Paddling Guide to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has all sorts of unique and ornate attributes, from its unique religious roots to its one-of-a-kind film festivals in Provo, and of course its namesake – a giant land-locked salt lake. This city is also Utah’s largest and has a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million people, but it’s the size of the lake that is its real claim to fame.

The Great Salt Lake is famous for good reason. It’s the biggest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. At 75 miles long and upwards of 35 miles wide at some points, it is no surprise there are tons of amazing adventures to be had while paddling in a kayak, canoe, or SUP board on this iconic body of water.

The Great Salt Lake alone is worth a trip to Utah’s largest city, but the Great Salt Lake is just one of many incredible bodies of water in and near Salt Lake City worth exploring with a paddle in hand.

Paddling opportunities are boundless in this region, and it is effortless to have a fun-filled vacation here if you are a watersports enthusiast. While it is easy to find a body of water to have fun paddling in, there are some truly magnificent bodies of water listed below that you should do your best to explore in a kayak, canoe, or SUP board when you take a paddling vacation to the Salt Lake City area.

Best Places For Paddling In Salt Lake City

1. Antelope Island State Park

Best Spot Within The Great Salt Lake

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Great Salt Lake might be huge, but it has surprisingly few attractive launch points. But one fantastic and very well-situated launch point that any paddler visiting Salt Lake City should check out is Antelope Island State Park.

Antelope Island is the largest island within Great Salt Lake, and when water levels are low, it is more a peninsula than an island. This large island’s state park has no shortage of activities and is an ideal spot to launch a paddling vessel into the Great Salt Lake. Antelope Island State Park has multiple campgrounds and some wonderful hiking trails and is known for the free-roaming bison that live here.

Paddling on this incredibly salty body of water is unique and magical. It’s no shock that this is sometimes considered one of the best places to SUP board in the country. There are living creatures that you may have never seen before. You might even notice some salt crusted onto your paddle after a long day of adventure, but cleaning it off is part of the unique thrill of exploring this one-of-a-kind body of water.

2. Jordanelle State Park

Perfect For Camping Enthusiasts

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Once you have had your fill of salt water, it’s time to move on to another stunning body of water that is equally idyllic for paddling enthusiasts. Jordanelle State Park is a perfect place for all sorts of paddling, from kayaking to SUP boarding, and equally as great for camping and hiking.

Jordanelle State Park has a picturesque and serene reservoir that is perfect for beginner paddlers and SUP enthusiasts, as the waters are often tranquil. The area also has great facilities, making it a great place to camp while exploring the diverse paddling opportunities in the Salt Lake City Area. There are other boating opportunities here for those looking for all sorts of water activities. There is also Jordanelle Rentals & Marina, a marina, boat, and equipment rental facility very close by for those wishing to rent paddling gear.

3. Willard Bay State Park

Best For Families

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Willard Bay State Park is a very well-situated park that has a little bit of everything for families. For one, it is located less than an hour north of downtown Salt Lake City, making it an easy getaway. It is also nestled along the edge of the Great Salt Lake. This allows families to visit this great salty body of water at one of its better and more well-maintained access points.

But what really sets this park apart is that it offers paddlers not only paddling on the Great Salt Lake but also in its lovely (albeit manmade) freshwater reservoir, which is the centerpiece of the park.

Combine this with the many modern and well-kept camping and recreation facilities, and you have an ideal natural destination for families to enjoy the outdoors that is still close to Salt Lake City. There are various paddling and boating opportunities here, and this is also a great place for fishing.

4. Silver Lake Flat Reservoir

Ideal For Tranquility

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If you are looking to escape civilization and have some seclusion within nature while you paddle, look no further than Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Silver Lake Flat is a hidden gem located just a short journey up a dirt road from the stunning but wildly popular Tibble Fork Reservoir and American Fork Canyon. Tibble Fork, while a great paddling reservoir in its own right, is often quite busy.

Silver Lake Flat, on the other hand, has no motor boats, and often very few people thanks to its primitive roads and minimal facilities. But those willing to go off the beaten path to get here are rewarded with a stunning mountain reservoir surrounded by green forest and sweeping mountain views.

This is an ideal spot to take a kayak or canoe, and maybe bring along a fishing pole as this spot is known for its great fresh-water fishing opportunities. There is also great wildlife viewing here, with moose known to make appearances from time to time.

5. Jordan River

 Best River Paddling

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Salt Lake City sure is known for its lakes and reservoirs, but it also has no shortage of rivers. There are a few rivers that even provide exceptional paddling opportunities. Of these great rivers, the Jordan River is arguably the most inviting river in the Salt Lake City region for all sorts of paddling enthusiasts.

