Paddle Boarding Utah | Best 16 Places

If you're looking for a fun and challenging way to get some exercise, paddle boarding might be the perfect sport for you. Not only is it great aerobic exercise, but it also provides a full-body workout as you use your arms, legs, and core to stay on the board. And thanks to Utah's many lakes and rivers, there are plenty of great places to paddle board in the state.

I know I'm not the only one who prefers owning my SUP board instead of renting it. If you're like me, then check out all these reliable and affordable paddle boards at Outdoor Master! They offer free shipping and great deals site-wide from time to time so there's no excuse for not getting your own board.

Without further ado, here are my best places to paddle board in Utah:

Table of content

1.Great salt lake 2.Bear lake 3.Wayne bartholomew family park 4.Sand hollow state park 5.East canyon reservoir 6.Silver lake flat reservoir 7.Fire lake park 8.Highland glen park 9.Lake powell 10.Jordanelle reservoir 11.Gunnison bend reservoir 12.Mirror lake 13.Yuba lake 14.Pineview reservoir 15.Utah lake state park 16.Provo river 17.FAQ

1. GREAT SALT LAKE

Three times saltier than oceans, the Great Salt Lake is a great place to paddle board because it is so large and there are many different areas to explore. You can paddle around Antelope Island, which is home to a variety of wildlife, or you can head out to the open water and see the amazing views of the Salt Lake City skyline.

This place is highly recommended for beginners due to its extra buoyancy and the water's very calm nature.

Just note, that you have to clean your paddle board with clean water to remove any salt that can damage things like seams.

If you are looking for a large lake where you can practice fitness moves on the water, relax, or have a fun time with friends or family, you should consider this place.

2. BEAR LAKE

Located north of Utah, Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the border of Idaho and Utah.

Known for its bright blue waters and is a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing. The water is clean and clear, making it a great place to explore. There are also several beaches around the lake where you can take a break or have a picnic.

The three main areas you can visit while you are there include Rendezvous Beach, Cisco Beach, and The State Marina. If you are looking for secluded areas, you can check North/South Eden, Rainbow Cove, or First Point north.

There are several companies that offer watercraft rentals, making it a great place for beginners to try out the sport. The calm waters and scenic views make Bear Lake a perfect place to paddle board.

To avoid boat traffic and intense winds, it is recommended to go paddling in the morning or before the afternoon.

Just to note, for Rendezvous Beach, there is an entree fee of $15/day. However, the parking lots are free along the roadside.

3. WAYNE BARTHOLOMEW FAMILY PARK

Wayne Bartholomew Family Park is located in the west of Utah Lake. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including paddle boarding.

Bartholomew Park has a large pond that is perfect for paddle boarding, and there are also several hiking trails that wind through the park.

In this pond, you can find plenty of fish, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout

I recommend this place to families and beginner paddlers looking for a paddleboarding destination with sandy beaches, pavilions, horseshoes, and areas to play volleyball.

4. SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK

If you're looking for a place to paddle board that also offers other activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, then Sand Hollow State Park is the place for you.

The park is located in the southwestern part of Utah and is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, rabbits, a variety of desert snakes, and lizards.

Just to note, there are no SUP rental shops in this place, so it is better to come with your own SUP board. If you don't have one, you can rent it from Dig Paddlesports LLC or Zion Kayak and SUP.

If you are heading there, remember to stay hydrated all the time and apply your sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun.

5. EAST CANYON RESERVOIR

East Canyon Reservoir is one of the best places for paddle boarding in Utah. The reservoir is located in the east part of the state and is a great place to paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.

The reservoir is quite small, but it is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at paddle boarding.

The most popular species that can be found in the reservoir include Rainbow trout, Smallmouth bass, and Hybrid striped bass.

Just remember, the water can be cold for some, so make sure to pack your towel to dry off.

There are no rental shops near the reservoir, so you have to come equipped with your own paddle board.

If you are looking for an all-level paddleboarding place with nice amenities for an overnight camping trip or a picnic in Utah, you should consider the East Canyon Reservoir.

