There’s always a good excuse to go tubing: legs weary after too much riding, clamoring kids or just a straight-up love of old-school laughs. But where’s the best spot to throw down your tube and let it fly? It all depends on your tubing priorities. Whether you’re catering to kids, seeking multigenerational giggles, craving let-loose fun with friends or planning the chilliest first date ever, Utah’s got you covered. But don’t forget to dress warm and waterproof—speeding downhill on your butt doesn’t generate a whole lot of body heat.
Lindsey Gardens Park,
Salt Lake City
Best for thrifty thrill-seekers and families looking for cheap laughs
Supplying beautiful views of the city, this centrally located park has some of the steepest hills in town. Schlepping back to the top can be tiring, and the south-facing slopes lose snow faster than most, but the restrooms, playground and covered pavilion are definite bonuses.
426 N. M St., Salt Lake City,
801-972-7800, free
Mountain Dell Golf Course/Recreation Area, Salt Lake City
Best for families with kids old enough to hike or young enough to carry
A popular, park-at-the-top locals’ spot, this slope is long but not scary-steep. A good first go for beginners, the hill generally sports a few jumps that mix it up for the more adventurous. Stairmaster it back up to the parking lot.
I-80 Exit 134, Parleys Canyon, Salt Lake City, 801-582-3812, free
Eagle Point, Beaver
Best road-trip pit stop
Two lanes and a lift with no line in sight; this is tube-racing heaven. These well-groomed runs are speedy enough to delight adrenaline addicts but are nothing any sturdy youngster over 50 pounds can’t handle. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a less-than-ideal ride for the proud-to-be-obnoxious crowd. If you find yourself in southern Utah, check this place out.
1040 N. Elk Meadows Drive, Beaver, 435-438-3700, open when resort is (usually Thursday to Sunday and Monday holidays throughout the ski season), $15 for two hours, EaglePointResort.com
Rock Canyon Park, Provo
Best for teenagers
This local Provo favorite, only two miles from Brigham Young University at the base of Squaw Mountain, is the spring break of Utah sledding. Teenagers and college students dominate the hill’s long slides, which feature fun jumps and carved shoots. There are a couple of playgrounds if you do decide to tote along the wee ones.
2620 N. 1200 East, Provo, 801-852-6606, free. Parkfinder.Provo.org
Snowbasin Resort, Ogden Valley
Best for families and Olympic enthusiasts
A tube, some snow and a tow; with all the basics down, Snowbasin tubing is four lanes of lift-assisted fun. Play pro-tuber and race to the former finish line of the 2002 Olympic downhill courses.
3925 Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, 801-620-1081, open weekends and holiday Mondays, $30 for unlimited rides. Snowbasin.com/mountain/tubing
Gorgoza Park, Park City
Best for thrill-seekers
How skilled is your tubing? Check your progression and start out on Gorgoza’s three beginner runs and work up to the four advanced bullets (ages 7 and up only on these heaters). This is the go-to tubing spot for Park City and gets packed, so buy tickets in advance. Between the night riding, conveyor lifts and steep, fast tracks, this might be the most fun you’ll ever have in a tube.
3863 W. Kilby Road, Park City,
435-658-2648, open seven days a week, hours vary, $12-$22 for two hours. Gorgoza.com
Soldier Hollow Resort, Midway
Best for endurance athletes
Watch the cross-country ski enthusiasts labor by while you scream down 1,200 feet of steep, the longest tubing lanes in Utah. Take the tow rope to the top, repeat. Ticket sales are capped to limit lines, so plan ahead. This hotspot for family fun keeps its cool factor high by pumping up the tunes and turning on the lights come nightfall.
2002 Olympic Drive, Midway,
435-654-2002, open seven days a week, hours vary, $10-$20 for two hours. SoldierHollow.com
