Virgin River Tubing Near Zion National Park – What to Know Before You Go
- Arika Bauer
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Spending your summer vacation in Zion? If you’re braving the high temps and huge crowds to visit this special place, make sure to also take some time to escape the scorching heat of the desert by floating down the Virgin River. Zion tubing is definitely on my must-do list for anyone visiting southern Utah in the summer!
Everything You Need to Know About Virgin River Tubing Near Zion
Tubing the Virgin River is a favorite summer activity for me and my kiddos. It is an activity I’ve been doing since I was a kid growing up in the town of Hurricane, UT, right next to Zion National Park. I have such fond memories of heading into the park and tubing with friends down the canyon. Now I’ll give you all the details about tubing in Zion National Park so you and your family can make your own memories of floating down the river.
Where to Go Tubing Near Zion
If you want to go tubing in Zion, there are spots along the Pa'Rus Trail where you can get in and float for a short distance, as well as by George Barker Park in Springdale. Sheeps Bridge Park also is a good spot with deeper water for a short section of tubing, and it’s one of my favorite places to take the kiddos to play in the river.
For more about splashing around at Sheeps Bridge, check out this post!
Zion Tubing in Virgin, UT
But I think the very best place to go tubing the Virgin River is in the town of Virgin itself. Virgin is a cute little desert town that’s just 15 minutes west of the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park, near the other small towns of La Verkin and Hurricane.
In Virgin, you’ll find a section of the river that is deeper, meaning you won't get stuck as much so you have a longer stretch to float. This is why the Zion Tubing Company operates out here, and they’re my favorite place to go for tubing near Zion National Park.
{Link to Google Maps for Zion Tubing Company}
Zion Tubing Company
Zion Tubing Company makes it so easy to float the river! Just book your trip (or even walk in), check in, and they’ll give you your tube (and life jacket) then shuttle you to the put-in. After your float down the Virgin River, they’ll pick you up and shuttle you back to where you started. No need to worry about gear or logistics, because they take care of it all for you.
Address: 725 W Sr 9, Virgin, Utah 84779
ZION TUBING COMPANY INFO
Address: 725 W Sr 9, Virgin, Utah 84779
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm, 7 days a week
Price: $35 for adults & kids, $40 for holidays
Booking: Reservations available online & walk-ins also allowed
What to Expect from Tubing Near Zion
If you’re wondering how long your float will be, the length of the ride tubing the Virgin River depends on how deep the river is. The first time we went tubing with Zion Tubing, our float was about 1.5 hrs. The next summer when we went again, it was only about an hour because it was later in the summer, and the water was lower.
When you float the Virgin River with Zion Tubing, it is mostly a slow and relaxing ride. You will encounter a few small rapids sections to add a little bit of thrill to the float, but it’s really more of a lazy river experience.
IS VIRGIN RIVER TUBING FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
Tubing the Virgin River is a super chill float that’s great for families. Zion Tubing allows children ages 4 and up, though be aware that each person will ride in their own tube, including children, so they can’t ride on your lap.
What to Wear & Bring While Tubing the Virgin River
You don’t need much to go tubing the Virgin River, especially since Zion Tubing provides you with the tubes! But here’s what you should bring:
WHAT YOU NEED
Swimsuit (or any clothing you’re okay with getting wet)
Footwear - shoes with a heel strap are the best, but flip-flops are okay
Sun Protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Water Bottle & Snacks - a small soft-sided cooler is allowed
GoPro or waterproof camera
A towel - but leave it in your car for when you’re done
Other Things to Do in Virgin, UT
While you’re visiting Virgin, here are a few of my other favorite things to do in the area:
Take a Scenic Drive Along Kolob Terrace Road
Kolob Terrace Road starts in Virgin and winds 25 miles through stunning red canyons and desert landscapes all the way to Kolob Reservoir. It’s a super scenic hidden gem in southern Utah that I highly recommend. Make sure to stop at Lambs Knoll along the way for a short hike to some cool rock formations.
Soak in Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Just opened in the summer of 2025, Zion Canyon Hot Springs finally offers a place to soak and relax that has been missing here ever since the Pah Tempe Hot Springs closed years ago. Zion Canyon Hot Springs is a desert oasis with a variety of pools, including mineral pools, a freshwater pool, and even unique WorldSprings pools inspired by hot springs around the world.
Find out more about Zion Canyon Hot Springs here!
Stop for a Snack at River Rock Roasting Co.
When you get hungry, stop by local favorite River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin, the next town over from Virgin. For breakfast, they offer an extensive menu of coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods…including cinnamon rolls that are absolutely to die for! For a casual lunch, they also have sandwiches, salads, burgers, and pizza. Whenever you come in, have your meal on the patio to take in the lovely views.
Final Tips for Virgin River Tubing
Book in advance if you can (the weekends tend to fill up fast)
Go earlier in the day for cooler temps - even though you’ll be able to cool off in the water, it can still get hot sitting on the tube!
Respect the river and keep it clean - make sure to secure all your items, including empty food & drink containers, so you can dispose of them properly (NOT in the river)
If the river levels are too low for tubing, head to Sand Hollow Reservoir or Quail Lake to enjoy the water
Happy Tubing,
Arika
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
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