6.SILVER LAKE FLAT RESERVOIR

If you're looking for a peaceful place to paddle board that's close to Salt Lake City, then Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is a great option.

The reservoir is located in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Fishing is also allowed in the reservoir, so you can enjoy a relaxing day on the water while also trying to catch Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout

Just be sure to check the regulations before you go, as there are special rules in place for fishing in the reservoir.

This place is quite small and not many people know about it due to its dirt road requirement and discrete location.

Just to note, this reservoir has just a gravel parking lot and a little dock, so do not expect amenities often found in popular reservoirs. Also, since this place

7. FIRE LAKE PARK

If you're looking for a place to paddle board in Utah, Fire Lake Park is a great option. The park offers scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains, and there are plenty of places to paddleboard on the lake.

What makes this place good for paddlers looking for a calm water body ideal for paddleboarding is that the motorized boats are restricted.

The water in Fire Lake is always clean because it is piped from the Gunlock Reservoir, making it also a great place for swimming.

I recommend you consider this place if you are looking for a reservoir with sandy beaches, picnic tables, and bathrooms.

To my knowledge, the closest place where you can rent a paddle board is Ivins Rentals. Customers said that they got their rental board delivered to the lake and one of them said they provided them also with a shade cover.

8. HIGHLAND GLEN PARK

Highland Glen Park is a great place to paddle board and it is located in the city of Highland, Utah. If you are visiting Salt Lake City and looking for a place to paddleboard, this is a good option since it is only 30 minutes away.

The water at this park is always clean because it comes from the American Fork River. The river is dammed up to create a reservoir, which is also a great place for swimming, and fishing.

There are plenty of places to park your car and there are also restrooms available.

With its volleyball court, pavilions, and kids playground, I highly recommend this place for families or paddlers with kids looking for leisure and a quiet weekend of relaxation.

9. LAKE POWELL

Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near the border between Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River. It is a popular destination for boating, camping, fishing, kayaking, and of course, paddle boarding.

There are multiple boat rental shops on Lake Powell that may have paddle boards available for rent. Call them first to avoid any disappointments.

For experienced paddlers, they can launch their board from boat ramps at Stateline, Clay Hills, or Bullfrog. if you are just beginning in the sport, you can go with the easier access points on the Arizona side of the water at Antelope Point Marina.

I recommend this place for beginners looking for a calm water body to apply what they learned online, and also adventurous SUPers looking for uncharted coves, caves, and inlets

10. JORDANELLE RESERVOIR

Located 37.5 miles from Salt Lake City downtown, the Jordanelle Reservoir is a great place to paddle board with stunning mountain views.

This adventurer hotspot chilly water is coming from Provo River and impounded by the Jordanelle Dam.

The water is usually calm since it is surrounded by mountains, making it ideal for beginners but you should always be aware of your surroundings because you are sharing the water with jet skis and boats.

If you are just beginning and you want to avoid the crowds in order to stay safe, visit this place mid-week. For an easy entry point, head to the west side of the reservoir at the Hailstone day use area which costs $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.

For rental shops, you have Jordanelle Rentals & Marina that have boats, kayaks, jet ski, and of course SUP boards.

11. GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR

Located near the town of Delta, Utah, you will find the Gunnison Bend Reservoir which is a great place to paddle board.

The water in this reservoir comes from the Gunnison River and it is usually calm which makes it great for beginners.

There are boat ramp, shaded picnic benches, and restrooms. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, no rental shop is available in the area, so you have to bring your own board.

By the way, if you ask me for my recommended paddle boards that are reliable and come at an affordable price, I would highly recommend you the ones from the Outdoor Master store.

To use the reservoir, there is a $10 fee. Also, there are camping sites available if you want to make a weekend out of it.

I recommend this paddleboarding place for people who are looking for a quiet place to paddle board without the crowds.

12. MIRROR LAKE

Located east of Kamas, this lake is a great place to paddle board because it is surrounded by mountains which make for beautiful scenery. The water is also usually very calm, making it also a great place for beginners to learn how to paddle board.

