When late spring and early summer arrive, there is no better way to cool off than by tubing the Virgin River. Zion Tubing provides a perfect place for locals to relax and unwind in the heat of the summer on a safe and more consistent section of the river. Here’s everything you need to know in this local guide to tubing the Virgin River near St. George.
Nearby Towns That Can Enjoy Tubing in Virgin, Utah
Here at Zion Tubing, we see locals from towns such as Hurricane, Springdale, Washington, Cedar City, Apple Valley, Colorado City, and St. George regularly. Since we are a short drive away and are on a beautiful, calm stretch of the river, this is a popular spot for our Southern Utah residents to cool off. Whether you’re a family seeking a fun afternoon or a group of friends looking to relax, this stretch of the river is the perfect way to enjoy the surrounding beauty during the hot summers.
Although we see tourists in the summer, Zion Tubing is not a mass tourist hub, making it much more enjoyable for all of us who live here to escape the summer heat. We can avoid overwhelming crowds since many tourists go to the Virgin River in Zion National Park down the road. Many of them don’t come out of their way to float the river in Virgin.
Local Knowledge About Tubing the Virgin River Near St. George
One aspect that sets Zion Tubing apart from other tubing companies or swimming spots is the unique section of river that we are on. It’s important to note that there is a diversion dam downstream that significantly affects the river in areas like La Verkin, Hurricane, and especially St. George. These changes in the river’s flow can make tubing less enjoyable or even challenging in those locations. However, Zion Tubing’s section of the Virgin River near St. George benefits from the confluence of two streams, ensuring a calm flow of water.
This stretch of river is also free from large tree strainers and other hazards that are found more upstream, making it a safer and more family friendly option for tubing in Southern Utah. There is also another dam upstream from us which affects other tubing areas, making this section of river an ideal choice for the best experience possible for floating the river.
What to Expect When River Tubing in Virgin, Utah
Equipment Rental and Shuttles
We make it very easy to plan a day of tubing near St. George on the Virgin River by offering all the rental equipment and necessities you need. At Zion Tubing, we provide large and comfortable tubes with a headrest and a cup holder for the ultimate luxurious tubing experience. We also provide a free shuttle service after your float ends at Zion River Resort, saving you the hassle of trying to coordinate transportation. You can check your keys at the front desk at Zion Tubing as well before you float, so you don’t risk losing your keys or getting them wet.
How to Avoid the Tourist Crowds
Although we are more off-the-beaten-track than other places near Zion, the national park still attracts millions of visitors every year. To enjoy the quieter times at Zion Tubing, plan to go tubing early in the morning or during the weekdays when crowds are smaller. Locals find this time much more peaceful and sometimes townies from St. George, Virgin, Hurricane and La Verkin squeeze in a river float before they head to work for the day!
Quick Safety Tips
Safety is a top priority when floating the river and we take it seriously. To learn more details on safety tips, read our blog, Top 5 Tips for a Safe and Fun Day of Tubing the Virgin River.
Check your keys and store your valuables in your car so you don’t get anything wet or let any valuables float down the river unexpectedly. We sell waterproof phone cases if you want your phone to take pictures and videos.
Hydrate! Drink plenty of water and bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your trip down the Virgin River.
Wear proper footwear such as crocs, chacos, tevas or water shoes. We’ve seen too many people cut their feet from not wearing shoes and several others wear flip-flops that end up floating down the river, never to be seen again.
Wear sun protection, including but not limited to; sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, t-shirts and UPF clothing.
Pay attention to the weather to avoid the risk of flash floods.
Make sure any children age 12 or under have fitted lifejackets and children ages four and up can go tubing. Each individual (including children) must stay on their own tube for safety reasons.
Why Zion Tubing Stands Out?
Floating the Virgin River is more than just a way to cool off in the summer, it’s a local tradition here in Virgin, Utah. We all love the thrill of tubing in the summer and unwinding on the river with friends. The desert of Utah is a harsh environment and we cherish clean and safe waterways to enjoy when we can find them.
Escaping a day on the Virgin River for a lazy river float can help avoid the chaos of tourist season. Whether you’re coming from nearby Hurricane, Springdale, Washington, or even farther towns such as Cedar City or St. George, Zion Tubing is well worth the trip. With our excellent service, top-notch equipment and safe section of the river, Zion Tubing is the best way to enjoy the Virgin River near St. George in southern Utah.
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