10 miles and 7 Class III rapids through a national monument. The most popular trip on the Arkansas.

River Tubing in Salida: Arkansas River Tube Rentals
Overview
River tube rentals in downtown Salida are $30 per tube for 3 hours. Rentals start every hour from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, June 25 to August 15, depending on river levels.
Our rental location is directly across from Downtown Park, an easy walk to the river and the River Play Park. Each rental includes a river tube, a personal flotation device and a helmet. Our staff will give you route and safety recommendations, then you're in charge of your float.
Tubing is self-guided, so make sure you understand river hazards and local conditions before you launch.
Who it's for
Confident swimmers looking for a mellow, do-it-yourself afternoon in town.
Ready for more?
Liked floating the river? A guided raft trip takes you further. Try the Salida Town Run for an easy, scenic float, or step up to Browns Canyon for real whitewater.
Highlights
- 3-hour rental with tube, life jacket and helmet
- Right across from Downtown Park
- Rentals every hour, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Trip Highlights
- Tube
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Route and safety tips from our staff
- 3-hour rental with tube, life jacket and helmet
- Right next to downtown Salida
- Rentals every hour, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Your day, step by step
1Pick up your tube
2Float the river through town
What's Included
- Tube
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Route and safety tips from our staff
- A guide (tubing is self-guided)
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Waterproof phone pouch ($13 at the counter)
What to Bring
- Shoes or sandals that stay on your feet. No flip-flops
- Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes (no cotton)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with a strap
- Your phone only at your own risk, in a waterproof pouch
- A sense of adventure
Water levels & Season
Availability depends on river levels. Rentals run June 25 to August 15, every hour from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Guest Reviews
View all reviewsFAQ
Common questions about this trip.
Is tubing guided?
No. Tubing is self-guided. Our staff give you route and safety tips, then you're in charge of your float. Make sure you understand the river and local hazards before you launch.
Who can rent a tube?
Confident swimmers, ages 7 and up.
Where do I pick up my tube?
Right across from Downtown Park in Salida, an easy walk to the river and the River Play Park.
When can I rent a tube?
Rentals start every hour from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, June 25 to August 15, depending on river levels. Online booking closes 1.5 hours before your rental time.
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The whole canyon, a riverside lunch and a hike into a side canyon. Just $50 more than the half day.
The Numbers, lunch on the river, then The Narrows and the Buena Vista Whitewater Park.
Seven miles of nonstop Class IV whitewater. The locals' favorite run on the Arkansas.
A mellow, scenic float through a wildlife preserve and right into downtown Salida.
Raft into Browns Canyon, camp on a quiet riverbank, raft out. We handle the gear and the cooking.
14 miles and 12 rapids through the most remote part of Browns Canyon.
A shorter run through Lower Browns Canyon with Collegiate Peaks views. Best in late summer.
The Town Run and Bighorn Sheep Canyon in one day, with a riverside lunch.
The steepest whitewater on the Arkansas. Granite Gorge, Pine Creek rapid and the Numbers in one day.
Paddle your own inflatable kayak through Bighorn Sheep Canyon, with a guide right beside you.
Float the Salida river park on a tube. Self-guided, right across from Downtown Park.
A guided float fishing trip on the Gold Medal waters of the Arkansas. From $525.
A full day of float fishing with an on-water lunch, covering 10–15 miles of Gold Medal water. From $675.
Vehicle shuttles for private boaters on the Arkansas River, from $40 per vehicle.
Three weeks of raft guide training on the Arkansas, May 17 to June 4, 2027. $449.

