Plan Your Water Paddling Adventure

VOLUNTARY YAMPA RIVER CLOSURE

Due to low river flows along with a concern about high water temperatures and low oxygen levels in the Yampa River, the city is implementing closures for all commercial activities on the Yampa River and asking the public to abide by a voluntary closure for all recreational river use starting July 7. Learn more here

With the Yampa River running right through downtown Steamboat Springs canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and rafting is engrained in this town’s DNA. With many of the shops located either on or within walking distance of the Yampa River, it's possible to grab your water toy and be on the river in minutes.

In addition, several outfitters offer rental tubes as well, so relax on Steamboat's natural amusement park ride and then catch a shuttle back to your car.

Kayaking

The Yampa River stretch through downtown Steamboat, provides a class II river experience for all thrill seekers.

Paddleboarding

The standup paddleboard craze gets its own unique Steamboat twist here in the Rocky Mountains, where the wild and free flowing Yampa River makes for exciting whitewater paddleboarding, while quiet ponds are the perfect place to learn new techniques or try out SUP yoga.

If vast, scenic lakes are your paddling style, paddleboard on Stagecoach Reservoir or Steamboat Lake and take in the views while basking in the warm sun and refreshing breezes.

Rafting

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-filled ride or a relaxing float with amazing scenery, Steamboat has you covered. The rivers around Steamboat really start flowing in May and the water will be at optimal levels during most of the Summer months.  During the earlier months, the spring melt brings about high water levels, making for some of the most exciting rafting of the year. So get out there and experience the thrill of rafting the mighty Yampa and the surrounding Colorado rivers with one of our local outfitters.