Utah boasts some of the most beautiful places in the world for kayaking. With five incredible national parks, plus scenic lakes and sparkling rivers, Utah offers kayaking destinations suited to every kind of paddler.
Whether you want the exciting challenge of whitewater rapids or simply prefer calm, flat waters, you can bet on Utah to provide some of the best kayaking spots in the U.S. Our Utah kayaking guide highlights the state’s best kayaking spots so you can decide where to go paddling the next time you visit the Beehive State.
1. Utah Lake
Located west of Provo, Utah Lake represents one of the most popular kayaking spots in the state. As the largest freshwater lake in the state, Utah Lake offers hours of kayaking fun.
Utah Lake provides multiple launch points, and its serene, shallow waters make it suitable for paddling novices. The lake also caters to visitors who enjoy other leisure activities, like swimming and angling.
Paddling around Utah Lake offers kayakers a magnificent view of the Wasatch Mountains. Head to the north of the lake to take out near the popular Vineyard Beach for a post-paddle picnic on the sandy shores.
2. Bear Lake
Referred to as the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’ due to its turquoise water, Bear Lake is a beauty spot not to be missed. The southern half of the lake sits within Utah, and the northern half in Idaho, making it an ideal place for northern Utah kayaking.
The lake’s calm waters provide a peaceful paddling experience for families and couples, and novice and experienced paddlers alike can make the best of this idyllic kayaking spot by slowly exploring the shoreline.
You’ll find countless ideal put-in and take-out spots along the edge of the lake. To reach Bear Lake, take an easy drive northeast from Logan along US 89.
3. Green River
A popular spot for kayakers, the 730-mile-long Green River begins in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flows all the way to Utah. With scenic landscapes teeming with wildlife, this river offers kayakers a natural thrill. Certain areas of the river remain suitable for beginners, but the Class III rapids also draw lots of veteran kayakers from neighboring states.
Green River State Park is an ideal launch point for a trip through the Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons before the river heads south to join the Colorado River. Mineral Bottom in Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River at Spanish Bottom both serve as ideal take-outs if you want to further explore Utah’s natural beauty on foot.
4. Lake Powell
Spanning almost 200 miles in length between Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell possesses some of the most extraordinary rock formations in the country and draws thousands of visitors every year for camping and kayaking.
The lake offers kayakers several coves to explore and a splendid view of the famous Rainbow Bridge, a unique rock formation. A safe place for all kayakers to enjoy a quiet day on the water, Lake Powell dazzles paddlers with its majestic arches and hidden caves.
Glen Canyon, Stanton Creek, and Lone Rock all provide helpful launch points, and you can also put in at Bullfrog Marina, where you will find plenty of kayaks available for rent.
5. Mirror Lake
Located in the high Uinta Mountains and deriving its name from its surface’s crystal-clear reflection of the neighboring mountains, Mirror Lake attracts hordes of kayakers during the summer. The lake is also popular with fishermen for its abundance of rainbow trout, tiger trout, and several other fish species.
The calm waters prove ideal for both novices and experienced paddlers looking for a peaceful experience, and the towns and cities west of Mirror Lake provide kayaks for rent. The campground inside the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest also provides a boat ramp inside the day-use area.
6. Provo River
The Provo River offers kayakers a picturesque view as it flows for nearly 80 miles from the Uinta Mountains through Provo and into Utah Lake. A versatile spot for kayakers of all skill levels, the river flows past breathtaking mountains and through deep canyons, with occasional views of Mount Timpanogos.
The river remains divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Lower Provo hosts gentle Class I and Class II whitewater stretches that flow towards Utah Lake, making it the best spot for families and less experienced kayakers. Lower Deer Creek Road serves as an ideal put-in, while the take-out sits within Vivian Park.
For a more thrilling ride, experienced kayakers should head to Upper Provo, where currents are especially fast after higher snowmelt.
7. Red Fleet Reservoir
Located within Red Fleet State Park in northeast Utah, Red Fleet Reservoir is a truly beautiful kayaking destination. Kayakers of every level can paddle along the still waters of this 750-acre reservoir, and kayaks can be hired at the State Park entrance, which also offers a day-use boat launch area.
This state park also serves as a pristine place to indulge in other leisure activities, like camping and fishing, and features plenty of spectacular sandstone rock formations to explore. Post-paddle, kayakers can make a 1.7-mile hike to look at some famous 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, which are a major draw for Red Fleet Reservoir.
8. Colorado River
The Upper Colorado River in Moab, Utah, serves as an excellent kayaking destination for both expert and novice kayakers. As one of the most popular family kayaking spots in Utah, the Colorado River also boasts plenty of beaches for camping along the way, making it a good choice for multi-day adventures.
The picturesque red rocks of Moab provide beautiful scenery to admire as you cruise down the mostly gentle Class I and III rapids of the river, and the spectacular Castle Valley and Fisher Towers further add to the experience. Rent kayaks from Tex’s Riverways or Wild West Voyages for epic kayaking tours on this section of the river.
Or, for more extreme waters, Cataract Canyon offers Class III-V rapids and intense big drops. Westwater Canyon, known as “The world’s best short whitewater trip”, is another technical ride that draws experienced kayakers looking for a challenge.
9. Tibble Fork Reservoir
Kayaking on Tibble Fork Reservoir is a peaceful way to experience the beauty of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This 22-acre mountain lake is surrounded by towering pine forests and rugged peaks, including the striking Mount Timpanogos.
Motorized boats are prohibited here, making it a safe option for families and novice paddlers looking for a peaceful place to get out on the water. During the warmer months, visitors often combine kayaking with fishing, hiking, or picnicking, making Tibble Fork Reservoir a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic adventure.
10. Deer Creek
Deer Creek Reservoir offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and rolling hills, the reservoir features expansive blue waters that are ideal for paddling.
Early mornings often provide calm conditions, allowing kayakers to enjoy tranquil views of the surrounding peaks and abundant wildlife along the shoreline. Its convenient location near Heber Valley and Provo makes it an accessible getaway for anyone seeking a memorable day on the water.
11. Silver Lake Flat Reservoir
Silver Lake Flat Reservoir offers an unforgettable experience surrounded by Utah’s signature rugged natural beauty. Tucked away in American Fork Canyon, this high-elevation reservoir offers calm waters that are perfect for a peaceful paddle.
The quiet setting makes it an excellent destination for kayakers looking to escape the crowds, enjoy wildlife viewing, or simply relax in nature for a few hours. As you glide across the lake, you’ll be treated to stunning views of forested slopes, rocky peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows during the summer months.
The Best Places to Go Kayaking in Utah
The places mentioned in this Utah kayaking guide are among the best spots for kayaking in the state. If you plan on taking a trip to Utah, any of the above locales would serve as the perfect setting for your next kayaking adventure.
Whether you’re seeking a nice, calm ride on scenic lakes or craving epic whitewater, Utah offers enough variety to satisfy all kayakers. For more kayaking adventures, read our guides to Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho.
