8 great spots to go river tubing in Colorado
Summer is the perfect time to take a scenic float in Colorado. Here are 8 of the best lazy rivers for tubing in Colorado this summer. Grab your tube, throw on some shades, and get ready to relax as you float down the river!
River Tubing (Photo) Credit BluIz60 (iStock)
Tubing season typically begins in June and lasts through August, depending on snow-melt. Before you go, check the weather and current flow to make sure conditions are safe for tubing. Note that conditions can vary at any of the tubing destinations listed below. Weather, water temperatures, and water levels all play a role in determining if conditions are safe for tubing. Exercise caution and watch out for lurking dangers in the river, including logs, branches, rocks, and debris. Participation in river tubing can lead to increased risk of death or serious injury. Check with local rules prior to tubing.
Photo Credit: BluIz60 (iStock).
Clear Creek, Golden (Photo) Credit foto_graffiti (Flickr)
1. Clear Creek, Golden
Clear Creek White Water Park is Golden’s lazy river. Tubing down the cascading waters of Clear Creek is one of the best ways to take in all of the surrounding scenery. Come out and soak up the sun in a giant donut-shaped rubber tube alongside adventure pals and loved ones.
Photo Credit: foto_graffiti (Flickr; file photo).
Yampa River, Steamboat Springs (Photo) Credit Wild Frog Photography (Flickr)
2. Yampa River, Steamboat Springs
Take a scenic float down the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs. River floats range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on where you start. Due to the popularity of this area, reservations are strongly recommended for commercial tubing. Tubing here is particularly nice, as you’re able to park the car downstream, hop on the free public bus to your put-in spot, and then float back to your vehicle. Note that conditions can vary greatly by year at this spot.
Photo Credit: Wild Frog Photography (Flickr).
San Juan River, Pagosa Springs (Photo) Credit Pagosa Outside
3. San Juan River, Pagosa Springs
Set sail this summer on the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs. Whitewater tubing season will kick off in Pagosa Springs once the river drops below 400 cubic feet per second based on the San Juan River Gauge. Enjoy a full-day of tubing adventures, starting at just $29 from Pagosa Outside.
Photo Credit: Pagosa Outside.
Poudre River, Fort Collins (Photo) Credit Joe Flood (Flickr)
4. Poudre River, Fort Collins
Take a lazy float down the Poudre River in Fort Collins. Relax, cool off, and enjoy beautiful scenery surrounded by the rippling of canyon waters. Beyond floating, you’ll find a collection of shops, restaurants, and craft-beer breweries nestled in the downtown area of Fort Collins.
Photo Credit: Joe Flood (Flickr).
South Platte River, Denver (Photo) Credit Kent Kanouse (Flickr)
5. South Platte River, Denver
South Platte River at Confluence Park offers a short and peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Running north from Littleton to downtown Denver, this lazy river offers ideal conditions for water sports, including tubing and kayaking.
Photo Credit: Kent Kanouse (Flickr).
North Star Nature Preserve, Aspen (Photo) Credit Thaddeus Roan
6. North Star Nature Preserve, Aspen
Float along the river in Aspen’s North Star Nature Preserve for a quiet mountain experience. The river flows gently, making it a great option for beginners and families.
Author’s Note: North Star Nature Preserve is a designated quiet zone. Visitors are not allowed to stop anywhere along the river except at The Beach and can only exit at South Gate and the pedestrian bridge. Floaters must stop and exit the river at the pedestrian bridge. Read more regulations here.
Photo Credit: Thaddeus Roan.
Animas River, Durango (Photo) Credit amygdala_imagery (iStock)
7. Animas River, Durango
When the water is low enough during summer, the Animas River in Durango is a hot spot for tubing. There’s even a shuttle that can make floating more convenient, especially for those looking for calmer areas.
Photo Credit: amygdala_imagery (iStock).
Arkansas River, Salida (Photo) Credit Jacob Boomsma (iStock)
8. Arkansas River, Salida
Rafters, kayakers, stand-up paddlers, and other types of floaters frequent the Arkansas River through Salida.
Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma (iStock).
Medano Creek (Photo) Credit Spencer McKee (copy)
BONUS
Enjoy the sunny days of summer at a beach without leaving the mountains. Here are 10 sandy places in Colorado for a beach day.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado.
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