BOULDER WATER REPORT

Boulder Creek can go from a lazy float to a raging torrent overnight. One warm day in the mountains and snowmelt can double the flow by afternoon. We've seen people show up with tubes when the creek is running 400 CFS — that's not tubing weather, that's rescue weather.

We built this page because we got tired of answering the same question 50 times a day: "Is the creek good today?" Now you can check before you leave the house. We pull live USGS gauge data for every river worth floating near Boulder.

We're located at 2709 Spruce St, about 5 minutes from the creek. We inflate your tubes and strap them to your vehicle — you show up at the water ready to go. If the numbers below look confusing, just call us — (303) 443-0814. We check conditions every morning and we'll tell you straight.

USGS Gauge #06730200 — This is the gauge that matters for tubing in Boulder. It sits at 75th Street on the east side of town and gives you the most accurate read on what the creek is doing right now.

Under 50 CFS — Too Low
You'll be dragging your tube over rocks. Skip it. Go to a reservoir or rent a SUP at Gross Reservoir instead.

50–100 CFS — Beginner
Mellow float. Perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone who just wants to drift and drink a beer. This is the sweet spot for most people. A typical float takes about 45 minutes.

100–150 CFS — Intermediate
Faster current, some fun rapids forming. You'll want water shoes — you're going to bounce off a few rocks. Still great but pay attention. Life jacket required.

150–225 CFS — Expert
Real current now. Strong swimmers only. The creek moves fast and there are obstacles. We'll ask if you've been on the creek before renting to you at this level.

225+ CFS — Danger Zone
You better know what you're doing. This is kayak-and-helmet territory, not tube-and-cooler territory. We won't rent tubes above this level. Period.

Season: Late May through early September. Best conditions are typically June–July when snowmelt keeps flows in the 50–150 CFS sweet spot. Early season (May) the water is cold — wetsuit recommended. We rent those too.

Float time: 30–60 minutes depending on flow
Pro tip: Stop by the shop before you go — we'll point you in the right direction and make sure you've got the right gear for the day's conditions.

USGS Gauge #09070500 — About 90 minutes west on I-70. This is a full-day adventure and completely worth the drive. Miles of canyon floating with mountain views you can't get anywhere on the Front Range.

300–800 CFS — Mellow to Moderate
Great for tubing all sections. Relaxing float with some easy rapids. Families welcome.

800–1,500 CFS — Solid Flow
Fun tubing with stronger current. You need to be a confident swimmer. Rapids are real but manageable.

1,500–3,000 CFS — Advanced Only
Fast current, big waves, serious water. Experienced paddlers in kayaks — not tubes.

3,000+ CFS — Stay Off
Spring runoff levels. Dangerous for everyone except expert whitewater kayakers.

Float time: 2–4 hours depending on section and flow
Pro tip: Pack lunch, extra water, and sunscreen. No services on the river. Stop by the shop before your trip — we'll help you plan the day. Check our Upper Colorado tubing guide for detailed put-in/take-out info and what to expect.

We rent everything you need — tubes (single and double), inflatable kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, life jackets, water shoes, wetsuits for cold early-season water, and dry bags for your phone and keys.

No reservation needed. Walk in during business hours and you're on the water in 5 minutes. Our shop is at 2709 Spruce St, about 5 minutes from the creek. We inflate your tubes and strap them to your vehicle — you show up at the water ready to go.

We check conditions every morning and we will not rent when it's unsafe. If you show up and we tell you the creek is too high, trust us — we're saving you a trip to the ER.

Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 12pm–6pm
Phone: (303) 443-0814

We're the only shop on Colorado's Front Range renting the River Skate Collective Hovercraft Fakie — the world's first freestyle whitewater SUP.

Ultra-low volume board with patent-pending Grab Wings designed for linked vertical maneuvers on moving water. It's the most fun you can have standing up on Boulder Creek.

Perfect for Boulder Creek play waves at 50–150 CFS and Clear Creek park-and-play in Golden. No whitewater experience required — just a willingness to get wet and laugh at yourself.

Walk in, get sized, and hit the water. We'll show you the basics before you go.