Scout River Surf Wave — Attraction in Salida

I would caution families about tubing in Salida. I grew up in Colorado Springs and have wonderful memories of tubing as a kid, but the river there has changed dramatically. Rapids and surfing features have been added, and the conditions now feel much more like an extreme sports course than a family float.

This past weekend I took my 10- and 12-year-old daughters, both lifelong swimmers, and the experience was terrifying. They were both flipped upside down in a rapid, and even I struggled to escape a strong current. My 12-year-old was swept into a whirlpool in the middle of town and nearly drowned. She came out with bruises and shaken by the experience, and later we watched two grown men also get caught in the same spot and struggle to get free. Meanwhile, surfers continued riding waves without regard for people floating into their area.

After leaving Salida and doing some research, I realized just how dangerous the rivers in Colorado can be—there were around 40 fatalities in 2024 alone. As a mom, that’s simply not a risk I’m willing to take, especially when I thought we were signing up for a safe family tubing experience. As it stands now, I cannot recommend tubing in Salida for kids or families looking for a casual float. Go to Pagosa...

Ah, the wave. So much joy, so much sorrow. At high water her might can rip families and friends asunder with the same flippant ease she topples a fishing raft. Oh the hubris of man, cries the village elder. To sin against the river is to violate The Virgin herself! Nevermind his wholehearted endorsement of the far more becoming kayak playholes years back. What has this town become! Like any good compromise, the badfish boater appeasement chute is inconvenient for everyone except the hordes gathered to laugh as the Texans in their family floats pinball through. Better stuck than upside down in the froth! But then again, that froth is specially synthesized to plop the sorry soul back up after a swift splunking. But it is all worth it to bring more mid 30s front range dude bros to town, keep the triple hazy IPAs flowing and the rents high and everyone wins!...

We didn't surf, but what fun! There were several people here taking turns riding the wave and it was just a blast to watch! We did take a swim in the stream upriver, but woo hoo! You had better be ready! It's cold, but we had gone swimming there in the afternoon and it was noticeably warmer. It's cold in...