Know Before You Go
Respect the Yampa and respect other river users
Current Yampa River Data at:
Whitewater
The pilots of watercraft should be skilled and knowledgeable about current river conditions and they should follow all of the recommended safety guidelines regarding proper equipment and safe boating practices. All recreators should be equipped with PFDs and utilize extreme caution when floating near irrigation diversions and other structures in the river. Recreators should utilize their best judgment based on conditions, experience, and safety-first protocols.
KNOW THE RULES
- Protect River Health: No disposable containers (cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, styrofoam coolers, etc.)
- Be prepared: Wear appropriate gear (life vests, river shoes, helmets, etc.), and no flip flops! Remember to always rig to flip!
- Go With a Pro: Unsure of how to get on the river? Seek out a licensed operator for tubing, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and rafting.
- Respect Others: Exercise proper river etiquette and respect all river users, private property, and wildlife.
Quick River Stats
*Showing data from location 09239500 in Steamboat Springs at the 5th Street bridge.
Weather in Steamboat Springs
Safety Notes
River Splits
Whenever river splits, stay right (when facing downstream).
Donate!
Support the Know Before You Go dashboard and Friends of the Yampa here!
We need your help!
If you recreated on the Yampa River on any section from the Flat Tops through to Deerlodge, please fill out this survey!
Interpretive Translation of Flows
River Creek Park to Fornier
This section is flatwater that leads into riffles then Class II and III rapids depending on flows with many places to get on and off the river.
= All Activities
= Tubing 
= Sup/Small Craft
= Large Craft 
= Fishing
0-85 cfs (ft3/s) = River use is not recommended.
Many times when the flow is this low, the water is too warm and/or fish habitat is very limited. Leave this flow for the fishes.
85-200 cfs (ft3/s)
This is the recommended flow range for tubing. With ideal flows around 120 cfs.
May be too low and rocky.
Not recommended.
Great flows for walk/wade fishing, with ideal range between 120 and 200 cfs.
200-400 cfs (ft3/s)
Can tube at these flows, but might be sporty. Pay attention to water temps. Check out these safety tips before getting on the river.
Great flows, watch for river hazards such as rocks and other river users.
Not recommended.
Great flows for walk/wade fishing.
400-600 cfs (ft3/s)
Season for tubing starts, but it’s big water for tubing so hold on tight. Water will be cold. Check out these safety tips before getting on the river.
Excellent flows for small craft. Great for beginner kayaking.
Most rafts and large craft stop running below 500 cfs.
Great flows for walk/wade fishing.
600-800 cfs (ft3/s)
Do not tube at these flows.
Great flows for beginner kayaking and paddleboarding.
Low-level, mellow and technical rafting flows.
Great flows for walk/wade fishing.
800-1,000 cfs (ft3/s)
Do not tube at these flows.
Great flows for all levels of kayaking and paddleboarding.
Low-level, mellow and technical rafting flows.
Great levels for float fishing and fishing from the shore.
1,000-1,500 cfs (ft3/s)
Do not tube at these flows.
Great flows for kayaking and intermediate to advanced paddleboarding.
Excellent flows for rafting and larger crafts.
Great levels for float fishing and fishing from the shore.
1,500-2,400 cfs (ft3/s)
Do not tube at these flows.
Great flows for intermediate to advanced kayaking and paddleboarding.
Excellent flows for rafting and larger crafts. High potential for flipping in rapids.
Not recommended.
Above 2,400 cfs (ft3/s)
Do not tube at these flows.
Advanced kayaking and paddleboarding only.
Do not put in above Rich Weiss park due to bridge clearance. At flows around 3500 cfs, be aware of clearance at 5th Street Bridge. High potential for flipping in rapids.
Not recommended.
River Miles
Use our handy table below to find out river mileage of common floats on the Steamboat section of the Yampa River.
Access Points |
River Miles Between Access Sites |
| River Creek Park | 00 |
| Rotary Park | 1 |
| Fetcher Park | .75 |
| Rich Weiss Park | 1.4 |
| Backdoor Sports | .57 |
| C Hole/Library | .32 |
| Stockbridge Transit | .56 |
| James Brown Bridge | .53 |
| Bear River Park | .26 |
| Fornier Reserve | .83 |
River Maps
Yampa River Access: (Click maps to enlarge)
Printable River Guide:
The Steamboat Reach is covered by four maps, beginning at the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area and continuing downstream to the City of Steamboat Springs Bear River Park. Click below to learn more and view, download, or print the guides!
Tubing Information
Know before you go.
Use these links before getting on the Yampa River.
- Tube the Yampa Like a Pro Video
- Steamboat Chamber Tubing Page
- Tips for Tubing the Yampa
- The Yampa River – Steamboat Springs
River Updates on Social
* If you have an update and aren’t on social media email outreach@friendsoftheyampa.com.
*This information is provided to better prepare Yampa River users. Friends of the Yampa assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this website. Friends of the Yampa assumes no responsibility or liability for any accidents or dissatisfaction for all river users.