Tubing on the Yampa River – All You Need to Know
Posted by Kim FillerDuring warm summer days the cool water of the Yampa River is a magnet for tourists and locals. Paddle boarders, tubers, kayakers, anglers and rafters all diverge beyond its beautiful banks, which led the City of Steamboat Springs to form a strict guideline for users.
- Avoid standing or walking on the river bed (except fisherman)
- Dogs allowed per leash laws
- Life jackets, flotation devices and proper footwear recommended
- No alcohol
- No bathing or diapers in the river
- No glass
- No littering
- No Styrofoam coolers
- Respect other river users
- Respect private property
Tubers can use their own tubes or rent them. Backdoor Sports at 841 Yampa Street has been running watersports on the Yampa River for years. Their published ‘frequently asked questions’ answers all you need to know about renting a tube for a float on the Yampa.
Guest: Where do we start tubing and where do we finish?
Backdoor Sports: Tubing starts from our shop location at 841 Yampa Street. Tubers will float approximately 2 miles down river to just past the James Brown Soul Center Of The Universe bridge, where there is a large sign directing tubers to exit the river and a takeout. Tubers are then shuttled back to the shop.
Guest: How long does this take?
Backdoor Sports: The time of the tube ride depends on the flow pace of the river. Generally in peak tubing season, the trip is just over an hour.
Guest: How do we get back?
Backdoor Sports: We continuously run shuttles between the takeout and the shop.
Guest: How far do we tube?
Backdoor Sports: The tube ride is approximately two miles down the Yampa River.
Guest: Can I wear flip-flops?
Backdoor Sports: Sorry, no flip-flops allowed, shoes/sandals with a heel strap or closed heel are required. We rent river shoes for $3, should you need them.
Guest: What didn’t I think of?
Backdoor Sports: If you wear sunglasses or prescription eyewear, a safety strap is highly recommended to prevent them from falling and getting lost in the river. We sell Croakies safety straps, which are available at the tubing desk. Sunscreen is highly recommended.