Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a captivating vacation destination year-round for travelers with a heart for outdoor adventure. If you happen to be heading here in the warmer months of the year and love river tubing, you’ll find you’re in exactly the right place! Steamboat Springs is home to the Yampa River which happens to be a prime destination for river tubing in Steamboat Springs whether you spend every summer tubing, or you’re excited to try it out for the first time. The Yampa River offers up options to spend an entire day on the water or just a few hours according to preference. Either way, you’re bound to enjoy small rapids and rock features as well as calm waters that make for a perfectly relaxing ride.
When You Can Enjoy the Best River Tubing in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat river tubing season is generally considered from June through August. This is the best time of year to enjoy the water on the Yampa River in terms of reliable conditions which can fluctuate depending on how much annual snowmelt the city receives. Tubing is best and most safely enjoyed when water levels are not too high or too low. It’s important to check the water flow before you head out and typically, you’ll be looking for water levels that are below 700 cubic feet per second for a safe tubing experience. Wearing a life jacket is always important when tubing the Yampa River and water shoes can make the journey more enjoyable and convenient as well. Tubing in small groups of around 5 to 10 people is recommended in this area and it’s important to follow the leave-no-trace policy. This means disposing of all garbage and leaving the beautiful Yampa River exactly as you found it when you set out to spend time river tubing.
Where to Enter the Water
The Yampa River is split into city-mandated zones in partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. This is designed to protect the environment and tubers as well. If you’ve rented a tube, you can enter the water downstream from the 5th Street Bridge. Private tubers can travel to Fetcher Park which leaves the upper section of the river exclusive for fishing. There’s convenient parking available at the Community Center and the Stockbridge Transit Center alike.
Consider Booking a Tour
Private Steamboat river tubing can be fun but if you haven’t been tubing much before, going with a licensed area operator is a good idea. These outdoor adventure companies provide everything you need, and you won’t have to worry about transportation to the drop-in point either. Some of the tubing outfitters to consider partnering with while you’re in town include Backdoor Sports, Switchback Sports, and Bucking Rainbow just to name a few!
Book Today
When travel plans bring you to Steamboat Springs, Elevated Properties has the vacation rental you need to top off your stay in style. Reach out today to learn more!
