Park City isn’t just about powder and trails—summer brings some of Utah’s most spectacular paddleboarding & kayaking opportunities. With crystal-clear mountain lakes and dramatic alpine backdrops, the Wasatch region offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your complete guide to getting on the water.
The Essential Lakes
Jordanelle Reservoir: The All-Around Champion
Distance from Newpark: 15-20 minutes
Best for: All skill levels, families, longer paddles
Jordanelle is Utah’s paddleboarding & kayaking hub for good reason. This 3,000-acre reservoir offers everything from protected coves for beginners to open-water challenges for experienced paddlers. The water warms up nicely by mid-June and stays comfortable through September.
Launch Points:
- Hailstone Recreation Area (west side): Full amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and the closest rental shop. Gets busy on weekends.
- Rock Cliff Recreation Area (east side): Quieter with better wildlife viewing. Look for osprey, bald eagles, and deer coming to drink at dawn.
- Ross Creek (north end): Most secluded option, requires a short hike to water but offers pristine conditions.
Insider tips:
- Water levels fluctuate significantly—check Utah State Parks website before heading out
- Mornings before 10 AM offer the calmest conditions
- The north end stays cooler longer due to depth and mountain shadows
Deer Creek Reservoir: The Scenic Alternative
Distance from Newpark: 25-30 minutes
Best for: Intermediate paddlers, photographers, fewer crowds
Often overlooked in favor of Jordanelle, Deer Creek offers stunning Timpanogos views and generally less boat traffic. The reservoir sits at 5,400 feet, making it one of the warmer options for early and late season exploring.
Launch Points:
- Deer Creek Island Resort: Easy access with rentals available (seasonal)
- Wallsburg Bay: Free launch with good parking, more secluded
Mirror Lake: The High-Alpine Experience
Distance from Park City: 1 hour via Mirror Lake Highway
Best for: Experienced paddlers, photography enthusiasts
Season: Late June through September (road closes in winter)
At 10,000 feet elevation, Mirror Lake delivers an entirely different SUP & kayaking experience. The water is shockingly clear and cold (rarely above 65°F even in summer), and the setting is pure high-alpine magic.
What to know:
- Bring warm clothes—temperatures can drop 30+ degrees from the valley
- Water temperature rarely exceeds 60°F; wetsuit recommended for longer sessions
- No rentals available; bring your own gear
- Day-use fee required ($6 per vehicle)
- Best light is late afternoon when peaks reflect perfectly in calm water
Rockport Reservoir: The Windsurfer’s Backup Plan
Distance from Newpark: 45 minutes
Best for: When other lakes are too windy, early-season paddling
Rockport sits in a more protected valley, making it ideal when other reservoirs are choppy. It’s also one of the first to become ice-free in spring. The setting is less dramatic but more intimate, with red rock formations and rolling hills.
Deer Valley’s Silver Lake: The Hidden Gem
Distance from Newpark: 15 minutes
Best for: Beginners, families, quick sessions, romantic paddles
Tucked away in Deer Valley’s summer operations, Silver Lake (formerly known as Pebble Beach) is Park City’s best-kept paddleboarding secret. This intimate alpine pond—more lake than reservoir—offers a completely different experience from the larger bodies of water nearby.
At only about 15 acres, you can paddle the entire perimeter in 30 minutes, making it perfect for beginners getting comfortable on a board or experienced paddlers wanting a quick, peaceful session. The water stays relatively warm due to its shallow depth and protected location, and the setting is postcard-perfect: mirror-still water surrounded by aspen groves and manicured Deer Valley landscaping.
What makes it special:
- No motorized boats allowed—pure serenity
- Rentals available at the lake (seasonal, call ahead)
- Easy access with paved paths and close parking
- Perfect for SUP yoga or meditation
- Connects to Deer Valley’s summer activities (mountain coaster, scenic chairlift)
Pro tip: This makes an excellent “warm-up” lake before tackling larger waters, or combine it with Deer Valley’s other summer offerings for a full mountain resort experience.
