While we earn our Colorado stripes by roaring through whitewater rapids, there’s nothing wrong with taking the slow lane once in a while. Nothing says summer like a relaxing float.

But that can all too often be an ideal vision. “Floating” can turn to “rollicking” for the unprepared.

Before dropping in, one should be aware of their route, the weather and water levels that can sometimes be too low or too high for safe passage. Check in with local outfitters and authorities before heading to these go-to spots:

Boulder Creek

Nothing speaks to the tradition here like the annual Tube to Work Day. The city maintains a webpage of information, including the suggested put-in at Eben G. Fine Park. For a short run, take out at the high school. The webpage mentions a longer trip to 55th Street — “just don’t expect a super-gentle float.”

Clear Creek, Golden

If you’ve delighted in watching boaters make their way through downtown Golden, maybe it’s finally time to join the action. But be advised Clear Creek Whitewater Park was designed with Class II/III kayakers in mind — “not a lazy river float!” Golden River Sports emphasizes. The outfitter recommends walking the creek’s convenient, adjacent path to decide on a section suited for you.

South Platte River, Littleton

Here’s another fine way to beat the heat in Denver. “Fine” usually applies to the water — typically gentle for the whole family. First-timers might want to check in with Adventure West. By Breckenridge Brewery’s Farm House restaurant, the company will shuttle you upstream for a float through Carsen Nature Center that ends back at the beer and food in one to three hours, depending on flows.

Colorado River, Palisade

An idyllic float might end with a glass of wine or a sweet, juicy peach. Orchards and vineyards are seen amid the mesas and sandstone cliffs of western Colorado. Float Palisade guides bill it “the Grand Valley’s most serene section of the Colorado River.” A popular route that might last two hours: Riverbend Park in town to Corn Lake.

San Juan River, Pagosa Springs

A town webpage details 2 miles of tubing from River Center to Yamaguchi Park. In the right conditions — considered to be lower levels under 400 cubic feet per second — you’ll enjoy some wave features, shops and restaurants of downtown, bordering wetlands and views of the San Juan Mountains. And you might spy a riverside hot spring to dip into later.

Yampa River, Steamboat Springs

For first-timers, it might be a good move to rent a tube from Backdoor Sports, where you can drop in and float about 2 miles to the shuttle at James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge. For a longer trip, people in-the-know park at the Stockbridge Transit Center and ride a shuttle to the put-in at Fetcher Pond. Through town, they take out for a lunch break.