Best places for boating and water sports in Utah

Utah’s incredible lakes and reservoirs offer ample opportunities for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, scenic lake or a lively spot for water sports, here are some of the best places in Utah to get on the water, complete with links to maps, guides, and rental services.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of the most iconic destinations for boating and water sports in Utah. With its dramatic red rock cliffs and 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell offers endless opportunities for exploration, houseboating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.

Location: Near Page, AZ (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area)
Features: Houseboating, cliff jumping, wakeboarding, and jet skiing
Maps & Guides: Lake Powell Map | Lake Powell Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas – Offers rentals for boats, jet skis, and houseboats

Bear Lake

Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters, Bear Lake is a favorite spot for beachgoers and boaters alike. With sandy beaches and calm water, it’s perfect for water skiing, sailing, and paddleboarding.

Location: Border of Utah and Idaho, near Garden City, UT
Features: Sailing, paddleboarding, water skiing, fishing
Maps & Guides: Bear Lake State Park Map | Bear Lake Recreation Guide
Rentals & Services: Epic Recreation – Provides rentals for boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and beach equipment

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

This massive reservoir offers some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in Utah, along with stunning scenery and deep canyons. Flaming Gorge is popular for water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing, with plenty of secluded areas for quiet exploration.

Location: Border of Utah and Wyoming, near Manila, UT
Features: Fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking
Maps & Guides: Flaming Gorge Map | Flaming Gorge Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Lucerne Valley Marina – Offers rentals for boats, kayaks, and fishing gear

Jordanelle Reservoir

Just outside Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir is a popular spot for locals and visitors. The calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding and fishing, while the larger sections allow for motorized boating and wakeboarding.

Location: Near Heber City, UT
Features: Paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, fishing
Maps & Guides: Jordanelle State Park Map | Jordanelle Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Jordanelle Rentals – Provides rentals for boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks

Deer Creek Reservoir

Deer Creek Reservoir offers beautiful mountain views and a range of water sports activities, from sailing to paddleboarding. The windy conditions here also make it a favorite for windsurfing.

Location: Near Heber City, UT
Features: Windsurfing, water skiing, paddleboarding, fishing
Maps & Guides: Deer Creek State Park Map | Deer Creek Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Uinta Recreation – Offers rentals for boats, jet skis, and paddleboards

Utah Lake

One of Utah’s largest freshwater lakes, Utah Lake is popular for all types of boating and fishing. Its shallow waters make it ideal for paddleboarding, jet skiing, and pontoon boating.

Location: Near Provo, UT
Features: Jet skiing, paddleboarding, fishing, pontoon boating
Maps & Guides: Utah Lake State Park Map | Utah Lake Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Utah Lake Marina – Provides rentals for boats, kayaks, and paddleboards

Strawberry Reservoir

Known for its trophy fishing and scenic mountain views, Strawberry Reservoir is a perfect spot for peaceful boating and water sports. It’s also great for kayaking, canoeing, and small motorboats.

Location: Near Heber City, UT
Features: Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, small motorboating
Maps & Guides: Strawberry Reservoir Map | Strawberry Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Strawberry Bay Marina – Offers rentals for fishing boats, pontoons, and other watercraft

Sand Hollow Reservoir

Located in southern Utah, Sand Hollow combines red rock scenery with clear, warm water, making it ideal for both boating and diving. It’s a popular destination for wakeboarding, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.

Location: Near Hurricane, UT
Features: Wakeboarding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, diving
Maps & Guides: Sand Hollow State Park Map | Sand Hollow Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Sand Hollow Rentals – Provides rentals for boats, jet skis, and water sports equipment

Quail Creek Reservoir

Quail Creek’s warm water and beautiful setting make it an attractive destination for paddling, jet skiing, and fishing. It’s a quiet spot with plenty of options for relaxing water sports.

Location: Near Hurricane, UT
Features: Fishing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, canoeing
Maps & Guides: Quail Creek State Park Map | Quail Creek Boating Guide
Rentals & Services: Dig Paddlesports – Offers rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes at Quail Creek

Safety tips for water sports in Utah

Wear Life Jackets: Utah law requires life jackets for all passengers on boats. Make sure everyone is properly fitted.
Check Weather Conditions: Many of Utah’s reservoirs are subject to high winds and storms; check local forecasts before heading out.
Know the Water Rules: Familiarize yourself with boating and water safety regulations for each area.
Bring Navigation Tools: Use apps like Navionics for on-the-water navigation.

Each of Utah’s lakes and reservoirs provides a unique setting for boating and water sports, complete with services to enhance your adventure. By exploring these popular areas with access to maps, guides, and rentals, you’re all set for a thrilling water adventure.