Enjoy Colorado nature from a different perspective. The water! There are so many incredible rivers to beat the heat this summer - on a tube or in a kayak. Don't forget to plan accordingly to make the most out of your experience.
Prep your Float
Check River Flow Levels
Currents can vary throughout the spring and summer months. When the snow melts at the end of spring, the mountain runoff that gushes through the rivers can be pretty dangerous. During the summer, we see the opposite; the current can be almost non-existent. Always check the levels, even on the morning of your excursion. You can always push the trip closer to the summer if they are too strong.
Check the Weather
Colorado summers can often include a dramatic shift in the weather during the afternoons. Make sure to identify several emergency stopping points along the way in case you need to bail early. We recommend you get your float on before noon, so you have plenty of time to relax in case there's a change in the weather.
Plan Your Route
Always have a plan of attack. That way you can enjoy the day! Check local resources online for parking, shuttle information, tube rentals, avg. time on the water, stopping points, etc.
How to Pack
Be mindful of what you bring with you on the water. We're fortunate to have incredible natural water resources in Colorado, and it's our responsibility to take care of them. Bring a dry pack to keep extra apparel, sunscreen, and water in a secure spot, and avoid bringing items that create waste. Littering is prohibited and is not exclusive to food wrappers but also includes: sunglasses, tubes, and other items that may end up in the water.
Where to Float
Clear Creek, Golden (25 min from Denver)
Get your float on in less than 30 min from the city center! Enter at the Clear Creek Whitewater Park, along the Clear Creek Trail. It is a convenient way to get outside and out of the city for an adventure! Have someone who's not into floating? They can walk or bike along the Clear Creek Trail path as the rest of you float!
Boulder Creek, Boulder (35 min from Denver)
A Boulder Bucket list item. This float ranked nationally as one of the top 10 laziest rivers in the U.S. by Men's Journal. Even though this is a œlazy river, it still can be a crazy ride throughout the summer with some rapids. We recommend bringing water shoes, a life jacket, and a helmet for this location. Click HERE to learn more about tubing in Boulder.
Cache La Poudre River, Fort Collins (1 hr, 5 min from Denver)
Check out this hidden treasure carved through a canyon. Cache La Poudre River is Colorado's only nationally designated "Wild & Scenic" River. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their hearts pumping with the class IV white water rapids. Visitors looking to soak up the scenery at a more relaxing heart rate can visit Horsetooth Reservoir or try one of Fort Collins many breweries.
Yampa Valley River, Steamboat Springs (2 hrs, 50 min from Denver)
Explore downtown Steamboat from the comfort of the river! This family-friendly ride is great for larger parties looking for a relaxing day on the water. Your float can be as long as you like, with plenty of options for a riverside stop.
North Star Nature Reserve, Aspen (3 hrs, 30 min from Denver)
This stunning reserve is perfect for those looking to soak up stunning scenery in a relaxing and quiet setting. Maybe you'll even get to see some wildlife along the way. Keep in mind because it is a nature preserve there are specific rules and regulations that you need to follow on your adventure. Make sure to check out this video on how to float like a local and make the most of your trip!
Colorado River, Palisade (3 hrs, 45 min from Denver)
Enjoy a float through Colorado's wine country. You can begin at Palisade and float along Grand Junction all the way down to Loma, and finish it off with a local wine tasting. There is nowhere to rent tubes, this route is BYOT (bring your own tube), but you can rent a Kayak or Paddleboard to join in the fun!
Whether you need a relaxing day-trip activity or want to get away for an adventurousweekend, tubing is agreat wayfor any ageto enjoy the Colorado lifestyle on the water. Don't forget your hat, sunscreen, and waterbottle!
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