My favorite mode of transportation in the summer is an inner tube. The laziest of rivers take you in carefree, endless loops, navigating the occasional tube-to-tube traffic jams and detouring underneath trickling waterfalls to cool down.
For something swifter moving, though, nearby rivers rumble, fed with snowmelt, providing a nice chill, especially on these dog days of summer when temps flirt with triple digits.
So, which river route will you choose? I’ve rounded up five great options near Denver—three perfect for laid-back floating, and two that offer a slightly wilder ride. Regardless, here’s where you can have a totally tubular summer.
Lazy Rivers
At nearby waterparks in Federal Heights, Englewood and Aurora out near the airport, hop in a tube and ride in these low-key lazy rivers. Whether you’re escaping the heat, avoiding long lines at other water park rides or just simply want to float on a lazy summer afternoon, these winding waterways offer the just-right chill.
Water World
From water roller coasters to a surf simulator, waterpark-goers have plenty of thrilling ride options at Water World, Federal Height’s 70-acre waterpark that’s between Denver and Boulder. But when the lines are long for some of the top rides like the Journey to Center of Earth (where animatronic dinos roar) or the Mile High Flyer (a fast-moving tube ride), grab a tube and enjoy some laps around the Lazy River.
The water park also has some faster moving “whitewater” river rides like Cimarron River and Eagle River, which wooshes you down in a tube and sometimes flips you out into the pool of water at the end. 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; waterworldcolorado.com
Pirate’s Cove
On a hot day, Pirate’s Cove is a true treasure to behold. Englewood’s smaller-scale waterpark has a trio of slides, plus a pool with a diving board and a kid’s sprayground. Anchoring the park is a lazy river with pirate-themed decorations in the nearby landscaping. River riders can laze in the sun, letting the currents carry you away or detour into a little lagoon area.
The waterpark also has a kid’s playground area where you can get into water gun fights and stand underneath a giant dump bucket that tilts once it fills with water. Each summer, Pirate’s Cove holds several “adults-only” nights with local bands playing so you can enjoy live music while floating around the lazy river. The next adults-only nights are July 23 and Aug. 7. 1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood, CO.; englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library-golf/pirates-cove
The Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center
Bragging point: The long, winding and leisurely lazy river at The Gaylord’s outdoor Arapahoe Springs Water Park takes seven minutes to complete a single lap. Should you need to cool down, you can paddle yourself underneath a waterfall and get drenched. Guests can sunbathe on the pool deck or, for some shade, rent out a cabana.
The water park amenities also include waterslides, indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools to warm up in. While the Gaylord makes for a fun staycation for locals who are looking for pool days and fun summer activities for kids like superhero-themed activities, pool days can also be unlocked by non overnight guests through ResortPass. 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. Aurora; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dengr-gaylord-rockies-resort-and-convention-center/waterpark/
Crazy Rivers:
Some natural rivers also offer a fun float—though depending on the conditions, they can range from mild to wild. Before you head out to tube in river, check in with American Whitewater to see how fast the river is running. Here’s info on Clear Creek in Golden and here’s intel on Boulder Creek in Boulder. Anywhere from 40 to 200 cubic feet per second (CFS) is ideal for tubing. Once you’re between 200 and 300 cfs, you’re in for a more wild ride and can be potentially dangerous.
When you’re tubing in a river, bring a helmet to protect your noggin from the rocks and also wear some water shoes because the riverbed can be rocky.
Here’s two nearby spots for river tubing.
Boulder Creek in Boulder
Tubing is popular in Boulder Creek from May through August. The good news? Once we hit July, the flow rate is usually consistently under 200 cfs, which makes for more approachable (and safer) tubing days. Tubers especially love riding along the Boulder Creek, which cuts through the heart of the city, because a canopy of cottonwoods provide shade and the chilly waters are the perfect antidote to a sweltering summer day.
A popular put-in spot is at Eben G. Fine Park, and tubers can make their way out to 55th Street, with some chutes and rapids. But for a more gentle ride, though, get in the creek at 6th Street.
Tubers can rent tubes, life jackets and helmets at outfitters like Crystal Ski Shop and Alpine Base & Edge or buy tubes at McGuckin Hardware.
Or, join in on arguably the most interesting commute when Boulderites take part in Tube to Work Day, with workers getting into the water at 8:15 a.m. from Eben G. Fine Park. (This year, the tradition took place on July 11, but mark your calendar for next summer.)
Clear Creek in Golden
Tubing in Golden along Clear Creek River is also a wildly popular summer activity. If you can, go during the week (or at least early on weekend summer days) because this raging river gets quite busy.
Visit Golden reminds that Clear Creek is, by no means, “a lazy river float” but rather a naturally flowing creek that can get dicey so it’s important to heed the colored safety flags, with red flags indicating the river is running high and is closed; yellow flags signaling moderate to high flow, and considered unsafe for children under 18; and green flags meaning Clear Creek is open for tubing, but always use caution.
Outfitters like Adventure West offer tube rentals and shuttle service (which can save you 2 1/2 miles of walking). In June and early July, the outfitter serves adults who are strong swimmers comfortable in swift water. Gradually, as the flow rate drops, tube rentals become available for teens, and then later for older children with their parents.
