🛶 Paddle Utah: Best Day Trip Lakes & Reservoirs Near Salt Lake and Park City (Part 1)

Quick Escapes, Big Views

Utah might be famous for its red rocks and snow-capped peaks, but come summer, there is a surprising amount of water to play in—and if you’re in Salt Lake or Park City, you don’t have to drive far to find your next paddle destination.

I’ve been paddling most of my adult life—first as a kayak instructor for L.L.Bean in New England, and now as a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) convert here in the Mountain West. Like a lot of paddlers, I was skeptical of SUP at first. But once I gave it a try, I was hooked. It’s a full-body workout, easier on my low back than kayaking (when done with good form!), and surprisingly convenient to transport and launch.

Whether I’m out for a relaxing float with my family or logging double digit mileage with a paddle-happy friend, I’ve explored just about every reservoir near the Wasatch Front and Back. In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best day-trip-friendly spots for paddleboarding and kayaking—all within 90 minutes of Salt Lake City or Park City.

🚐 Planning Tip: These lakes are all managed by Utah State Parks, which means you’ll need a day pass or an annual parks pass. It’s a bit of an investment—but totally worth it if you plan to explore more than one location. Check out my Utah State Parks guide here 

Hard Boards vs. Inflatable SUPs — Which Should You Bring?

Before you load up the car, let’s talk gear. As someone who owns both a hard board and an inflatable SUP, I can confidently say there’s a time and place for each.

Hard Boards: Efficiency and Performance

When I’m planning a longer paddle (say, 5+ miles), I always reach for my hard board. It tracks better, moves faster with less effort, and holds a straighter line in wind or chop. The downside? You’ll need a roof rack and the ability to lift and secure it—especially tricky if you’re solo.

Inflatable Boards: Versatility and Portability

Inflatables are a great option if you don’t have roof racks, are paddling farther from home, or want to keep things light and compact. They pack down into a backpack and can be inflated lakeside in about 10 minutes.

🔧 Pro Tip: Invest in a machine pump if you’re using an inflatable. You’ll want to hit the recommended PSI (often 12–15 psi), or the board will sag and make paddling a slog.

Jordanelle Reservoir: Skip the Marina, Head to the Quiet Side

Location: 15 minutes from Park City | 45 minutes from Salt Lake City
Best for: Calm early mornings, birdwatching, quick access
Vibe: Popular but manageable—if you know where to launch

Jordanelle is one of the most well-known reservoirs in Northern Utah, and while it’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and even sailing (I’ve been part of Park City Sailing Association for the last 8 years), not all parts of the lake are paddle-friendly.

If you’re on a stand-up paddleboard, I don’t recommend launching from the main Hailstone area. It gets crowded with motorboats and sailboats, and there’s little protection from the wind, which often kicks up by mid-morning.

Instead, I highly recommend Ross Creek or Rock Cliff—both of which offer quieter water and stunning mountain views. Rock Cliff is especially peaceful early in the day and is great for birdwatching as you weave through wetland areas and paddle along the shoreline. Plenty of room for logging miles or just want a relaxed paddle without chop (if you stay behind the no wake buoys).

Pro Tips:

• Go early. Wind can pick up as early as 10 or 11 a.m., especially in summer.
• Water Temp: Jordanelle is deep and cold. It only ever gets to the low 70s (and that is by August!) so be prepared for cold water. Always have a PFD with you. 
• Bathrooms: Only pit toilets are available at Rock Cliff and Ross Creek, so plan accordingly.
• Wildlife alert: Rock Cliff is home to cranes, herons, and other water birds—bring binoculars!

Why I Like It:

• Quick access from Park City
• Multiple launch points depending on what kind of experience you want
• Feels like a different lake depending on where you go

→Requires Utah State Parks pass or day-use fee

Deer Creek Reservoir: Mountain Views and Mellow Water

Location: 10 minutes from Heber | 30 minutes from Provo | 1 hour from Salt Lake City
Best for: Scenic paddling, warmer water, family beach days
Vibe: Local favorite with stunning views and easy access

If I had to pick the best views from any of Northern Utah’s reservoirs, Deer Creek might just win. Just outside Heber (where I live), it’s an easy go-to when I want to get out for a quick paddle—but it’s also beautiful enough for a full-day outing. The water tends to be warmer than Jordanelle, which makes it a favorite for both SUP and kayak paddlers.

My personal favorite launch is the no-wake arm near the Wallsburg group area. It’s peaceful, often glassy in the mornings, and free from motorboat wake—perfect if you’re just getting into paddling or heading out with kids. But honestly, you can’t go wrong here. Other great launch spots include Island Resort and Rainbow Bay, which both offer scenic shorelines and relatively easy parking.

If you’re paddling with kids, Island Resort is especially great—you can make a full beach day of it and even reserve a cabana to have some shade and space. Just note that while it’s family-friendly, dogs aren’t allowed in or near the water, so you’ll need to leave your pup at home for this one.

Pro Tips:

• Try to launch early in the day—wind picks up in the afternoon, especially in summer.
• Book cabanas or group shelters in advance if you’re planning a family outing.
  

Why I Like It:

• Incredible views of Mount Timpanogos
• Warmer water makes it a season extender (great in late spring and early fall)
  Multiple launch areas for different types of paddling
• Island Resort offers kayak/SUP rentals, a beach area, and picnic spots

→Utah State Parks pass required

Rockport Reservoir: Windy Water and Better for Sails than SUPs

Location: Near Wanship | 45 minutes from Salt Lake City or Park City
Best for: Sailing, maybe not SUP
Vibe: Open and windy

I want to love Rockport, I really do. But every time I’ve paddled here, the wind has made it a slog—great if you’re flying a catamaran, but not ideal if you’re standing on a board or trying to log mellow paddle miles. The wide-open layout and consistent breeze make this a favorite for sailors (there’s even a catamaran fleet that regularly sails here), but I’ve never had a truly great paddle day myself.