The Jordan River spans 51 miles and begins in Utah Lake, the state’s largest body of fresh water. It then makes its way to the Great Salt Lake, where it ends. Along this path, there are long stretches that are fun for kayakers, canoers, and SUP lovers alike. SUP boarding has become an increasingly popular pastime along this river.

There are certain parts of this river that are also popular for tubing and lazily floating down the Jordan.

This variety of water activities makes it possible for all members of the family to have a good time on this river, regardless of their paddling interests or abilities. Make sure you check the water levels of this river, especially closer to the Great Salt Lake, before planning your excursion.

6. Pineview Reservoir

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When you think about Salt Lake City, lovely beaches are likely one of the last images that you conjure up, but there are some great ones not too far from Utah’s capital. It isn’t too hard to find little strips of sand along with clean, fresh water, and Pineview Reservoir happens to have some of the best beach and recreation areas in the state.

Cemetery Point is a particularly fantastic long peninsula filled with sandy beaches that are perfect for launching a kayak or SUP board. The reservoir has multiple inlets and coves that are fun to explore on a vessel of your choice. There are campgrounds and bed and breakfasts sprinkled throughout this area. There are also great hiking trails around this reservoir, which is surrounded by protected lands.

Pineview Reservoir is located just East of Ogden, and in turn, just under an hour north of Salt Lake City. Its ease of access makes it a great day trip for those looking to enjoy the summer weather on the water and beat the heat while paddling in its clean, fresh water.

7. Utah Lake State Park

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Utah Lake is a must-visit body of water for any paddling lover visiting the Salt Lake City region. While not nearly as large as the Great Salt Lake, it is still the largest freshwater lake in all of Utah. Thanks to its large size, Utah Lake is one of the best and most popular kayaking destinations in Utah.

There is so much to see here in this 148-square-mile lake, making it a great place for those looking for longer, even multi-day paddles. For those looking to use a touring SUP board in the Salt Lake City area or hoping to paddle some serious miles, this is the body of water for you.

It is located west of Provo, known for its great ski resorts, and a little more than an hour south of Salt Lake City. In addition to the popular city of Provo, there is a lot to do right in the proximity of this spacious lake, including a visit to the nearby Saratoga Hot Springs, located along the northern edge of the lake.

8. East Canyon State Park

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If you like your paddling adventure with a side of history, then head over to East Canyon State Park. The now famous Donner party, Iowa pioneers on their way westward, passed through this region with their wagons on their trek west, and you can still hike this trail to this day. Mormons played a role in rescuing members of this party, and this area is known for its Mormon historical roots.

In addition to this and other fabled history, East Canyon State Park offers incredible water activities. There are ample places to launch kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards. This area is also a popular place for swimming, fishing, jet skiing, and other boating.

In the summer months (until just after Labor Day Weekend), there is a concessions and boat rental shop located within the park as well, making paddling a breeze even if you don’t bring your gear. Just like with other stunning state parks in this region, there are well-equipped camping and restroom facilities in East Canyon State Park, making it another nice spot to set up camp if you love paddling and are visiting Salt Lake City.

9. Deer Creek State Park

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If you are looking for a combination of river and lake, then Deer Creek State Park is ideal. This state park and reservoir is located in the middle of the Provo River, which flows out of either side of this reservoir. The Provo River is just one river of several that stem out of the Deer Creek Reservoir.

All these rivers, creeks, and coves help make Deer Creek State Park a fascinating place to explore with a paddle in hand. This state park also offers fishing and other boating opportunities, and there is even a fun inflatable water park set up for kids (and kids at heart) in the summertime.

There are endless watersports adventure at Deer Creek State Park, and even camping nearby at Great Horned Owl Campground. Located just Northeast of the Utah Lake, this makes for a great destination for those based in Provo for a few days during a Salt Lake City paddling trip.

10. Causey Reservoir

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Another tranquil reservoir that restricts motorboats and other motorized watercraft is the Causey Reservoir. This 142-acre body of water is a serene place to enjoy some peace, quiet, and the spirit of nature while canoeing, kayaking, or SUP boarding. It is located 5,700 feet above sea level, making this another alpine lake on the list.

It is ideal for those looking for unspoiled nature, wildlife, and paddling in a world as far from city life as it gets. In addition to some peaceful paddling in the reservoir, this area offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities and some great hiking near Salt Lake City, including the Skull Crack trail.

This stunning mountainous region is located a little more than an hour northeast of Salt Lake City and is well worth the drive for those looking to be at one with nature on a paddling vessel.

11. Provo River

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The Jordan River is not the only fun paddling river close to Salt Lake City. The Provo River also offers some great paddling opportunities. The main difference between these two rivers is that the Provo River has some Class I-II rapids, and is a bit shallow and bumpy in parts.

