Join us for Week 1 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 one from the Jordan River Commission.
Registration is required, and space is limited. Please read through the safety information below before signing up.
This week we will be doing a 2 mile paddle from General Holm Park in South Salt Lake to Pioneer Crossing Park in West Valley City. This section of river has some tight turns and low water levels make the river channel more challenging to navigate through some sections.
Stay after the paddle and take part in the Nature and Rhythm Drum Circle, hosted by the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, West Valley City.
General Info:
- Start Location: General Holm Park, North Salt Lake
- End Location: Pioneer Crossing Boat Ramp, West Valley City
- Distance: 2 miles
- Paddle Duration: 1 hour
- Description: This section of the Jordan River can have a faster moving current with a narrow channel. and overhanging branches and underwater snags, making it a more technical section of river to paddle for beginners. Please be award of surroundings and be prepared to navigate with caution. Consider your own skills and comfort level before signing up.
Logistics:
- 4:00pm – Meet at General Holm, check in and get boats ready
- 4:20pm – Drivers will run a shuttle
- 5:00pm – Boats will launch from start
- 6:00pm – Boats will arrive at Pioneer Crossing and help load gear
- Participants are welcome to stay after for the drum circle.
Participants should:
- Have no major health concerns and be physically fit enough to paddle and carry boats
- Be comfortable around water, and have basic swimming skills
- Provide cell phone number and have fully charged phone
- Properly wear a life jacket and follow all safety training given by the Commission.
- Have a parent or legal guardian participating with them if they are under 18.
What to wear/bring:
- Boat and paddles (unless borrowing from us)
- Personal Flotation Device (unless borrowing from us)
- Dry bags or water proof phone carrier (we have extra)
- Sturdy water shoes (no flip flops)
- Clothing that can get wet
- Sun, rain or wind protection
- Sunglasses, hat
- Full water bottle, snack
- Fully charged cell phone
- Medication you may require
Safety:
- Participants are responsible for their own safety, please consider your own abilities and comfort level
- The Jordan River Commission staff lead these paddles but are not certified guides, lifeguards, or paddling instructors.
- We will review basic paddling skills. Check out the Educational Video Collection from the American Canoe Association to help you prepare. You can also watch the Jordan River Paddle Video Series created by Troy Adair to become familiar with each section of the Jordan River that we paddle.
- WE WILL CANCEL THE PADDLE AND NOTIFY PARTICIPANTS if the forecast is unsafe for paddling.
Transportation Info:
- Participants provide their own transportation to and from the event.
- Meet at the launch location on time to coordinate a shuttle to the takeout.
Please reach out directly to Rachel Lyn if you have any questions: rachel@jordanrivercommission.gov, 801-831-1937
