Not only is paddleboarding restorative and relaxing, it’s actually a fantastic way for skiers and snowboarders to maintain core strength and hone balance in the off-season.
For folks just getting started with paddleboarding, Deer Valley's Pebble Beach is the ideal place to get your feet wet. This motor-free zone offers calm water, no current, and a comfortable grassy lounging area with a sandy beach to easily launch. With delicious food options, rentals, and lessons, Pebble Beach is suited for families and newbies to the sport. Make an afternoon of it and go for a float and a picnic before attending an outdoor concert on the lawn at Deer Valley’s Snowpark Lodge.
In 2017, after a $7.3 million restoration project, Tibble Fork Reservoir in American Fork Canyon was doubled in size and now offers a large floating dock and sandy beach. The waters are calm since motors are not permitted and the dock makes launching your watercraft a cinch. Because this small reservoir can get crowded, it’s best to visit on a weekday or in the early mornings or evenings. Bring a little cash as you will owe the U.S. Forest Service a day use fee ($6 last I checked). Hiking and fishing are also options and the Granite Flat Campground is nearby if you want to make a trip out of it. I highly recommend an overnight stay as floating during sunset or sunrise is always a memorable experience. Nearby Silver Lake Flat lies just 15 minutes past Tibble and is larger in size and often less crowded.
Perched above 10,000 feet beneath the behemoth of Bald Mountain, Mirror Lake in Utah’s Uinta Mountains is aptly named. Multiple times, I’ve headed up with family for a few days of camping in the Mirror Lake Campground to take advantage of peaceful fishing and floating. Arising before the sun, I’ve paddled through eerie mists and learned why the name Mirror Lake is so fitting. If you are hearty and have an inflatable paddleboard, there are also lots of lakes within a short hike that will offer more privacy. I’ve hiked to paddle Fehr and Ruth Lakes myself. A paddling trip to the Uintas is a solid bet in the summer months if you are looking to escape the heat. The high elevations and abundance of water help you shake the memory of scorching in the city, though be prepared for mosquitos in early summer! Again, motorized boats are not permitted in Mirror Lake, so enjoy incredibly calm water and the beautiful sounds of nature.
A few additional ideas for paddleboarding in Utah include the Daily Section of the Colorado River near Moab, Lake Powell via the Bullfrog Marina, Pineview Reservoir, Flaming Gorge, and Bear Lake. Get your paddle wet and distract yourself during Utah’s long summer days until the snow returns once again.
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