As its name suggests, the water in this lake reflects the nearby snow-capped mountains

This place is also great for fishing various species of trout including rainbow, brook, and tiger.

If you have a lightweight paddle board and are able to hike with it, you can go to the surrounding lakes such as Bonnie Lake, Scudder Lake, and Natural Basin.

With its campsites, latrines, and picnic areas, I recommend this place to anyone looking to avoid the summertime heat for cooler temperatures.

13. YUBA LAKE

Located in the center of Utah, Yuba Lake is a great place to paddle board with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The water in this lake is usually pretty calm, making it a great place for a relaxed paddleboarding session.

There is a boat ramp available as well as campgrounds and picnic areas.

If you are in Utah looking for warm water, stunning scenery to paddle with, Zipline, and lovely sandy beaches to paddle in where nice restrooms and showers are available too, I would highly recommend you check this place.

14. PINEVIEW RESERVOIR

This place is located in Utah's Ogden Valley and is a great place to paddle board with lovely mountain views.

The water is usually calm, making it ideal for beginners. You can also find some good spots for fishing here.

Besides tiger musky, this reservoir is rich in rainbows, bluegill, cutthroat trout,

small and largemouth bass, browns, perch and crappie, and tiger trout.

I recommend you to go there in the morning if you are new to paddleboarding and you do not want to paddle in noon winds.

What I like about this place is its modern campgrounds, modern lodging, and paved launch ramps from where you can start your session on the water.

Also, if you or one of your family members wants to swim, he can do so at Cemetery Point, Anderson Cove Campground, or the Middle Inlet Beach.

15. UTAH LAKE STATE PARK

This state park is located in the city of Provo, Utah, and is a great place to paddle board. The park offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.

There are also plenty of amenities nearby like drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers, making it a great place to spend a day on the water.

This Utah's largest natural freshwater lake is a popular destination for paddlers of all levels.

Just to note, to enter the water at the Lindon Marina and at the Utah Lake State Park entrance, you have to pay a fee. If you want to avoid that, you can use the free-of-charge access point south of the Lindon Marina. Also, the beauty of this place and its proximity to Provo Airport make it crowded in peak seasons.

If you are looking for a family weekend or a fishing-friendly destination to paddle in near the city of Salt Lake City, I will highly recommend you give this park a visit.

16. PROVO RIVER

Located northeast of Provo, Utah. This place is great for experienced SUP paddlers due to its choppy conditions and fast-moving currents.

The starting point is recommended below the Deer Creek Dam from the boat ramp, and for the exit, you can check out at Vivian Park, south of the dam.

Just be aware that this river is not for beginners and there are no lifeguards on duty, so you need to be careful. Also, because the riverbed in this river is shallow and has rock, avoid using solid SUP boards, instead, go with an inflatable that is less susceptible to damage.

Other important things to equip yourself with in this river are your SUP leash and life jacket. For the SUP leash, it should have the quick release feature to quickly free yourself if you need to.

Paddling in this river becomes more difficult after heavy rainfall. So, if you are less experienced, it is better to avoid these periods.

FAQ

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE PADDLEBOARDING IN UTAH?

1. SUP leashes are a must
2. Wear a PFD/Life Jacket
3. Check the weather conditions before paddling
4. Don't paddle alone
5. Tell someone where you're going
6. Be aware of your surroundings

These are just some basic safety tips that you need to keep in mind when paddling in Utah. For more detailed information, please check the link below.

https://red-equipment.us/pages/sup-safety-stay-safe-on-the-water

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO PADDLE IN UTAH?

The best time to paddle in Utah is in the summer when the weather is warm and dry. However, you need to be aware of the crowds as this is also the busiest time for paddlers.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can paddle in the spring or fall when the weather is still nice but there are fewer people.

Winter can also be a great time to paddle if you don't mind the cold. Just make sure to dress warmly and be aware of the ice on the river.