Tubing Boulder Creek is one of Boulder's most popular activities in the summer. Whether you're participating in Tube to Work Day or tubing the creek any other day, know how to stay safe on the creek with these guidelines.
Is Tubing Allowed?
Tubing is allowed on Boulder Creek at your own risk.
When to Go Tubing
Tubing season runs from May to August, depending on flows in Boulder Creek. During peak runoff (usually May and June and sometimes into July), the water is colder and faster. Checking the creek flows ahead of time are highly recommended.
Creek flows are measured in cubic feet per second (cfs). The ideal range for tubing is 100-200 cfs. As the creek flow increases conditions become more dangerous. At 700 cfs and higher, conditions are considered deadly and the Boulder County Sheriff will close the creek to tubers.
Check out the current Boulder Creek flow rate before you go.
Where NOT to Go Tubing
Trying to tube through the whitewater park west of Eben G. Fine Park isn't recommended, since it has some rapids that can be quite dangerous. Many tubers put in at Eben G. Fine Park, which is also the launch point for Tube to Work Day, which was canceled in 2020 and 2021 .
What to Wear
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Close-toed shoes
- Wetsuits to protect against rock, debris and cold water