This makes it a fun, but sometimes slightly difficult endeavor. It is a great place for those looking to try some challenging but not terrifying rapids. Skilled SUP boarders are also known to navigate these waters, but it is recommended to use an iSUP, as hardboards can get pretty banged up by rocks and shallows.

Still, the Provo River is lively, wild, cold, and full of adventure. It is a wonderful river to explore if you are a skilled paddler, and also fun to appreciate on one of the many trails and bridges along it.

12. Mirror Lake

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Mirror Lake is a bit further than the rest of the bodies of water on this list, but its majestic and mountainous beauty make it worth mentioning and certainly worth visiting if you are planning a more extended paddling trip within Utah. Located high up in the Ashley National Forest, Mirror Lake is an off-the-beaten-path sanctuary during the summer months.

It gets its name from the stunning reflection of the evergreens and mountaintops that it gives off, thanks to the clean and still nature of the water. This is a wonderful place for primitive camping, kayaking, and canoeing.

This lake is also home to several trout species. So if you are an angler and paddler on a quest for a magic and serene paddling spot in Utah, head East from Salt Lake City to the Ashley National Forest and enjoy all that Mirror Lake has to offer.

A Note On Great Salt Lake’s Falling Water Levels

Like many bodies of water in the Southwestern United States, the Great Salt Lake is under great duress currently. The footprint of this largest salt lake in the United States has shrunk by more than half in the last 40 years or so. This is alarming and a cause of much concern for environmentalists and all who rely on the river for its ecosystem and recreation.

This is a reversible problem, but currently, there is no legislation to sure up the resources to reverse the shrinking of this still-evaporating lake where Utah’s capitol city gets its name. There will need to be changes to how portions of Utah allocate and use its water. Currently, there are still ample paddling opportunities in Great Salt Lake, even with its decreased water levels.

What Makes Salt Lake City A Great Paddling Destination?

Salt Lake City enjoys pleasant weather for much of the year and is surrounded by stunning geography. There is no shortage of canyons and diverse bodies of water in this region.

From the giant saltwater lake this city is named after to various rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, Salt Lake City is an unexpected landlocked paradise for paddlers. It can also be a much cheaper paddling vacation than nearby states like California and Colorado.

Best Time Of Year For A Salt Lake City Paddling Vacation

Many people opt to visit Salt Lake City in the winter to enjoy its skiing and the nearby Sundance Film Festival. But if you are planning a paddling trip to Salt Lake City, the best time to visit is between late August and October. This is when the weather is warm during the day but cool at night. If you are camping or renting equipment, keep in mind some facilities are only open during peak summer months.

You may also find cheaper rates on hotels and airfare, as this tends to be a shoulder season and off-peak for other types of tourism in this area. Spring, between April and late May, is also a good time to avoid summer crowds and prices.

The summer is also a great time to visit Salt Lake City as this is when all the recreation facilities are in full swing. You should, however, expect higher prices and large crowds. If you visit Salt Lake City in the summer, do your best to plan in advance and make reservations in advance.

Where You Can Rent Paddling Equipment In Salt Lake City

There are tons of places to rent paddling equipment from in Salt Lake City. That means it is always a good idea to shop around, as many companies offer specials at different times.

Keep in mind that while there are lots of options, some stores are seasonal. This means if you are kayaking outside peak season, some of these rental facilities might be closed for the season.

Here are some popular and well-regarded rental companies in the Salt Lake City area.

Jordanelle Rentals & Marina: The premier place to rent boats, paddle boards, and other equipment while visiting Jordanelle State Park.

High Country Adventure: A great place for those looking to do some white water rafting or tubing while visiting the Salt Lake City area. This place offers tours and excursions, as well as raft and tube rentals.

Green Adventure Sports Rentals: An adventure sports rental company with all sorts of rental gear, from various SUP boards to sit-on-top kayaks and even fishing kayaks. Good for those looking for a specific type of adventure paddling vessel.

Ashley’s Water Toys: A company that has been in business for almost 10 years. They offer solid prices with several rental options for all seasons. They are located just north of Salt Lake City, conveniently located just one mile off Route 15.

Concluding Thoughts On Where To Paddle In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City and the areas surrounding it are home to dozens of reservoirs and state parks, as well as multiple important rivers that are great for paddling, white water rafting, or simply floating down in an innertube to escape the summer heat.

Salt Lake City has all sorts of ornate natural beauty you might not expect, from alpine lakes to long stretches of beach and the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere.

With so much natural wonder to explore on the water, it’s no wonder that Salt Lake City is a terrific, albeit lesser-known, paddling destination worth visiting.