Tubing season is a highlight of summer in Steamboat Springs. Here’s why it’s likely to end early this year

For a lot of people, July and early August in Steamboat Springs is all about tubing on the Yampa River.  

People rent a tube in downtown Steamboat, hop into the river just a few steps away and float past wildlife and hot springs. Some days, tourists in brightly colored tubes stretch from one side of the river to the other. 

But it’s very likely commercial tubing season on the Yampa will be alarmingly short this year. The Steamboat Pilot reports that city officials may close the river to tubing as soon as next week because of warm temperatures and low water flows. 

To learn more about why this is happening, Erin O’Toole spoke with John Chalstrom, a writer and editor with the Steamboat Pilot and the Craig Press – who also happens to spend a lot of time on the Yampa River as a fly-fishing guide. 

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
 
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.