Boulder Creek is open for tubing, and during Boulder’s relentless summer heat, the cold current running through the center of town feels better than ever.
As of August 12, 2026, Boulder County reports that there are no current restrictions on tubing or single-chamber flotation devices. The USGS gauge at North 75th Street registered a flow of approximately 64 cubic feet per second Wednesday afternoon. That places the creek near the lower end of the commonly recommended tubing range.
Conditions can change quickly, however, and an open creek is not the same thing as a risk-free creek. Anyone planning a float should check Boulder County’s current water-recreation restrictions and the live USGS reading immediately before leaving home.
Where to Begin a Boulder Creek Float
The classic tubing run begins at Eben G. Fine Park, where the creek emerges from Boulder Canyon and flows east toward downtown. This section can include swift chutes, rocks and bridge hazards, even when the overall flow is modest. It is better suited to confident tubers with proper safety equipment than to anyone expecting a lazy-river experience…