Lazy rivers and tubing in Nevada during the summer months go together like bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly, and, well, bacon and anything. In the Silver State, the lush beauty of the various rivers through the different landscapes offers incredible tubing experiences. However, because Nevada is largely a desert state — particularly the southern half — there aren’t many rivers calm enough to accommodate tubing. Nevertheless, do not fear, these three scenic, relaxing, and fun lazy rivers in Nevada are truly perfect for tubing in Nevada on a scorching summer’s day.
- Black Canyon Water Trail, Boulder City
Carissa H./Yelp This portion of the lower Colorado River was designated in 2014 as a National Water Trail. It is the first of its kind in the southwest United States and the only one that runs through a desert. This 30-mile waterway can be accessed at the base of Hoover Dam or in a small mining town in Eldorado Canyon. And, if you are looking for a truly unique floating experience in Nevada, check out the Twilight Paddle, which is a moonlight kayak ride in the beautiful Black Canyon. Black Canyon, Nevada, USA
- Colorado River, Laughlin
Cain V./Yelp For more than 10 years, the Bullhead City Regatta was held on the Colorado River between Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laughlin. Today, this section of the Colorado River continues to attract visitors who enjoy tubing down its scenic path between Nevada and Arizona. Laughlin, NV 89029, USA
- Truckee River, Reno
Jonathan A./Yelp The Truckee River is one of the best natural lazy rivers in Nevada. Flowing from Tahoe City and past Reno, summer in Nevada just isn’t summer without a day on the Truckee. In fact, many people consider this lazy river the best place for tubing in Nevada.
*Note: Whereas the Truckee has been the go-to river for tubing enthusiasts, it has been, tragically, quite dangerous as of late, so please exercise extreme care if you choose to visit. Truckee River Walk, Truckee Riv Walk, Reno, NV, USA
In addition to these three natural lazy rivers in Nevada, you can find others at the state’s epic water parks, as well as in the Silver State’s (particularly Las Vegas) hotel resort pools; many of which boast truly spectacular lazy rivers.
Carissa H./Yelp
This portion of the lower Colorado River was designated in 2014 as a National Water Trail. It is the first of its kind in the southwest United States and the only one that runs through a desert. This 30-mile waterway can be accessed at the base of Hoover Dam or in a small mining town in Eldorado Canyon. And, if you are looking for a truly unique floating experience in Nevada, check out the Twilight Paddle, which is a moonlight kayak ride in the beautiful Black Canyon.
Black Canyon, Nevada, USA
Cain V./Yelp
For more than 10 years, the Bullhead City Regatta was held on the Colorado River between Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laughlin. Today, this section of the Colorado River continues to attract visitors who enjoy tubing down its scenic path between Nevada and Arizona.
Laughlin, NV 89029, USA
Jonathan A./Yelp
The Truckee River is one of the best natural lazy rivers in Nevada. Flowing from Tahoe City and past Reno, summer in Nevada just isn’t summer without a day on the Truckee. In fact, many people consider this lazy river the best place for tubing in Nevada.
*Note: Whereas the Truckee has been the go-to river for tubing enthusiasts, it has been, tragically, quite dangerous as of late, so please exercise extreme care if you choose to visit.
Truckee River Walk, Truckee Riv Walk, Reno, NV, USA
Have you had the pleasure of tubing down any of these three scenic and relaxing lazy rivers in Nevada? Which was your favorite natural lazy river in Nevada? Do you know of any others that we may have missed? If so, let us know in the comment section!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Nevada May 14, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best hidden places to visit in Nevada? This list of hidden gems in Nevada is long and extensive. In fact, all over the state, you will find several incredible places to explore and things to do. One interesting and unique place to visit in Nevada is the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty. This hidden gem in Nevada is an outdoor sculpture museum near the ghost town of Rhyolite. This museum is 7.8 acres and offers several unique sights including the popular sculpture “The Last Supper,” which was created by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski. Another true hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Nevada is Jarbidge Wilderness. You’ll find this incredible area in northern Elko County and it consists of more than 113,000 acres of mountains and canyons. If you plan to visit, make sure to bring your hiking shoes as this area features more than 100 miles of hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Where can I find the best floats in Nevada? While you can always add the above natural lazy rivers in Nevada to your bucket list, if you are looking for a bit of adventure out on the water, consider visiting the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. This unique whitewater park is located in downtown Reno and is a popular place to stop on the Riverwalk. Here, you will find kayakers of all skill levels attempting to navigate the class 2 and 3 rapids and several drop-pools.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Nevada
May 14, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best hidden places to visit in Nevada? This list of hidden gems in Nevada is long and extensive. In fact, all over the state, you will find several incredible places to explore and things to do. One interesting and unique place to visit in Nevada is the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty. This hidden gem in Nevada is an outdoor sculpture museum near the ghost town of Rhyolite. This museum is 7.8 acres and offers several unique sights including the popular sculpture “The Last Supper,” which was created by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski. Another true hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Nevada is Jarbidge Wilderness. You’ll find this incredible area in northern Elko County and it consists of more than 113,000 acres of mountains and canyons. If you plan to visit, make sure to bring your hiking shoes as this area features more than 100 miles of hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Where can I find the best floats in Nevada? While you can always add the above natural lazy rivers in Nevada to your bucket list, if you are looking for a bit of adventure out on the water, consider visiting the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. This unique whitewater park is located in downtown Reno and is a popular place to stop on the Riverwalk. Here, you will find kayakers of all skill levels attempting to navigate the class 2 and 3 rapids and several drop-pools.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
This list of hidden gems in Nevada is long and extensive. In fact, all over the state, you will find several incredible places to explore and things to do. One interesting and unique place to visit in Nevada is the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty. This hidden gem in Nevada is an outdoor sculpture museum near the ghost town of Rhyolite. This museum is 7.8 acres and offers several unique sights including the popular sculpture “The Last Supper,” which was created by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski.
Another true hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Nevada is Jarbidge Wilderness. You’ll find this incredible area in northern Elko County and it consists of more than 113,000 acres of mountains and canyons. If you plan to visit, make sure to bring your hiking shoes as this area features more than 100 miles of hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored.
Where can I find the best floats in Nevada?
While you can always add the above natural lazy rivers in Nevada to your bucket list, if you are looking for a bit of adventure out on the water, consider visiting the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. This unique whitewater park is located in downtown Reno and is a popular place to stop on the Riverwalk. Here, you will find kayakers of all skill levels attempting to navigate the class 2 and 3 rapids and several drop-pools.
