Discover the beauty of Utah from its tranquil waters!
The best places to paddle board in Utah offer views of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Grab your paddle board, and let’s dive into Utah’s pristine lakes and rivers. Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Utah
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 Pineview Reservoir

- ????️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
- Access Point: Anderson Cove Campground and Marina (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, afternoon breezes
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, occasional deer sightings
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding Wasatch Mountains, nearby Snowbasin Resort
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for watercraft, follow boating regulations
Pineview Reservoir, situated in the Ogden Valley, is a popular lake for paddle boarders. Surrounded by stunning Wasatch Mountain views, it provides a picturesque setting for a day on the water.
Enjoy the calm waters of the reservoir and the nearby marina, all while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery that makes Utah so iconic.
#2 Great Salt Lake

- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Great Salt Lake Marina (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Brine shrimp, migratory birds, nearby bison
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Antelope Island, sunset views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for changing weather conditions, beware of insects in late Summer
The vast and unique Great Salt Lake offers a one-of-a-kind paddleboarding experience. The lake’s high salinity provides additional buoyancy, making it easier for paddlers to float and maneuver.
Glide through the serene waters and embrace the stunning sunset views, with the graceful silhouette of Antelope Island in the backdrop.
#3 Jordan River

- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Inlet Park in Saratoga Springs (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, occasional wildlife sightings
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Green riverbanks, cityscapes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, follow standard river safety practices
Flowing through Utah’s Salt Lake County, the Jordan River offers a peaceful and scenic paddleboarding experience. With stretches of lush green banks and opportunities for birdwatching, it’s an urban escape for nature lovers.
The calm waters and gentle currents make it a great spot for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
#4 Quail Creek State Park

- ????️ Location Type: Reservoir
- Access Point: Quail Creek State Park Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, desert wildlife
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Red rock formations, nearby Sand Hollow State Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park regulations, watch for changing water levels
Located near St. George and surrounded by red rock formations, Quail Creek State Park boasts a beautiful reservoir for paddleboarding. The desert landscape creates a striking contrast with the crystal-clear waters.
Explore the park’s stunning shoreline and enjoy the warm Southern Utah climate that makes paddleboarding here a delight.
#5 Deer Creek Reservoir

- ????️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
- Access Point: Deer Creek Island Resort Marina (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, possible afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Mount Timpanogos, Provo River
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations
Deer Creek Reservoir, located in Heber Valley, offers a tranquil mountain lake setting perfect for paddleboarders. The picturesque backdrop of Mount Timpanogos and the nearby Provo River provide a stunning environment for all skill levels.
Enjoy the calm waters and explore the various recreational opportunities that Deer Creek Reservoir has to offer.
#6 Sand Hollow State Park

- ????️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
- Access Point: Sand Hollow State Park Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, desert wildlife
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Red rock formations, sand dunes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, stay out of restricted areas
Sand Hollow State Park, situated near St. George, features a beautiful reservoir perfect for paddleboarding. The park’s unique mix of red rock formations, sand dunes, and clear blue waters create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Explore the park’s various recreational offerings and enjoy the stunning Southern Utah scenery from your paddleboard.
I apologize for any misunderstanding. My primary goal is to provide accurate and reliable information. Based on my research, here are two additional paddleboarding spots in Utah. If I discover more suitable locations, I’ll be sure to update the list.
#7 Bear Lake

- ????️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
- Access Point: Rendezvous Beach State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer, Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding mountains, famous turquoise-color water
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park regulations, be aware of boating traffic
Bear Lake, known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” is situated on the Utah-Idaho border. Its striking turquoise waters and surrounding mountain vistas offer a breathtaking setting for paddleboarding adventures.
Enjoy the calm waters and sandy beaches, and indulge in the region’s famous raspberry shakes after a day on the lake.
#8 Green River

- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Green River State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protective canyon walls
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, some desert wildlife
- ????️️️ Landmarks & Views: Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons, rock formations
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for multi-day trips, understand river safety, follow BLM guidelines
The Green River, in eastern Utah, offers sections of calm water through stunning canyons, perfect for a multi-day paddleboarding adventure.
The river’s course through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons provides breathtaking views of unique rock formations and an opportunity to experience Utah’s remote beauty.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Utah?
Top spots for paddle boarding in Utah include Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Creek State Park, and the Great Salt Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Utah?
In Utah, paddle boards do not require registration.
When is the best time to paddle board in Utah?
Paddle boarding in Utah is ideal from early summer to mid autumn, when weather conditions are warm and calm.
