Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting, and River boarding on Clear Creek
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Access
Easy. A bike path parallels the creek most of the way. You can get in and out anywhere along that path. Lions park on 10th St is a
great place to tube.
Water Temperature
During May and June the water is typically pretty cold. When the water is over 300 cfs, it’s usually in peak snow melt time. That means, you guessed it, cold water. We rent wetsuits. The water usually starts warming up when the snowmelt is winding down.
Kids
Over 13 and good swimmers are okay. Younger kids are okay at lower water levels. Good swimming ability and lifejackets and helmets are a must.
Transportation:
The Golden whitewater park is only 25 minutes from our shop. We have twine and straps that will help you strap the tubes to your vehicle. You could also transport them deflated, and inflate them when you get to the river.
Flow Range
40cfs to 100cfs is a good mellow to moderate level for tubing in the whitewater park
100-500cfs is great level for tubing through the whitewater park.
500-1000cfs is best for kayaking or canoeing by experienced paddlers. The river starts to move pretty fast for tubing.
1,000 cfs: experienced paddlers only
100-500cfs is great level for tubing through the whitewater park.
500-1000cfs is best for kayaking or canoeing by experienced paddlers. The river starts to move pretty fast for tubing.
1,000 cfs: experienced paddlers only
When is it running?
Clear creek is usually floatable from April through August. Weather and snow pack are different every year. You don’t need much water to float in the Golden whitewater park. The whitewater park has man made features that help channelize and pool up the water, making it fun even at very low water. It’s a great place to swim at low water too.
Difficulty
<200cfs=easy/moderate ; >200cfs=moderate ; >500cfs=advanced
Closures
Clear Creek may be closed to tubers at high water, which would be around 1,000 cfs.