There's nothing quite like relaxing on a beautiful river on a hot summer's day. Sitting back in a tube or kayak or canoe while the river just pushes you along with little effort on your part is one of life's greatest pleasures. You may think that you have to drive quite a distance from the city to enjoy this type of luxury - but that's not true at all! We have a lazy river right here in the Denver metro, and it's closer than you think. Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is a natural lazy river that you'll love. Read on to learn more about this magical spot!

Want to go tubing? Clear Creek Whitewater Park awaits!

This section of Clear Creek flows right through the middle of Golden. People come from all over to spend time floating upon it on hot summer days.

This creek is beautiful! You're going to love everything about it. You can bring your own tube (or rent one from a local outfitter nearby!) and float down it any day of the week.

This is right by Lions Park. Lions Park is a great park even above and beyond the creek, actually. There are picnic tables and a great playground, and the Golden Community Center is adjacent to it as well. You might consider having a picnic in the park before you start your float. However, parking at the park is reserved for people using the park only. If you plan on using the river, you can park for free at the Clear Creek Parking lot at 304 10th Street. You can also park on the street, but be sure to visit ParkGoldenCO.com to pay as needed and to make sure you are parked legally.

Once you put in, and get yourself situated in your tube or other craft, you'll float about a quarter mile down the creek to the take-out at Vanover Park.

There's also a tubing shuttle available most weekends operated by Adventure West. You'll need to buy tickets to ride the shuttle.

Then, once you get out, you can walk back up the Clear Creek Trail on foot and do it all over again!

You'll want to wear sneakers or water shoes for your float, because the pavement can get hot on the walk back. It's also wise to have them anyway, as the creek contains rocks and other hazards, and you want to keep your feet safe!

The speed at which Clear Creek flows is obviously dependent on a lot of factors including rain and snow melt. Sometimes, this is truly a "lazy river"! Other times, however, it can be quite fast. It's called a "whitewater park" for a reason, after all!

Kayakers come here to practice their skills before taking on more intense mountain streams, so that should give you some idea of how fast this creek can sometimes get.

The City of Golden recommends that everyone wear life vests when recreating on the creek, regardless of the speed of the water. Of course, you want your fun time to be as safe as possible.

You should check river conditions on VisitGolden.com before you go. Sometimes, it's rated unsafe for people under the age of 18.

Most of the time, though, you can just sit back, relax, enjoy the water, and take in the views along Clear Creek of Golden.

Once you do this once, you'll want to do it all the time. Riding Clear Creek soon becomes a big, annual tradition for almost everyone who has ever experienced it.

Tubing or kayking or canoeing on Clear Creek at Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is the best! You're going to love everything about it. Get out there on the water today!

Do you need water shoes or other outdoor equipment to experience this adventure? Visit REI.com for everything you could possibly need!