Is floating on a river on your summer bucket list? As the weather creeps higher, all I want to do is kick my feet up and drift. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Utah for tubing and kayaking.
Safety First
- Check the weather. Avoid floating if there’s a storm forecasted.
- Know the flow. Pay attention to cfs (cubic feet per second) levels, which measure how quickly the river is flowing. Optimal levels for casually tubing down the river are around 100-500 cfs.
- Wear a life jacket. In Utah, you’re required to wear a life jacket if you’re on a vessel, even an inner tube.
- Invest in equipment. Save your pool floats for the pool. They’ll likely pop on branches or rocks and can put you in a dangerous situation.
- Leave no trace. Take out what you bring in and respect wildlife.
🛶 Provo River
The Provo River is popular for a reason: It has the most breathtaking mountain views.
- Even on hot days the water stays cold and refreshing.
- Avoid the wooden railroad trestle (there’s a spot where you can exit and go around) as it’s the site of many accidents.
- Have your group ride in two vehicles. That way you can park one car at the launch point (Deer Creek Reservoir) and one car at the ending point (Vivian Park). It makes for an easier venture back. Otherwise, arrange a pick-up.
- While the river is generally kid-friendly, there are sections with fast moving water.
🛶 Ogden River
There’s an especially fun spot for kids if you go to the High Adventure Park. One side is a playground and the other side is the Ogden River.
- Find nice shady spots behind the playground to lounge by the river and beat the heat.
- Dogs are allowed.
🛶 Weber River
About 30 miles east of Ogden, float the Weber River.
- There are sections of the Weber that are spicier and require more adventuring. Stick to a mellower section if you have kids.
- It costs $10 a vehicle ($15 if the vehicle has more than eight people) Friday-Sunday and on holidays to park at the Wildlife Management Area. However, anglers can park for free.
Where's your favorite place to float?
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