Tubing!
Tubing season is complete for us this year. See you in 2024!
Please see the sections below for a full list of ALL our rental requirements, procedures and policies including ages, equipment, transportation, parking, damage fees, late charges, hours, location limits and more.
Super fun, we love it too! But full disclosure - Clear Creek is not a “lazy river” float! The whitewater playpark which is the area of the creek between the Gateway Trailhead / Route 6/93 overpass above Lyons Park near the Clear Creek RV Park, and Vanover Park just off Ford Street, was designed for Class II / III whitewater kayaking. It is a naturally flowing creek with objects and hazards which can change without warning. There is an inherent risk to any whitewater sport, including tubing. You may fall off, you will get wet and you may take a swim or two. If you have any trepidation, we recommend you walk the corridor to watch other tubers first - see how you feel about it, then make an educated decision for yourself.
PLEASE leave your cell phones and valuables at home! Put your car keys in a safe place. As previously stated, if you have any hesitations, we recommend you first walk the pedestrian path, which parallels the creek, so you can decide for yourself if Clear Creek is safely within your ability range and comfort zone before embarking on your adventure.
Water Level Closures
Occasionally the City of Golden will close Clear Creek to all tubers completely due to extreme water levels, water temperatures and/or hazards. For safety reasons, this means no single chamber flotation devices are allowed on the creek at all (a.k.a. - tubes). Golden River Sports has absolutely no control over this and asks for your understanding and patience. Therefore, GRS will NOT rent to ANY customer if the level of Clear Creek if over 700 cubic feet per second (CFS). Please see below for all other levels and ages allowed.
Again, we thank you for your understanding and patience.
Tubing Policies
1) Photo ID and credit card required.
2) All tubes are on a first-come-first-serve basis. We do not take reservations with the exception of corporate or large groups over 15 pp.
3) You must sign a contract liability release waivers at store before renting that states you understand the risks.
4) Adults: PFD / lifejackets and helmets are not required, but are STRONGLY recommended at any water level and are included in our rental package pricing at NO EXTRA CHARGE.
5) Youths: All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a liability waiver on their behalf. For young adults, PFD’s / lifejackets and helmets ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES - no exceptions (also free of charge with each rental).
We do not rent to those under the age of 18 when the CFS is 500+.
Water level 300 - 500 CFS: ages 12 and up are good-to-go!
Water level under 300 CFS: ages 8 and older are allowed to tube solo IF participant is over 50 lbs AND a good swimmer. If participant is under 50 lbs, they must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian in a double tube.
6) Unfortunately, there is no parking at GRS while you are enjoying Clear Creek due to our limited space. Please view the map above for public parking lots (in yellow) near Clear Creek and be conscious of street signage for paid parking and permit-only areas. Free parking is available in the Clear Creek Parking Lot, located at 304 10th St., across from the former Coors office building, perfect for visitors and tubers to the creek!
7) You must provide your own transportation for yourself and your rentals from our store to your parking spot, then you walk to the creek with your gear for laps in the corridor. Tie-down materials are highly recommended (i.e. vehicle roof straps, bungy cords, or rope). GRS does not supply tie down materials and is not responsible for any damage during transportation to our equipment nor your own.
Public Shuttle Option from Vanover Park (the bottom) to Gateway Plaza (the top):
Available: Friday-Monday 10am til 6pm.
Cost Per Person: $15.00 + tax.
Number of Shuttle Rides: Two.
BYOT: Bring Your Own Tube from Golden River Sports!
Location: 423 10th Street, behind Vanover Park & Adventures West.
Although walk-up bookings are accepted if not sold out, they prefer you make a reservation in advance with specific times in mind (last daily booking avail is 3:50pm). Here is a booking link!
8) If you damage, destroy, or lose any equipment you may be charged the full retail value of each piece of equipment.
9) To get the biggest-bang-for-your-buck, we highly recommend you plan at least 2 hrs tubing time on the river. The absolute LAST RENTAL AVAIL IS NO LATER THAN 4PM MON-SAT, NO LATER THAN 3PM ON SUNDAYS as all rentals must be returned one hour before the close of business. An additional late fee will be applied if not returned on time. Our normal hours of operation are Mon through Sat 10am until 6pm and Sundays 10am until 5pm.
10) GRS's tubes are only to be used exclusively on Clear Creek in the Whitewater Play Park in Golden (Gateway Trailhead - Rt. 6/93 overpass to Vanover Park - approx 1 mile in length). Tubing above the Route 6/93 overpass is strictly forbidden and against our rules of rental. See map above.
For rent we have watershoe booties ($10) and lockers ($5) available. For sale we have floatie sunglass leashes, waterproof phone cases, dry bags, sunscreen and more!
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Please see VisitGolden.com for more information on Creek Safety Status, Clear Creek Corridor Rules and How to “Creek Responsibly” including tips like this, entitled “What to Wear…”
Swimsuit or wetsuit depending on the water temperature
Water shoes or sandals with sturdy soles for protection against rocks
Quick-drying clothing (e.g., moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, or pants)
Sunscreen with high SPF
Sun-protective hat and sunglasses with a safety strap
Waterproof and adjustable life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD)
Helmet for certain river activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking or tubing
Waterproof and secure dry bag to keep personal items dry
Neoprene gloves for additional hand protection
Layered clothing for cooler weather or early mornings
Lightweight rain jacket or waterproof outerwear in case of rain or splashes
Be sure to watch the Jeffco Open Space Tubing on Clear Creek Video - Safety Tips from the Wild West!