Where do I meet for the shuttle?

Check in at the Bozeman tubing office: 1110 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715; arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

How long is the float?

On-water time varies with flows—typically 1 to 2.5 hours; allow about 4–5 hours total from check-in to return to Bozeman.

This is an unguided float with shuttle support: staff provide orientation, safety briefing, and gear transport, but you float independently.

Are children allowed?

Yes—children age 3 and up may participate; those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).

Do I need any licenses?

Montana requires a conservation license for persons over 12 to use public boat launches—check current Fish, Wildlife & Parks rules before arrival.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refunds are available for cancellations outside 48 hours before your trip; check your confirmation for details.

Bozeman Town-to-River Shuttle: Easy Madison River Tube Trip | Shuttle | River Tube

Along the edge of downtown Bozeman, Montana, a short drive drops you into the wide, easy current of the Madison River. The TOWN to RIVER SHUTTLE Tube Trip delivers exactly that: a simple, unguided float that moves the logistics off your plate and hands you a cooler, a tube, and a stretch of river to call your own. Meet at 1110 West Main Street in Bozeman, check in, load into a shuttle van and twenty minutes later you’re at California Corner, strapping into tubes beneath cottonwoods and basalt cliffs. This float is shaped by the Madison’s character—clear, cold water running through glacially carved valleys and volcanic bedrock, braided gravel bars that form effortless eddies, and riparian corridors of willow and cottonwood. The river is a blue-ribbon trout fishery, so anglers watch for seams where browns and rainbows hold; for tubers it’s the slow riffles, deep pools, and picture windows of sky framed by the Gallatin Range that make the trip memorable. Time on the water varies with flow—expect 1 to 2.5 hours floating, and roughly 4–5 hours for the full town-to-river roundtrip. What makes this experience stand out in southwest Montana is the combination of convenience and place. The operator handles shuttling, safety orientation, and gear, so you skip shuttle runs, parking headaches, and guesswork. The takeout at Black’s Ford provides a reliable endpoint and a chance to swap stories with other floaters while staff collects equipment and brings you back to Bozeman. This is self-guided but supported—the perfect hybrid for visitors who want independence without logistics. Practical details matter: bring snacks, sun protection, a waterproof phone case, and a valid Montana conservation license if you’ll use public boat launches (check current state rules). Children under 14 must ride with an adult; trips require a minimum headcount to run. Add-ons like a cooler tube or dry bag simplify a lazy afternoon. This shuttle suits groups, families, and anyone looking for no-stress river time after a big day of hiking or fly fishing. It’s uniquely Bozeman because it connects downtown to a wild stretch of river in under an hour, turning an urban morning into a riverside afternoon with almost no planning. Come for the float, stay for the access—this is Montana’s easy answer to getting on water quickly and well. On higher flows the current nudges toward gentle rapids and scenic cutbanks where eagles perch; in low water seasons, the route threads shallow channels that reveal gravel bars perfect for wading and picnicking. Packs and coolers can be stowed in provided dry bags, and optional upgrades—stand-up paddleboard rental or a cooler tube—turn this into a hybrid float-and-play day. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends. Call ahead for last-minute availability today.

Bozeman Town-to-River Shuttle: Easy Madison River Tube Trip

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