Five Places to Paddleboard Around Park City
Park City may not be near an ocean, but it is home to some of Utah’s best bodies of water for stand-up paddleboarding. Also known as SUP, this water sport involves standing on a large inflatable or solid board and using a paddle to propel yourself across the water. While SUPing is simple to learn, you can take a lesson to master the basics before venturing off on your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, check out the following destinations for some SUP fun in the sun.
Pebble Beach
If you’re new to paddleboarding or bringing kids along, this small lake on Deer Valley Drive—just minutes from Main Street—is the place to learn. It’s home to Park City SUP from June to September (weather permitting) and offers rentals and classes. Take the SUP 101 class to perfect your paddle stroke, or simply rent a board and enjoy sandy beaches and calm waters with no boats. Bonus: Refuel afterward with lunch at Deer Valley Café.
Jordanelle State Park
Nestled in the mountains near Heber, just 15 minutes from town, is the paddleboarding paradise of Jordanelle Reservoir. While this lake allows motorized boats, you can avoid paddling among them at Hailstone Recreation Area, thanks to its wake-free zone. Rent a board on-site from Jordanelle Rentals and skip transporting it. Once you’ve learned the technique, explore the islands on the marina’s east side.
Echo State Park
Find peaceful paddleboarding at Echo Reservoir, located less than 30 minutes from Park City near the old mining town of Coalville. This state park is rarely crowded and boasts incredible granite peaks and red-rock cliff vistas, especially near sunset. Set off from the boat launch at the main entrance, or if you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind carrying your paddleboard, look for roadside parking areas with trails to sandy shores and quiet coves.
Mirror Lake
Cool off on hot summer days with a drive on Mirror Lake Highway to the Uinta Mountains. This scenic summer route reaches 10,687 feet before descending to Mirror Lake—located at 10,400 feet. No motorized boats are allowed here, so it’s perfect for SUP newbies. Temperatures can be up to 20 degrees cooler than in Park City, so bring a jacket. Note: This remote wilderness area does not have cell phone service after leaving Kamas.
Homestead Crater
For a uniquely Utah experience, book a private paddleboard yoga class in the Homestead Crater’s Caribbean-blue waters. Located in the Swiss village of Midway, this class invites you to stretch atop your board and splash in the crater’s therapeutic, 95-degree mineral waters. Classes take place before or after the crater opens to the public.
Paddle Smart
-
Be SUP savvy and practice these safety tips on the water.
-
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and paddleboard leash. Use an ankle leash to prevent your board from drifting, and choose a slim or inflatable waist belt-style, Coast Guard-approved PFD that doesn’t limit movement.
-
Paddle with a buddy. It’s safest to go with a partner who can help if anything goes wrong. Bring your cell phone or other communication device in a waterproof pouch in case you need to call for help.
-
Check the weather forecast. Don’t paddle in windy or stormy weather. Wind can blow you far from your starting location, and paddling back against it is challenging. If storms are nearby, stay on shore to avoid lightning strikes.
- Stay close to shore. Never paddle out farther than your ability to return. Paddle close to the shoreline for safety and to avoid large boats.
