Where to Paddle Board in Utah: The Ultimate SUP Guide
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking paddle boarding locations in the country. From tropical-blue lakes to canyon rivers and alpine escapes, this guide covers all the top SUP spots worth exploring.
Bullet Points: Why Utah Is a Paddleboarding Paradise
Diverse landscapes: red-rock canyons, alpine lakes, desert reservoirs
Options for all skill levels—from calm, warm lakes to whitewater rivers
Year-round paddling opportunities with the right gear and preparation
Table of contents
Utah is one of the most diverse paddle boarding destinations in the United States. From desert reservoirs to alpine lakes, red-rock canyons to glassy blue waters, the state delivers a mix of serenity, adventure, and surreal landscapes you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you want a relaxing float with mountain views, a weekend of SUP exploration, or adrenaline-pumping river paddling, we explore where to paddle board in Utah.
Top Paddle Boarding Destinations in Utah
Bear Lake – “The Caribbean of the Rockies”
Bear Lake straddles the Utah–Idaho border and is famous for its striking turquoise water. This massive, calm lake is ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who enjoys scenic, wide-open paddling. Launch from multiple sandy beaches, explore quiet coves, or paddle out to the floating food truck during summer.
The Colorado River – SUP With a Canyon View
The calm stretches near Moab offer unforgettable SUP scenery. Towering red cliffs, winding canyon walls, and peaceful desert silence make this a must-paddle location. Always be mindful of currents, changing water levels, and wind.
Deer Creek Reservoir – SUP Yoga Paradise
Located in the Heber Valley, Deer Creek is one of Utah’s most user-friendly reservoirs. Its typically calm mornings make it popular for SUP yoga, wildlife viewing, and beginner-friendly paddling.
Pineview Reservoir – A Family Favorite
Warm water, sandy beaches, and dramatic mountain views make Pineview a beloved northern Utah SUP hub. It’s also one of the best places to try SUP fishing, especially for tiger muskie.
Quail Creek State Park – The Desert Oasis
With warm, clear water and red-rock landscapes, Quail Creek feels like paddling through a desert jewel. Calm water makes it excellent for beginners and sunset paddles.
Jordanelle State Park – The Most Versatile SUP Spot
Close to Park City, Jordanelle offers rentals, lessons, wide coves, and calm open-water areas—perfect for both learning and long exploration sessions.
Great Salt Lake – A One-of-a-Kind Experience
The buoyancy from the lake’s high salinity creates a totally unique feeling while paddle boarding. Conditions can turn quickly, so intermediate to advanced paddlers only.
East Canyon Reservoir – Quiet Mountain Escape
A peaceful mountain lake ideal for SUP yoga, sunrise paddles, and wildlife viewing. Excellent conditions for new paddlers seeking a calm setting.
Mirror Lake – High-Elevation Beauty
Cool, crisp, and quiet—Mirror Lake in the Uintas provides breathtaking alpine scenery and mirrored reflections. Bring warm layers even in mid-summer.
Sand Hollow State Park – Red Rock Perfection
With vibrant red cliffs surrounding warm blue water, Sand Hollow is a desert-paddling dream. Great for photography, long cruises, or simply relaxing on your board.
Provo River – For the Adventurous
A mix of calm stretches and light rapids make parts of the Provo River an exciting intermediate-level SUP spot. Helmet and PFD recommended.
Utah Lake State Park – Accessible & Relaxing
Long, open stretches of warm water make Utah Lake a go-to evening or early-morning paddle for locals. Best during low-wind hours.
Tibble Fork Reservoir – Mountain Gem
Known for emerald water and stunning alpine views, Tibble Fork is perfect for peaceful paddling or photography outings.
Causey Reservoir – Narrow Canyons & Calm Water
A favorite among Utah paddlers, Causey offers serene canyon paddling, cool water, and excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Tropic Reservoir – Near Bryce Canyon
A quiet SUP getaway surrounded by pines and red rocks. Great for escaping national park crowds.
Weber River – Thrill-Seekers Welcome
For confident paddlers, Weber River provides a mix of swiftwater challenges and adrenaline-boosting features.
Ogden Whitewater Park – SUP Surf Playground
A wave-riding hotspot for advanced paddlers. Requires helmets, PFDs, river experience, and swiftwater awareness.
Smith and Morehouse Reservoir – Wildlife Wonderland
Located in the western Uintas, this reservoir offers calm water, forested shorelines, and frequent wildlife sightings.
Yuba Lake – Desert Paddling Escape
Warm summer water and wide-open desert views make Yuba ideal for long, relaxing paddles. Winds can pick up, so check conditions first.
Bonnie Lake – Quiet Mountain Retreat
Secluded and pristine, Bonnie Lake is perfect for solitude seekers. Ideal for lightweight inflatables you can hike in with.
Lake Powell – The Ultimate SUP Destination
A surreal maze of red-rock canyons, turquoise coves, and towering cliffs. Endless exploration awaits and every turn reveals a new photographic masterpiece.
Flaming Gorge – Red Rock Meets Deep Blue Water
Striking colors, endless coves, and deep canyon walls make Flaming Gorge one of Utah’s most visually stunning paddle destinations.
Silver Lake Flat Reservoir – Alpine Tranquility
Cold, clear water and panoramic mountain scenery define this quiet SUP haven near Alpine City.
Silver Lake (American Fork Canyon) – Hike-In SUP Adventure
A short hike leads to this peaceful alpine lake. Perfect for inflatable boards and nature lovers seeking still water and mountain ambiance.
Rockport Reservoir – Great for Families
Calm water, beaches, campgrounds, and easy access make Rockport one of Utah’s best all-ages SUP destinations.
Utah is a dream destination for stand up paddleboarders. Few places combine such dramatic variety—from Caribbean-blue lakes to red-rock rivers and alpine waters high in the Uintas. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm, warm water or a seasoned paddler ready for canyon winds or whitewater challenges, Utah offers a SUP experience you’ll never forget.
Pack your board, pick a lake or river from this guide, and get ready to glide through some of the most spectacular water scenery in the country.
Final Thoughts on Where to Paddle Board in Utah
Utah is a dream destination for stand up paddleboarders. Few places combine such dramatic variety—from Caribbean-blue lakes to red-rock rivers and alpine waters high in the Uintas. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm, warm water or a seasoned paddler ready for canyon winds or whitewater challenges, Utah offers a SUP experience you’ll never forget.
Pack your board, pick a lake or river from this guide, and get ready to glide through some of the most spectacular water scenery in the country.
Ken Driscoll
Former whitewater kayaker and kayak designer. Founder of Glide.
FAQs
When is the best time to paddle board in Utah?
Late spring through early fall offers the warmest temperatures and calmest water. For alpine lakes, midsummer is best due to chilly conditions.
Can beginners paddle board on the Colorado River?
Yes—certain calm stretches near Moab are beginner-friendly. Avoid sections with rapids unless you have whitewater experience.
Do Utah lakes require permits for SUP?
Most state parks charge a day-use or access fee, but paddleboards themselves do not require registration.
Is lake wind a big issue in Utah?
Yes—especially in the afternoons. Early mornings offer the calmest and safest conditions.
