8 great places to go tubing around Colorado

Tubing is the perfect summertime adventure for relaxing, enjoying the sun, and getting a refreshing tip in the water.

Looking to plan your next tubing adventure? Here are some great Colorado spots to go tubing:

1. Upper Colorado River, Dotsero

This route takes about two to two and a half hours depending on river flow, traveling from Dotsero Landing to Bair Ranch. It's a relatively quiet float and takes you along the beautiful scenery of the Colorado River. Turtle Tubing offers tours and tube rentals for this float.

2. Cache La Poudre River, Fort Collins

You can tube from the Gateway Natural Area to Picnic Rock on a trip that lasts about one and a half to two hours. Along the way, you'll get to admire Poudre Canyon's stunning granite cliffs and rock formations as you float down the river.

3. Boulder Creek, Boulder

Boulder Creek flows year-round with snowmelt, and it's a great summer tubing spot. Put in at Eben G. Fine Park, and tube as far as 55th Street. There's also Boulder's annual Tube to Work Day, in which residents will commute to their offices via the Boulder Creek on July 12.

5. Yampa River, Steamboat Springs

Tube from Fetcher Park to West Lincoln Park through the heart of Steamboat Springs on the Yampa River. You'll get to experience downtown Steamboat Springs, and the float can be as short or long as you choose. There are also stops along the way, including parks, restaurants, and bars.

6. Clear Creek, Golden

Golden's Clear Creek Whitewater Park will take you through the city, and it offers plenty of beautiful scenery. Golden doesn't rent tubing equipment so you'll need to find a local outfitter to get a tube or bring your own.

7. San Juan River, Pagosa Springs

Stop in downtown Pagosa Springs to rent equipment and then head to the San Juan River for a float trip that can be as long as two miles. Pagosa Outside Adventures offers tube rentals, transportation, and instruction for tubing adventures.

8. South Platte River, Deckers

The South Platte River flows through the small town of Deckers, making it a great location for tubing. Although the South Platte River can be slow, when the water's right it makes for a lazy, relaxing tubing trip.

SAFETY NOTE: And remember, always wear a life-jacket while tubing and make sure you know what hazards may exist on your route. River flow varies greatly, making some of these places unsafe for tubing during certain times of the year. Also, don't forget to have a plan for drop-off and pick-up. You don't want to tube down a river and then be stuck far from your vehicle. It's also important to be mindful of when restrictions on tubing may be in place due to risks and fish health. Do research beforehand and know before you go.