That said, if you happen to hit a calm morning or are local to the Wanship area, it can still be worth checking out—just be sure to double-check wind conditions before you go, and don’t forget a backup plan.

Quick Take:

• Often windy and exposed
• Wide open layout = choppy water
• Sailing hotspot, but not my top pick for paddling

Echo Reservoir: Calm Water and Summer Swims

Location: Just off I-80 near Coalville | 40 minutes from Salt Lake
Best for: Calm paddles, swimming, quiet lake days
Vibe: Underrated gem—if you can tune out the freeway

If Rockport is Utah’s blustery paddle spot, Echo is its mellow cousin. Despite being right off I-80 (you’ll hear the traffic a bit), it’s one of my favorite places for an easy-going, low-stress paddle. I’ve often found light or no wind here, making it a great spot to bring the kids, float a while, and even take a mid-paddle swim. And bonus—the water actually warms up nicely in summer, unlike many of the mountain reservoirs nearby.

Echo is still relatively under the radar, but it’s steadily improving as a newer Utah State Park. There are some picnic tables and shoreline parking spots and a new launch ramp. 

Why I Like It:

• Consistently calm water
• Great swimming for kids in summer
• Less crowded than Jordanelle or Deer Creek

→Utah State Parks pass required

East Canyon Reservoir: Long, Scenic Paddles

Location: East of Salt Lake via Parleys or Emigration Canyon | ~1 hour
Best for: Long paddles, varied shoreline
Vibe: Wild and worth it—with a dash of unpredictability

East Canyon is a bit of a wildcard. I’ve had both gorgeous, peaceful mornings and windy, whitecap-struggling slogs here. It’s a bit more remote than some of the others, which keeps crowds (and boat traffic) lower, and the long, narrow shape of the reservoir makes for a nice out-and-back paddle with plenty of mileage potential.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs—or your paddle stroke—this one’s worth the drive. Just don’t forget to check the wind forecast and come prepared with layers.

Why I Like It:

• Long, narrow shape = satisfying paddle route
• Feels more remote and peaceful than Jordanelle or Deer Creek
  

Heads-Up:

• Can get windy—watch the forecast
• Still a Utah State Park, so bring your pass

Causey Reservoir: No-Wake Bliss and Canyon Vibes

Location: About 1 hour 15 minutes from Salt Lake City | East of Ogden
Best for: Quiet water, long-distance paddling, wildlife sightings
Vibe: Remote with calm water—just a few quirks to plan around

If you’re looking for a no-wake zone where you can paddle for miles without dodging motorboats, Causey Reservoir is your spot. Nestled in a steep canyon above Ogden, it offers long arms to explore (I’ve logged 7+ mile paddle days here!) and some of the most scenic cliffside paddling in Northern Utah.

The water is calm and the winding shoreline makes it feel much more remote than it actually is. It’s a favorite for paddle groups, dog-friendly outings, and summer fun—though it does get very busy on weekends. Arrive early if you want a parking spot anywhere near the water.

Note: Causey is managed by the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), not Utah State Parks. That means you’re required to carry a valid Utah fishing license to use the water—even for paddling. Strange but true, and yes, they do check. Also have a PFD and wear it—they check for that too!

Why I Love It:

• No motorboats = serene water and stress-free paddling
• A great place for long-distance paddles and scenic exploration
• Great spot for paddling with dogs

Heads-Up Tips:

• Get there early—parking is limited and fills fast on weekends
• No amenities to speak of. Limited bathrooms. Bring your own TP and hand sanitizer
• No rentals—you’ll need to bring all your own gear.
• Cell service is minimal to none, so plan logistics ahead of time

🌟 My Top 3 Paddling Spots (So Far!)

Northern Utah has no shortage of beautiful places to paddle, but if I had to narrow it down to my top three for day trips, here’s where I’d send you:

🥇 Deer Creek Reservoir – Best Views

With those stunning Mount Timpanogos backdrops, warm water, and multiple quiet coves to explore, Deer Creek is hands-down my favorite for scenic paddling—especially if you live in Utah Valley or Heber Valley.

🥈 Echo Reservoir – Calmest Water

This one might surprise you, but Echo consistently delivers smooth water, light wind, and easy-going vibes. It’s a perfect place for relaxed paddles or splashy summer swims with the kids.

🥉 Causey Reservoir – Best Escape from Motorboats

No motors, no wake, and miles of canyon shoreline to explore. Causey is ideal if you’re looking for the paddle vibe—just be sure to bring a fishing license and prepare for rustic conditions.

🧭 Ready to Plan Your Utah Paddle Adventure?

Whether you’re local or visiting from out of town, Northern Utah has so many incredible paddling spots within an easy drive of Salt Lake or Park City. From full-body SUP workouts to lazy lake days with the family, there’s something here for every kind of paddler.

Planning a bigger Utah trip and not sure how to fit it all in? I offer custom travel planning services to help you build the perfect itinerary—whether you’re paddling, hiking, road tripping, or all of the above. Learn more here.

And don’t forget—this is just Part 1! In Part 2, I’ll be covering high-alpine paddling adventures, weekend destinations like Bear Lake, Strawberry, and Flaming Gorge plus hidden gems tucked into the mountains.