Paddle the River

Aaron McElwee

Join us for Week 3 of our Paddle the River series! This series is a great opportunity to experience the river, take in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoy time on the water with fellow paddlers. Participants can bring their own boat or reserve a boat from the Jordan River Commission. Registration is required, and space is limited. Please read through …

Deer Creek Paddle And Demo Day

Aaron McElwee

Go Paddle Utah’s Intro to Paddle Sports: Boat Demo & Skills Day is a free, hands-on event at Deer Creek State Park designed to let participants test-drive a massive lineup of top-tier kayaks, packrafts, and paddleboards with unlimited 30-minute demo sessions. While there are no formal classes or provided meals, attendees can get expert on-water guidance from experienced mentors, practice …

Hit the Lake — Paddle Sports & Water Safety Day

Aaron McElwee

Join us at the lake for International Water Safety Day at Echo Reservoir! For just $5 entry—or included with your Utah State Parks annual pass—you can spend the day enjoying the water with family and friends. Participants will have access to free kayak and paddleboard use, along with opportunities to join guided tours or relax in a designated free paddle …

North Wash Boat Ramp photo of raft on bank

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, National Park Service Advance Temporary Boat Ramp at North Wash to Maintain Cataract Canyon Access

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 19, 2026 – The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the National Park Service (NPS) at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA) are moving forward with improvements to the North Wash boat ramp to maintain reliable river access for trips through Cataract Canyon. “Maintaining safe, reliable access to Cataract Canyon is critical for Utah’s river-running …

Get to the River Festival

Aaron McElwee

The Get to the River Festival is a month of events and activities each September across the 50-mile Jordan River Parkway. It includes diverse outdoor recreation, conservation, arts and cultural, and social experiences that spark discovery, stewardship, creativity, and fun. The Festival is organized and promoted by the Jordan River Commission and Jordan River Foundation. Events and activities are organized …

Utah Outdoor Recreation and State Parks Warn of Cold Water Dangers as Temperatures Drop

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 27, 2024)—As colder weather sets in across Utah, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the Utah Division of State Parks are cautioning those who enjoy Utah’s lakes, reservoirs, and rivers about the dangers of cold water immersion. Dropping water temperatures increase the risks of cold water shock, incapacitation and hypothermia, making it essential for …

Utah Outdoor Recreation Rangers Target Boating and Off-Highway Vehicle DUIs in “Operation Dry Water” to Promote Safe Recreation During Fourth of July 

SALT LAKE CITY (June 28, 2024) — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, recreational enthusiasts across Utah will gather on our state’s waterways and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. With the increased public presence on both land and water, there is an increase in the number of incidents and fatalities during this time. Throughout the Fourth of July week, the …