Best time to visit Utah

Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Utah

Grab your favourite board and a tent, and discover the beauty of Utah in your own way

Best time: all year round

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend time on the water. It can be a relaxing lake trip or a challenging river adventure, or even a balancing trial with a Stand Up Paddle Yoga class. This is one way to improve your strength and balance and bring relaxation and excitement.

The state of Utah offers lots of various spots to enjoy this sport. One of such great places is the Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River. The most fascinating thing here is the number of different take-outs along the river with beautiful nature around.

Colorado River in Moab is a bucket list spot for every paddler. The nature that surrounds it is simply breathtaking. This river contains calm sections where you feel like standing still together with tough whitewater.

Provo River is a calm and clear waterbody. Paddling down Provo canyon, through the sublime pine trees and gorgeous mountains is a great way to explore the area. At the Wildwood area, the river divides into three channels with bridge support posts. This part of the river can be quite dangerous, so it is better to walk it through. Other paddle boarding locations nearby are Utah Lake and Oquirrh Lake.

Lake Powell in the very south of Utah is scenic itself but the beauty of the canyons around is one of the main reasons to come here for paddling. Located at the height of 3,169 m in the Uinta Mountains, it opens to unforgettable views. It is forbidden to use motorized watercrafts, so you can enjoy your scenic paddling without any disturbing sounds.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir in the northeast features red rocks, unique desert plants, and the popular Flaming Gorge dam which can be easily accessed by a paddle board. Another northern spot is Bear Lake State Park.

A good news is such water trips may be enjoyed at any time of year.

Practical info

Where are some great locations for stand-up paddleboarding in Utah?

Numerous great locations exist in Utah for stand-up paddleboarding. Labyrinth Canyon is situated on Green River. Other options include Colorado River, Provo River, Bear Lake, and Lake Powell. Moreover, Flaming Gorge Dam provides a unique desert plant view with surrounded red rocks as an excellent option. Show more

What is the ideal time to visit and engage in stand-up paddleboarding?

Stand-up paddleboarding adventure in Utah can be enjoyed year-round despite the temperature. The ideal time to visit is between April to October. However, Lake Powell may still have some colder water temperatures during warmer weather. Individuals must always evaluate weather and water conditions to prioritize safety. Show more

Which are the most challenging paddleboarding sites in Utah?

Various Utah sites offer challenging paddleboarding courses. Colorado River has calm and difficult sections, whereas Labyrinth Canyon has rapids to tackle. Provo River has three channels, making the Wildwood area challenging due to bridge support posts. Paddleboarding near dams and spillways is not recommended. Choosing a challenging site warrants a professional assessment of your skills. Show more

What precautions should individuals take when engaging in stand-up paddleboarding in Utah?

Safety must be the priority when considering stand-up paddling. Cold water and weather conditions pose risks; thus, individuals require protective gear like life jackets. Always check the weather conditions since it might change suddenly. Avoid paddling near spillways, dams, and rocky areas. Individuals are advised to seek guidance or training on advanced locations and regularly assess their skill level. Show more

What makes stand-up paddleboarding in Utah special and unique?

Utah has numerous scenic views for individuals to enjoy while stand-up paddleboarding. Lake Powell, situated in the Uinta Mountains, offers a peaceful paddling adventure with picturesque views while motorized-watercraft-free. Colorado River has breathtaking surroundings, whereas Flaming Gorge Reservoir displays unique desert plants and beautiful red rocks. Additionally, paddling in Provo River provides a sublime view of pine trees and mountains. Show more

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