Essential Tips for Enjoying the Mountain Lakes
Timing Your Session
Early morning (sunrise to 10 AM): Glass-calm water, wildlife activity, cooler temperatures
Late afternoon (4 PM to sunset): Beautiful light, calming winds, but prepare for quick temperature drops
Avoid midday: Mountain thermals create afternoon winds that can turn peaceful lakes into washing machines
Altitude and Weather Considerations
- UV intensity: At 5,000-10,000 feet, UV rays are 25-40% stronger than sea level
- Temperature swings: 40-degree differences between day and night are common
- Weather changes fast: Mountain storms develop quickly; always check forecasts and have an exit plan
- Hydration: You’ll dehydrate faster at altitude—bring more water than you think you need
Safety Essentials
- Cold water year-round: Even summer water temperatures rarely exceed 70°F
- Hypothermia risk: Water under 70°F can cause hypothermia within 30 minutes if you fall in
- Life jacket: Required by law on Utah reservoirs
- Communication: Cell service is spotty; tell someone your plans
- Emergency kit: Whistle, basic first aid, emergency blanket
Gear Recommendations
Must-haves:
- Quality sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply frequently
- Polarized sunglasses with retention strap
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Dry bag for essentials
- Layered clothing (temperatures change fast)
Upgrades worth considering:
- Wetsuit for early/late season or high-altitude lakes
- Action camera for the incredible scenery
- Insulated water bottle
- Lightweight camp chair for lake-side breaks
Where to Rent Equipment
In Park City
JANS Mountain Outfitters
1600 Park Ave • (435) 649-4949
Full rental selection, local expertise, gear sales. They’ll give you honest advice about current lake conditions.
White Pine Touring
201 Heber Ave • (435) 649-8710
Specializes in human-powered sports. Knowledgeable staff and quality gear, with guide opportunities
At the Lakes
Jordanelle Rentals & Marina (Hailstone)
Convenient but limited selection. Expect $40-60 for half-day rentals.
Visit Jordanelle Rentals & Marina
Deer Creek Island Resort (seasonal)
Basic rental fleet, better to call ahead to confirm availability.
Planning Your Park City Water Adventure
Early Season (May-June)
- Stick to lower-elevation lakes (Jordanelle, Deer Creek)
- Water is cold—wetsuit recommended
- Fewer crowds but unpredictable weather
- Mirror Lake Highway typically opens late May
Peak Season (July-August)
- All lakes accessible with warmest water temperatures
- Busiest time—plan for crowds, especially weekends
- Best weather stability
- Book rentals in advance
Late Season (September-October)
- Stunning fall colors but cooler temperatures
- More variable weather patterns
- Fewer crowds return
- Mirror Lake Highway closes mid-October
Beyond the Basics: SUP Yoga and Guided Tours
Park City SUP offers yoga classes on Jordanelle during summer months. There’s something uniquely challenging and zen about holding tree pose while floating on a mountain lake.
Several local outfitters run guided sunset tours and photography workshops. These can be worth it for the local knowledge and safety support, especially if you’re new to mountain paddleboarding.
The Real Park City Experience
What makes kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding here special isn’t just the scenery—though paddling surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks never gets old. It’s the complete mountain experience: starting your day on glassy water, grabbing lunch on Main Street, and ending with a sunset hike, all while breathing air that actually smells like pine trees.
The water here feels different too—cleaner, crisper, more alive. Maybe it’s the snowmelt, maybe it’s the altitude, or maybe it’s just the knowledge that you’re floating in some of the most beautiful country in the world.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, make time to get on the water. Pack the sunscreen, bring layers, and prepare to see Park City from an entirely new perspective—one where the mountains rise directly from your paddleboard deck.
Back at Basecamp: Why Newpark Resort Fits the Bill
After a day on the water, there’s nothing better than heading back to a place where you can kick off your flip-flops, relax on a balcony with mountain views, and start planning tomorrow’s adventure. From Newpark Resort, you can be at Jordanelle or Deer Valley’s Pebble Beach in under 20 minutes, and Mirror Lake is an easy scenic drive.
Plus, you’re right in the heart of Newpark Town Center — so dinner, drinks, or a sunset stroll on the Swaner Preserve boardwalk are all just steps away. Whether your trip is all about the water or you’re mixing it in with Park City’s other adventures, Newpark makes the perfect home base for it all.
So pack the sunscreen, grab your board, and get ready to see a whole new side of Park City — one where the water’s as much a playground as the mountains.
