Disclaimer: The accuracy of the CFS data provided cannot always be guaranteed. Please verify conditions before heading out.

St Vrain

174

Safe: <100 CFS

Moderate: 100-200 CFS

High: 200-300 CFS

Dangerous: > 300 CFS

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 Meadow Park on Hwy 7 on the west side of town. The next access point is directly across Hwy 66 from the Black Bear Hotel on the eastern side of town. This is the best place to take out.

Flow Range

40cfs to 100cfs is a good mellow to moderate level for tubing in Meadow Park. 100-300cfs is a great level for tubing from Apple Valley Rd. to the Black Bear Hotel. 300-700cfs: The river is pretty fast and fun. Lifejackets are strongly recommended. Tubing is good from Apple Valley Rd. to the Black Bear Hotel.

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.

When is it running?

Usually floatable from May through July. Weather and snow pack are different every year, so there is no guarantee. You don’t need much water to float in Meadow Park.

Difficulty

<200cfs = easy ; >200cfs = intermediate/advanced ; >300cfs = advanced

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.

Transportation

Lyons is only 25 minutes from our shop. Just head north from Boulder on Hwy 36 towards Lyons. Turn left at Hwy 66. You’ll see the Black Bear Hotel on the right in about a half mile. Keep going through town to find Apple Valley Road and Meadow 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 Meadow Park.

Closures

The Saint Vrain may be closed to tubing during a flood. Please obey all closures, they are implemented for a good reason.

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