has risen some 125 cubic feet per second on average since June 2.
Water activities prohibited by the order include: all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and single chambered rafts, as well as body surfing and swimming.
The sheriff’s office said kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts, and river boards are exempt from the restrictions, but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris.
All of the above authorized users and occupants must have the use of a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard-approved flotation vests and helmets designed for water use.
The reasoning for this decision is as follows:
• Clear Creek is a known Type IV water area, which increases public risk due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers, and other safety considerations.
• Water height and flows are expected to rise as the heavy snowpack continues to melt in the coming days.
Violators may be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of up to $100. These restrictions will be strictly enforced in an effort to minimize the risk to those using the waterway.
These temporary water restrictions will remain in effect until water levels decrease.
Temporary restrictions along Clear Creek extend from the western boundary of unincorporated Jefferson County through the eastern limits of the City of Golden, including Vanover Park.
The temporary restrictions extend from the western boundary of unincorporated Jefferson County through the eastern limits of the City of Golden, including Vanover Park.
(Contact Denver Gazette Digital Strategist Jonathan Ingraham at jonathan.ingraham@denvergazette.com or on X at @Skingraham.)
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