The Jordan River Commission is working with local governments and community stakeholders to implement plans to ensure safe and enjoyable boating from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake.
Boating is a wonderful way to experience the wildlife and beauty of the Jordan River. However, boating has inherent risks, and it is the responsibility of the boater to ensure their own safety when paddling the Jordan River. There are several natural and man-made hazards along the river, and some of these have claimed the lives of boaters.
All boaters are responsible for ensuring their own safety. Boaters must know their own skills and capabilities and assess river hazards or conditions accordingly—not all conditions will be safe for all levels of skill or capability.
Boaters must always wear appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and having any other safety equipment necessary for safe paddling.
Conditions on the river can change without warning. Periods of high water flow, such as during spring snow melt or after storm events can create new or different hazards.
Boaters should scout out their route immediately before entering the water to evaluate current conditions. Boaters must know when and how to exit the river safely to avoid hazards. Boaters should not attempt to paddle the river during periods of swift, high flows.
Please contact local recreation departments to find information about current water conditions within their sections of the Jordan River Parkway.
Water Trail Map
A working map of paddling opportunities on the Jordan River can be found below. This map is a work-in-progress. Please email us with any suggestions or corrections to make it more useful and accurate. Tips for those interested in boating on the Jordan River can be downloaded here: Boating Safety Tips.
NOTE: This map was created with the best available information in February 2021. We will make our best efforts to update the map with new access ramps and portages as they are completed.
Click on the map image below to open up a larger, interactive map.
Group Paddle Trips
The group Utah Outdoors leads regular trips down the Jordan river throughout the summer. Boaters will need to provide their own boat, paddles, and life jackets. These can be rented at several locations around the Wasatch Front. Click here to see dates or to sign-up for Utah Outdoors group paddle or bicycle trips.
The Jordan River Commission also leads guided paddles weekly in September as part of the Get To The River Festival to paddle the length of the river in 4 weeks. Look for information on the Festival calendar, follow the JRC on social media, or subscribe to our newsletter.
Jordan River Water Trail Book
Elliott Mott’s book “Jordan River Water Trail & Bike Path” is an invaluable resource for paddling the Jordan River. The book has maps and details for access points and portages as well as advice on shuttling and paddling year round.
It’s available for purchase at the Division of Natural Resources Map Store and through this link.
In addition, the following sites are popular references for boating in Utah.