Where To Go River Tubing in Colorado
There are 158 named rivers and over 5,000 streams in Colorado that flow through some of the incredibly scenic landscapes. In addition to some great fly fishing, these provide locals with a great way to soak in the summer sun while cooling off in the snow melt.
River tubing in Colorado has grown to be one of the more popular summary activities with many options across the state including commercial and personal options.
Overall, most of Colorado’s Rivers are fed by snow melt. This means the water flows and fluctuates drastically during the year. Spring melt can often flood many rivers making tubing very dangerous. Make sure you check local river flow levels to ensure they are high enough to enjoy and low enough to remain safe.
Type of Tube for River Tubing
Tubing has evolved over the years from a quick activity with friends to a commercialized business offering tubing tours. That evolution also brought new types of tubes with some added features.
Old-school Inner Tube
When picturing river tubing, you might first think of the large, all-black, industrial inner tubes from truck tires. This is the classic and durable option. However, that all black retains a ton of heat and can start to burn you. The nozzles on these tend to stick out and can really get in the way. You will need to find a way to pump these up as your lungs won’t be an option. Finding these in traditional stores would be tough and overall these tubes are not recommended.
Modern River Tube
A handful of companies offer a decent selection of river specific tubes. These are often lighter and have accessories you wont get with a tire tube like rope and a cup holder. RTIC and River Rat both have a few options. These are easy to transport and inflate. Some even offer an easy way to connect the tubes to make for an even more social experience.
Make sure to keep these away from anything sharp as they tend to be easier to pop.
River Tubing in Boulder
Boulder Creek is one of the more popular tube destinations in Colorado primary due to its proximity to the University of Colorado. Depending on the year this river can be a peaceful float or a wild ride. This tubing spot boasts some extra relief from the sun as you drift through a canopy of cottonwoods.
Be prepared for rapids and chutes as the water level can rise drastically with snowmelt. Be prepared for rapids and chutes as the water level can rise drastically with snowmelt. Work nearby? Take your float to the next level and join the large crowd that takes part in Tube to Work Day
Start: Put in at Eben G. Fine Park .
End: For a full ride, take this all the way to 55th Street.
Length: ~1 hour
Intensity: 4-8
River Tubing in Denver
Tubing down the South Platte River has grown in popularity in recent years. However, some think flowing through the city makes for dirty water that should be avoided. Overall, the route provided below provides the section of the cleanest water before you enter Denver city limits. Overall you are looking at a calm float with a few rapid points that can last up to 3 hours.
Start: Outside of Chatfield Reservoir (See map)
End: Reynolds Landing
Length: 2-3 Hours
Map: Link to map
Intensity: 4
River Tubing in Golden
Tubing down Golden’s Clear Creek has become a top summer time activity for the city and even nearby Denver. This river is easily accessible and there are a few companies that offer shuttles to make the most of your float. Earlier in the season, this river can move pretty fast but it tends to slow as the months go on. You can even grab some beers and the nearby Coors factory when you’re done.
Start: 1201 10th Street, Golden
End: Up to you. This shorter tubing option is often hiked on foot.
Length: ~30minutes
Intensity: 6
River Tubing in Deckers
The South Platte River in Deckers makes for a truly remarkable float. Tucked away in the Pike National Forest this destination rarely gets crowded and you more often see fly fishermen. This is a great option for anyone looking for options near Denver, but out of the city. Once you get to Deckers, park a car at the bottom and use another to go as high as you would like. You can also just hike along the road to repeat any section you want. If you are near Deckers you may even want to check out to somewhat close Paradise Cove, a popular cliff jumping spot.
Start: 1-3 miles upstream from Deckers
End: Deckers bridge.
Length: 0.5-2 hours.
Intensity: 6
River Tubing in Steamboat Springs
The Yampa River is a very popular spot for anyone looking to truly enjoy the outdoors. This river boast plenty of great fishing, kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. This is one of the best spots for river tubing in Colorado due to the impressive scenery and multiple river-side food/drink stops as you float through downtown. There are numerous commercial tubing options for a worry-free trip, but bringing your own tube provides a longer float.
Start: Fletcher Park
End: 13th Street Bridge
Length: 1-2 Hours
Intensity: 5
River Tubing in Pagosa Springs
When tubing the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, you are typically going to be floating through the mile long section in the city’s downtown. There are a few commercial options that rent tubes and some even provide shuttles to help you lap the river multiple times. Overall this is a pretty calm float but at flows over 200 CFS is when you might occasionally flip. The tubing season doesn’t start until flows drop below 400 CFS, that is the rafting season.
Start: River Center Park
End: Yamaguchi Park
Length: 1-2 Hours
Intensity: 4-7
River Tubing in Fort Collins
Tubing on the Poudre River in Fort Collins is another popular destination due to the nearby university. The best tubing spot is known as The Filter Plan Run and provides plenty of rapids to make for a more exciting float. To save yourself the $6 Gateway Natural Area fee, park at the entrance at the top of the hill and walk down to the put-in spot.
Start: Mile marker 116.5 on Colorado Highway 14
End: Picnic Rock
Length: ~2 Hours
Intensity: 7
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