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The Yampa River is currently closed for recreation. Please call for updates 

CIty of Steamboat springs closure info
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(970)879-6249

Steamboat's Largest Tubing Operator

Abundant Fleet of Shuttle Vans

Friendly & Experienced Staff

Stunning Alpine Scenery 

Family Owned & Operated

Tubing  The Yampa

Tubing Hours:

10:30 AM – 3:30 PM


Pricing: $30 Per Person

River bootie rental: $5.00




Are you searching for a memorable experience in Steamboat Springs? Come spend a sunny, summer day floating the beautiful Yampa River with us at Backdoor Sports. Our family operated and family-friendly tubing trips are amung the most popular summer activities in Steamboat. Tubing is an ideal way to cool off, relax and enjoy the views of the sacred, Yampa Valley. Whether you are visiting Steamboat for a weekend getaway, family vacation, bachelor or bachelorette party, or simply looking for fun things to do in Steamboat Springs during the summer, tubing the Yampa River is a must-do adventure.


Tubing the Yampa River is one of the top-rated summer activities for families, groups and visitors exploring Steamboat Springs. Floating through town offers a unique way to experience the beauty, energy and outdoor culture that make Steamboat one of Colorado’s favorite mountain destinations. Whether you are visiting for hiking, biking, rafting, fishing or simply relaxing in the mountains, a Yampa River tubing trip is the perfect addition to your Steamboat vacation itinerary.


Please look below for additional information or call us at: 970-879-6249.

Know Before you go

Please Checkout Friends of the Yampa Know Before you go Page

Know Before You Go

The Tubing Experience

Tubing the Yampa River is one of the most smiles per mile experiences you can have in Steamboat Springs. You will begin by checking in at the Backdoor Sports tubing window. Once you are checked in, you will recieve a safety brifing and will be on your way. Backdoor Sports offers direct river access for you and your group. From there, sit back, relax and enjoy what the river has to offer. Depending on the time of year, you may experince some mild rapids before the river opens up and mellows out. Follow the signs about 2 miles down river for the take out. You will walk your tube a short distance on the paved, core trial where you will find our exceptional van drivers to bring you back to where your journey began.


Our tubing operating hours are the earliest tubes are allowed on the water and the latest tubes may begin their float. This ensure all guest are on the water during city permitting hours.


Your tubing package includes:

River tube with a seat

PFD (life jacket)

Shuttle ride back to Backdoor Sports


Our objective is to accomodate your needs for an easy and enjoyable river tubing experience here, in Steamboat Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tubing is $25 per person plus a 5% river use tax. River shoes are available to rent for $5 if you need them.
Tubing runs daily from 10:30am until 3:30pm. Please note that we are required to be very strict about these times. For the best experience, we recommend departing before noon - there are fewer crowds, less chance of afternoon thunderstorms, and less chance of selling out.
Tubing starts from the Backdoor Sports shop at 841 Yampa Street. Tubers float approximately 2 miles down river to just past the James Brown Soul Center Of The Universe bridge, where a large sign directs tubers to exit the river at the takeout. Tubers are then shuttled back to Backdoor Sports.
The time of the tube ride varies depending on the flow of the river. Generally in peak tubing season, the trip is just over an hour.
Shoes with a heel strap or closed heel are required - no flip-flops, Crocs, or sliders allowed. Backdoor Sports rents river shoes for $5 if you need them.
Life jackets are always recommended and are required at higher water levels. Life jackets are required for all tubers ages 11 and younger.
Reservations are required for groups of 25 or more people. No reservations are accepted for groups of 25 or more leaving after 1pm. All waivers must be signed and presented at reservation time, and payment must be made in one form (cash, check, or credit card) for the entire group. Walk-ins are welcome for smaller groups based on availability.
Yes. Tubing may be closed due to water level being too low, water temperature too high, or dissolved oxygen too low - conditions detrimental to aquatic life, per our agreement with the City of Steamboat Springs and Colorado Department of Wildlife. Tubing is also closed when water levels exceed 700 cubic feet per second, as this is not considered safe for commercial tubing.
Wear a swimsuit and closed-heel shoes. Sunscreen is highly recommended - Backdoor Sports sells sunscreen if you need it. If you wear sunglasses or prescription eyewear, a safety strap (like Croakies) is strongly recommended to prevent them from falling into the river. We sell Croakies at the tubing desk.
Yes, as long as it is in a reusable container. We offer a water refilling station and recommend staying hydrated due to the elevation and increased sun exposure. Please do not bring any single-use plastics - these are not permitted on the river in order to keep the Yampa River clean and free from litter. We have a variety of bottles for sale if you need one.
Alpine weather in Colorado can change quickly, including during the summer months. While our staff monitors conditions closely and will communicate weather concerns whenever possible, we recommend checking the forecast before joining us on the river.
No. City ordinance prohibits alcohol consumption while on the river. We are happy to recommend happy hour locations and alcohol-serving businesses if you would like any input from us.
No. This is a naturally free-flowing river and a point-to-point floating experience. You start at Backdoor Sports, float downstream, and are shuttled back at the end.
Although we are dog lovers, we are unfortunately not in a position to dog sit or take responsibility for them. We recommend making arrangements for your pets before heading to the river.
A gratuity is not required but is customary. Tips are distributed between shuttle drivers and tubing operation attendants.
Yes!

Know before you go!

Know Before you go
Friends of the Yampa

Karen Nielsen

“Great experience tubing and with our tube and shoe rentals here. Lots of shoe sizes and friendly staff with a quick rental process!”

Liberty Liefeld

“We had the best time on the river today! The tubes were very comfy so we didn’t... Read More