Utah’s 5 Best Destinations for SUP Paddleboarding

TGR Stash contributor Kalen Thorien knows well how to open up a whole new world of adventures with a paddleboard. Ian Provo photo.

Although the sport of stand-up paddleboarding has been enjoyed for decades, in recent years it's becoming a much more popular sport in terms of becoming mainstream. There's no doubt about it that this sport is becoming popular because of its versatility–it can be both relaxing or challenging, and apparently it can done in any season, including winter. With the help of fellow TGR Stash contributor and SUP enthusiast, Kalen Thorien, we've rounded up the top five best SUP destinations throughout the Beehive State of Utah. 

#1: The Green River's Labyrinth Canyon

Inflatable SUPs can carry plenty of camping gear, food, and coolers. Kalen Thorien photo.

Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River includes Class I mellow rivers with gorgeous side hikes and views of Canyonlands National Park. After put-in at either Green River State Park or Ruby Ranch, spending three to four nights is recommended for the 68 river miles to the Mineral Bottom take-out. The great thing about Labyrinth Canyon is the dozens of different options for take-outs along the river. There are 52 miles of flat water throughout Stillwater Canyon that wind through Canyonlands to the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. Although, traveling beyond Mineral Bottom requires a backcountry permit to boat through the park. Also, there is no vehicle-accessible take-outs below Mineral Bottom. Transportation would be via jet boat from the Colorado River confluence back up the river.

#2: Lake Powell

It's easy to find a campsite on the shores of Lake Powell with all of the flat sandstone surrounding the lake. Kalen Thorien photo.

After put-in at Bullfrog Marina, the waters of Lake Powell are perfect for a paddleboard excursion. Even though the lake is beautiful itself, the area around it offers endless hiking adventures through incredibly scenic slot canyons for both hiking and paddling through. From the marina, head south and there’s Iceberg Canyon and the Escalante Arm, with plenty of small side canyons including 50 Mile Canyon and Clear Creek Canyon. South of the main lake is Rainbow Bridge Canyon, where you can paddle and then day hike to the the famous Rainbow Bridge Arch. Camping with SUPs is incredibly easy, just find a flat slab of sandstone and call it home!

#3. Mirror Lake, Uintas

Mirror Lake sits high in the Uintas Mountain with several surrounding lakes and ponds. Larry Dunford photo.

Mirror Lake is one of the largest lakes in Utah and has some of the most gorgeous views as the lake sits at 10,400 feet in the Uinta Mountains. It’s a quick drive from Park City and just off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Along with plenty of hikes and camping sites, there are actually many trails to get to other, possibly less crowded, lakes and ponds including Bonnie Lake, Scudder Lake, and Naturalist Basin. With a lightweight, inflatable SUP, the other lakes are easily accessed by hiking. But the best part about Mirror Lake is that it is only open to non-motorized watercraft. So the constant humming of boats or jet skis will be nonexistent. 

#4: Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge stretches 91 miles long with many different kinds of terrain. Carol Aldinger photo.

Flaming Gorge is another reservoir on the Wyoming/Utah border. The mix of gorgeous red rock and high desert plant life feels like a hybrid of the Uintas and Southern Utah. The water in the reservoir is cool and refreshing for the hottest summer days. The Flaming Gorge dam is a popular attraction at the reservoir and is easily accessible by SUP. Just below the dam are plenty of beautiful hikes around the Green River. You can put-in and take-out pretty much anywhere around the Gorge, but the paved marinas include Antelope Flat boat ramp, and Cedar Springs Marina and Mustang Ridge boat ramp, both near the dam. 

#5: Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs

Just a short drive from Park City... Dave Sansom photo via Utah State Parks.

Just outside of Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir is a very popular SUP destination. Most people put-in at the Rock Creek Campground, paddle to the dam and then use the tailwinds on the way back. But, for a slightly less crowded area, head 20 miles south to Deer Creek Reservoir. In the shadow of Mt. Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, this lake is very popular for water sports and for its scenic mountain views.

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stash member Audra Manzer

Wyoming native, amateur coffee drinker, grammar enthusiast, movie connoisseur, lover of witty banter and healthy bodies.