Saint Vrain River –
Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting, and River boarding on the St. Vrain River
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Access
There are several places to access the St. Vrain in Lyons. The upper most access point that is suitable for tubing is the Apple Valley road bridge on Hwy 36 just west of Lyons. The next access point is Laverne M Johnson Park on Hwy 7 on the west side of town. The next access point is directly across Hwy 66 just after 2nd Avenue on the eastern side of town. This is the best place to take out.
Water Temperature
During May and June the water is typically pretty cold. When the water is over 200 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 medium and lower water levels. Good swimming ability and lifejackets and helmets are a must.
Difficulty
<200cfs = easy ; >200cfs = intermediate/advanced >300cfs = advanced
Flow Range
40cfs to 100cfs is a good mellow to moderate level for tubing in Laverne M Johnson Park.
100-300cfs is a great level for tubing from Apple Valley Rd. to just after 2nd Avenue.
300-700 cfs: over 300cfs – We do not rents tubes when flows are over 300cfs.
100-300cfs is a great level for tubing from Apple Valley Rd. to just after 2nd Avenue.
300-700 cfs: over 300cfs – We do not rents tubes when flows are over 300cfs.
When is it running?
Usually floatable from May through August. Weather and snow pack are different every year, so there is no guarantee. You don’t need much water to float in Laverne M Johnson Park.
Transportation
Lyons is only 25 minutes from our shop. Just head north from Boulder on hwy 36 towards Lyons. Turn left at Hwy 66. Keep going through town to find apple valley road and Laverne M Johnson Park. Once you pass through downtown, take a right on Hwy 36 to go to Apple Valley Rd. or take a left onto Hwy 7 then an immediate right into Laverne M Johnson Park.
*We do not offer a shuttle service.
*We do not offer a shuttle service.
Closures
The Saint Vrain may be closed to tubing during a flood. Please obey all closures, they are implemented for a good reason.