Colorado offers many great places to go kayaking and tubing, including the Colorado River, Blue River, Arkansas River, and more. Colorado has it all, whether you want a thrilling whitewater adventure or to spend a lazy day floating down the river. With plenty of places to go, adventure is always just around the corner.
COLORADO RIVER – GLENWOOD SPRINGS
Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park is the first man-made whitewater on the Colorado River. Built in 2008, Glenwood Springs allows all types of watercraft, including rafts, kayaks, tubes, and small fishing boats.
COLORADO RIVER – EAGLE
If you love to go tubing, the Colorado River offers several amazing spots. The river begins at Rocky Mountain National Park and travels past Kremmling, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction. It features class II and class III rapids, and long stretches of flatwater without currents.
Depending on the water level, there are several great stretches to go down. These include:
- Rancho del Rio to State Bridge – takes between 4-6 hours and has class II rapids.
- State Bridge to Two Bridges – takes 4-5 hours and has class II rapids.
- Cottonwood Island to Lyons Gulch – takes 2-3 hours and has class II rapids.
- Lyons Gulch to Dotsero Boat Launch -takes 4-5 hours and has class II rapids.
- Dotsero Boat Launch to Bair Ranch – takes 6-7 hours and has class II rapids.
Remember that Rancho del Rio is privately owned and costs $1 per person.
BLUE RIVER – BRECKENRIDGE KAYAK PARK
Near the waters of Blue River lies Breckenridge Kayak Park. At 1,800 feet long, Breckenridge Kayak Park is the longest in the state. It features 15 man-made features along the Blue River. The water is cold, so it is recommended to wear cold-weather attire. The park is free to use and is located just east of the Recreation Center for Blue River.
CLEAR CREEK WHITEWATER PARK
Clear Creek Whitewater Park is located at the west end of 10th street in downtown Golden. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is one of the best tubing areas close to Denver. Those looking for a more relaxing float can avoid whitewater by going to the right stretch of the creek. Clear Creek Whitewater Park also features a baseball diamond, sand volleyball court, a large grassy park, and an outdoor calisthenics gym.
Clear Creek RV Park is adjacent to the creek and offers three tent sites and 22 full hook-up RV spots.
ARKANSAS RIVER – BUENA VISTA WHITEWATER PARK
Located on the Arkansas River east of the historic district near New South Main Street, Buena Vista Whitewater Park features man-made rapid structures that challenge kayakers and rafters alike. It includes five whitewater structures designed for kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, and more. The park also features several climbing walls, a disc golf course, an off-leash dog park, hiking trails, and a pump track for dirt bikes.
GET READY FOR COLORADO RIVER TUBING & KAYAKING ADVENTURES IN VAIL!
Before embarking on your next whitewater adventure, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. Outfit you and your crew with everything you need at Ptarmigan Sports. We are a family-owned and operated outdoor sports store and boutique in the heart of the Vail Valley in Edwards, Colorado.
We have the clothes, gear, and accessories for all your outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, climbing, running, kayaking, river rafting, and so much more. Head down to Ptarmigan Sports or contact us today and let our outdoor experts help you find the products you need to make your kayaking trip successful.
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