Waterway Restrictions on Clear Creek in Jefferson County

Access restricted on Clear Creek in Jefferson County:

Effective yesterday, June 12th, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader and the Golden Police Department have limited waterway activities on Clear Creek. These temporary restrictions apply to Clear Creek in unincorporated Jefferson County, as well as those portions of Clear Creek within the City of Golden, including Vanover Park.

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-surfers” and swimming.

Kayaks, paddle boards (SUP), whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts and river boards are exempt, but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris. All of the above users and occupants must have the use of a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard approved paddling life jacket and a water use designed helmet.

Violators may be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars. 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.

Per Jeffco Sheriff's Office:
Restricted Access on Clear Creek Lifted
Decreased Flow Rates Allow for Full Access

By order of the Sheriff and effective immediately, restrictions that previously limited waterway activities on Clear Creek are lifted. The restrictions in the City of Golden, Colorado - Municipal Government have also been lifted. The boundaries affected by the restriction order on June 12 extended from JeffCo’s western border at State Highway 119 eastward along the canyon through the city limits of Golden to Vanover Park.

All single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and single chambered rafts, as well as body surfers and swimming were restricted due to the high flow rate of Clear Creek. As a result of decreased flow rate, water activities involving these devices are allowed back on the creek.

Although the risk has diminished, the flow rate is still at the high end of the average annual rate and all users are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris. Waterway users should also exercise extreme caution between Tunnel 1 and Tunnel 2, at mile marker 267. There is a vehicle in the middle of the creek that will remain until it can be safely removed