Explore Utah

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 Utah’s most iconic boating and water sports destinations. With its dramatic red rock cliffs and 2,000 miles of shoreline in Southern Utah on the Arizona border, Lake Powell offers endless opportunities for exploration, house boating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a favorite spot for beachgoers and boaters. It is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and calm waters, which are perfect for water skiing, sailing, and paddleboarding.

  • Features: Sailing, paddleboarding, water skiing, fishing
  • More Information: Bear Lake State Park Guide
  • Guides: Bear Lake Fun – Provides rentals for boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and beach equipment.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

This massive reservoir offers some of Utah’s best boating and fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and deep canyons. Flaming Gorge is famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing, and there are plenty of secluded areas for fishing and quiet exploration.

Jordanelle Reservoir

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.

  • Features: Paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, fishing
  • More Information: Jordanelle Guide
  • Guides: Jordanelle Rentals – Provides rentals for boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks

Deer Creek Reservoir

Deer Creek is a smaller Reservoir that 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.

  • Features: Windsurfing, water skiing, paddle boarding, fishing
  • More Information: Deer Creek Guide
  • Guides: Utah Boat Rentals– Offers rentals for boats, jet skis, and paddleboards

Utah Lake

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

  • Features: Jet skiing, paddleboarding, fishing, pontoon boating
  • More Information: Utah Lake Guide
  • Guides: Go Play Utah Lake – 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.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

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

  • Features: Wakeboarding, jet skiing, paddle boarding, diving
  • More Information: Sand Hollow Guide
  • Guides: 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.

  • Features: Fishing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, canoeing
  • More Information: Quail Creek Guide
  • Guides: 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.