CLICK HERE and read this overview carefully before you sign up!
Participants must:
- Be able to navigate a boat around obstacles on moving water and self rescue if capsized
- Be able to independently get in and out of the boat and carry boat at portages
- Be physically fit and have no major health concerns to participate in the event
- Have proficient water safety skills
- Provide cell phone number and have fully charged phone at event
- Properly wear approved life jacket and follow all safety training given by the Commission.
- Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian participating with them.
What to wear/bring:
- Tested and sturdy watercraft and paddles (inflatables are not recommended for Week 1,2,4)
- Properly sized and fitted type I or II personal floatation device (life jacket), designed for activities in moving water.
- Sturdy water shoes (no flip flops)
- Sun, rain or wind protection
- Sunglasses, hat
- Sunscreen, First Aid, safety whistle
- Full water bottle, snack
- Fully charged cell phone
- Medication you may require
- Dry bag and waterproof phone case (we have some if you need)
- Bilge pump, rope throw bag and other safety equipment
Safety:
- The Jordan River Commission staff lead these paddles but are not certified guides, lifeguards, or paddling instructors.
- Boaters are responsible for their own safety, and must be healthy and fit enough to get in and out of boats independently, self rescue and right their boat in the event of capsizing, as well as portage their boat (which there will be a few on each section).
- If we get to a point during the paddle where conditions may require exiting the river, we will do that as quickly and safely as possible.
- If we exit the river short of a destination, it is our intent to work together to get everyone safely to their destination using the Jordan River Trail or ride share services if necessary.
- WE WILL CANCEL THE PADDLE AND NOTIFY PARTICIPANTS if the forecast is unsafe for paddling. Please consider your own comfort, and let us know ahead of time if you won’t be attending.
- Please read through the logistics and hazards on each paddle below to make sure you are prepared. You can also review our Water Trail Map and the Paddle Video Series created by Troy Adair for more information about each section of the river.
Transportation Info:
- Participants provide their own transportation and shuttle for this event.
- Meet at 2pm at the launch location to coordinate a shuttle with other participants
Please reach out directly to Rachel Lyn if you have any questions: rachel@jordanrivercommission.gov 801-831-1937
The Jordan River Commission staff conducts this annual Lake to Lake Paddle Series for essential reconnaissance work, and we invite our partners and the public to join us to explore and learn about the Jordan River. Each year brings different conditions and challenges. Because 2026 is a drought year, the river is experiencing lower water flows, making it difficult or impossible to paddle in certain areas. Consequently, we are pivoting to a walk (instead of a paddle) from the Jordan Narrows to Rotary Park so we can still observe this section of river. We may need to adjust our schedule as conditions continue to change.
The Lake to Lake Paddle Series is intended for experienced paddlers. Participants must bring their own boat and safety equipment. Please note that these are long, strenuous paddles with navigational hazards such as low-hanging branches, snags, swift currents and even low flows. Some sections of the river require portaging (carrying your boat for long distances), and with current low water levels, we may also have to wade or walk through shallow areas.
While participants are welcome to join for shorter portions of the trip, please carefully consider your skills and comfort level before signing up. Be sure to read the details for each week’s paddle before registering. All paddles are subject to change depending on weather and river conditions.
We have limited space, separate registration is required for each participant.
Start Location: Jordan River Rotary Park, Sandy
End Location: Millrace Park, Taylorsville
Distance: 11.1 miles
Duration: 4-6 hours
Shuttle Meet up Time: 2:00pm
Launch Time: 3:00pm
More information shared after you are registered for the event. After registration, watch email and text messages for updates to the event time or location. Cancelation or postponement may be necessary due to river or weather conditions on the day of the event.
Week 3 Portages and Navigational Hazards:
6400 S. Winchester Park manmade rapid over utility crossing with ramps and path – portage recommended.
9400 S North Jordan Canal Diversion Dam portage with ramps and path – mandatory portage (1/4mile walk with boats)
8800 S Small Rapid over utility crossing – can navigate in high water, or portage
7600 S Midvale Slag Millrace man made cement weir & boulder rapid – can navigate in high water, or use portage
