Utah’s combination of dramatic scenery and exciting water sports offer the perfect path for viewing beautiful waterways while “riding the water.” From tall smooth walls of red rock, to picturesque mountain lakes, Utah offers water action designed for clear sailing, jumping waves and skiing on glass. Canoeing, boating, water-skiing, kayaking, river rafting, fishing, swimming, and sailing are all popular sports running throughout Utah. Full of breathtaking backdrops, it would take a lifetime of weekends to discover them all.

Utah is a desert, isn’t it? Well, technically yes…but for what’s generally considered a desert state, Utah has a lot of water! Among the United States, Utah ranks in the top ten for surface-acres of boatable waters within its boundaries. That adds up to a lot of lakes, reservoirs and river miles.

Click on one of the vicinities below to view water sport information for that area.

White Water Rafting

The combination of dramatic scenery and exciting whitewater rafting make a Utah river trip, a unique vacation experience. Huge rapids give an exhilarating ride through the great gorges.

In remote canyons of the Green, San Juan and Colorado Rivers, professional outfitters offer guests wild water in the midst of secluded beauty. Utah’s licensed guides provide an outdoor experience never to be forgotten.

Three of four-day trips through the Colorado’s Cataract and Westwater Canyons are packed with fun and excitement. The Green River is the perfect family vacation with most trips taking three to five days through Ladore, Desolation, and Gray Canyons. Ladore Canyon has exciting rapids with names like Disaster Falls, Hell’s half mile and Triplet Falls. The Yampa River east of Vernal connects with the Green River and offers excellent whitewater. Warm Springs rapid is considered on of the ten toughest rapids in the country. Embark upon Utah’s remarkable rivers and experience adventure at its best!