Wear Proper Shoes for Tubing the Virgin River
Protect Yourself from the Intense Sun in Utah
Stay Hydrated Tubing the Virgin River
Keep Your Valuables Dry or in the Car
Beat the Crowds Tubing the Virgin River
One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning scenery of Southern Utah is by tubing the Virgin River. Whether you are looking for an adventure with your family or trying to cool off in the heat of the summer, river floating near Zion is a memorable activity. In order to have a wonderful experience on the river, it’s important to ensure you come prepared with our top five tips for a safe and fun day of tubing in the Virgin River.
Wear Proper Shoes for Tubing the Virgin River
Wearing the correct footwear when floating down the river in Virgin, Utah, is essential for having a good time. The terrain of the Virgin River can be rocky and have uneven surfaces and can also be very slippery. Here at Zion Tubing, we recommend bringing a good pair of shoes to wear during your river float to protect your feet from sharp rocks and won’t fall off while floating the river. Some popular shoes that people enjoy wearing are crocs, tevas, chacos or specialized water shoes. Avoid flip flops or other sandals that can fall off easily and float away, never to be seen again.
Not only is a sturdy pair of shoes good for navigating, it’s also useful for getting in and out of the water when you embark and disembark on your tubing adventure. Having a good pair of shoes will prevent you from getting any cuts on your feet and make sure you are protected throughout your entire experience floating the Virgin River.
Protect Yourself from the Intense Sun in Utah
Southern Utah is known for very intense sun, especially during the summer months. Zion Tubing is only open from May to September every year, so using sun protection is high on our list for staying safe and having fun on the river. Remember that the sun also reflects off the water surface, so it amplifies sun exposure immensely. Here are some essential sun protection items we recommend bringing when tubing in near Zion:
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before you get on the river and if you are sensitive to the sun or are going to be outside all day, we recommend bringing some with you as well.
Hats and sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat such as a baseball cap or a bucket hat will protect your face from the sun and a pair of polarized sunglasses will shield your eyes from direct sunlight.
Sun Hoodies or UPF Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts with UPF protection are excellent for keeping cool while staying covered. If you don’t have any UPF clothing, we recommend wearing a large t-shirt that you don’t care about to protect your skin.
Stay Hydrated Tubing the Virgin River- Bring Plenty of Water!
Tubing in the direct Utah sun can be more draining than you would expect, especially in the heat of the desert. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can sneak up on you without realizing, so it’s essential to drink water and stay hydrated all day in such a harsh environment. Bring a reusable water bottle such as a nalgene or a hydroflask with a carabiner to attach to your tube and feel free to bring other beverages to enjoy on the river as well. Pack your trash out and let nothing float down the river. Please leave our rivers cleaner than you found them!
At Zion Tubing, our tubes come with cup holders and headrests so you can fully relax. This allows you to enjoy your river float near St. George without having to constantly hold on to your beverage. Staying hydrated is not only essential for your safety in Utah but also will make sure you have the energy to fully enjoy your time on the water.
Keep Your Valuables Dry or in the Car
One thing to keep in mind when floating down the Virgin River is to plan ahead and make sure none of your valuables, such as your keys or phone, get wet. At Zion Tubing, we offer an included key check service behind our front desk so you can safely store your keys so they won’t get wet or lost. Nobody wants a broken fob because they dropped their keys in the river!
If you want to take photos while you are floating the river, we sell waterproof phone cases so you can take pictures without the risk of ruining your phone from water damage. We highly recommend only bringing your phone if you have a waterproof case. Tag us on Instagram @ziontunbing so we can share your river floating adventure on social media!
If you decide to bring any other valuables, such as cameras, wallets or other electronics, we suggest leaving them in your car or bringing a dry bag to protect them while you are on the river. We recommend purchasing a dry bag from Zion Outdoor or Amazing Adventures Gear Shop if you’re from out of town and didn’t bring a dry bag with you. Leaving your valuables in your car, checking your keys and making sure you have the right dry bags and phone case will ensure peace of mind and make sure your day isn’t ruined because you dropped your phone or keys in the water.
Beat the Crowds Tubing the Virgin River
During the busy summer season in the middle of the day, Zion Tubing can get pretty crowded. For the best possible experience, aim to hit the water earlier in the day when we have plenty of tube rentals available and the river is much quieter and cooler.
If you are hoping to hit quiet times on the river all the time, we suggest coming as early as possible in the middle of the week and optimizing your tubing time during May and early June, when the summer crowds haven’t arrived. These months are super enjoyable on the river since the water is more crisp and you can escape the mobs of tourists that come through the park. If you want to beat the crowds tubing the Virgin River, plan the timing for your river float strategically.
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Whether you’re a local who comes tubing all the time or it’s your first time on the river, these river tubing tips for southern Utah will make sure you stay safe and also have fun. Enjoy the best place in Zion to go tubing and get ready to float the Virgin River soon!
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