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Get ready to explore the hidden gem of Wyoming.

Have you ever dreamed of paddling amidst breathtaking mountain vistas and diverse wildlife?

The best places to paddle board in Wyoming are waiting for you.

Venture into Wyoming’s pristine waters for an unforgettable adventure. Are you up for the challenge?

 

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Wyoming

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

  • Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from June through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 78 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
  • Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Wyoming

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • 📍 Access Point: Jackson Lake Dam Boat Launch (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in the afternoon
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Moose, elk, trout, bald eagles
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Teton Mountain Range, Oxbow Bend
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk

Jackson Lake, located in Grand Teton National Park, offers stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range. Paddleboarders can enjoy the serene waters and diverse wildlife, including moose and elk that roam the shoreline.

Be sure to stop by Oxbow Bend for an iconic view of Mount Moran and the Snake River.

#2 Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • 📍 Access Point: Grant Village Boat Launch (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in afternoon
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bison, elk, cutthroat trout, waterfowl
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Yellowstone Caldera, geysers, hot springs
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions and near thermal features, cold water can be a risk. Access here is controlled: every craft, motorised or not, needs a Yellowstone AIS inspection and a boating permit before launching.

Yellowstone Lake, situated within the famous Yellowstone National Park, presents paddleboarders with a unique experience. With the backdrop of the Yellowstone Caldera and an array of geysers and hot springs, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind location for paddlers.

Be cautious of thermal features and wildlife when paddling in this pristine environment.

#3 Slide Lake

Slide Lake
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • 📍 Access Point: Slide Lake Campground (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Moose, elk, trout, waterfowl
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Gros Ventre Range, Slide Lake landslide
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk

Slide Lake, nestled in the Gros Ventre Range, is named for the massive landslide that took place in the early 1900s. The lake today offers a tranquil setting for paddleboarding.

Soak in the beautiful mountain views while navigating the quiet waters, and keep an eye out for moose and elk along the shoreline.

#4 String Lake

String Lake
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • 📍 Access Point: String Lake Picnic Area (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, crystal-clear waters
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Moose, beavers, bald eagles
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Teton Mountain Range
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe wildlife from a distance, cold water can be a risk

Also located in Grand Teton National Park, String Lake offers a calmer alternative to the larger lakes in the area. The crystal-clear waters and striking Teton Mountain Range views make it a popular choice for paddleboarders.

Watch for grazing moose and playful beavers as you paddle through this picturesque mountain lake.

#5 Fremont Lake

Fremont Lake
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • 📍 Access Point: Fremont Lake Campground (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, afternoon winds
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Elk, mule deer, trout, bald eagles
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Wind River Range
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk

Fremont Lake, located near Pinedale, Wyoming, lies at the foot of the stunning Wind River Range. The lake’s clear, deep waters and surrounding scenery make it a wonderful destination for paddleboarders.

With ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and mountain vistas, Fremont Lake is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Wyoming.

#6 North Platte River

North Platte River
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
  • 📍 Access Point: Treasure Island Public Access Area (Google Maps)
  • 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, occasional winds
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
  • 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl, pronghorn antelope
  • 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Wyoming plains, high desert bluffs
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in high water, respect private lands

The North Platte River meanders through Wyoming’s high plains and desert bluffs. As it flows, the river provides a scenic paddleboarding experience with gentle currents and unique landscapes.

As you traverse these historic waters, keep an eye out for antelope grazing near the riverbanks, and enjoy the wide-open skies of Wyoming.

 

FAQ

Where can you paddle board in Wyoming?

The most popular places to paddle board in Wyoming are Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, and Yellowstone Lake.

Do paddle boards need to be registered in Wyoming?

No, in Wyoming, paddle boards do not require registration.

When is the best time to paddle board in Wyoming?

The prime time for paddle boarding in Wyoming is during the summer months when the weather is warmer.

Paddle Boarding Near Wyoming

Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Wyoming.

Johanes started traveling as a hobby. From there, she discovered her love for watersports despite not being a good swimmer. If not writing about it, you can find her clinging to her trusty life jacket, testing new products, and going on tropical vacations.

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