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Wyoming is home to the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. Just like neighboring states, Colorado and Utah, Wyoming offers magnificent landscapes and wilderness vistas. This is the USA’s least populated state which offers the most dramatic mountains, most diverse wildlife, and most unique geology in the country. So let’s talk paddle boarding in Wyoming.
Calm and flowing rivers carve through the land, leading to glorious alpine lakes. Wyoming’s waters are nothing short of fantastic!
There are so many amazing National Parks in the state with great reservoirs, perfect for learning how to paddle board. Maybe you’re a seasoned pro? Add some of the remote lakes or challenging rivers to your must-paddle list.
Paddle boarding in Wyoming is a must-do for any SUP enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local, or plan to travel here with your inflatable paddle boards, you’re in for a treat!
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Paddling Yellowstone National Park is a dream come true for every outdoor lover. There are thousands of miles to cover on your SUP, along with the insane hiking trails to explore on foot.
Paddle boarding in Yellowstone gives you a whole new way to look at the National Park. Streams are out of bounds. However, some lakes and ponds are open to SUPs and provide some of the best places to paddle board in Wyoming!
Yellowstone covers a dormant super-volcano, and this incredible lake is right in the heart of the National Park. This is quite possibly the most impressive lake in Wyoming, if not the whole of the USA, with 110 miles of shoreline and depths of 394 feet. It certainly is not for the faint hearted.
The Yellowstone River flows in and out of this lake, bringing with it an abundance of fish, including the native species Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Is there a better place to give SUP fishing a go? Launch your SUP from Bridge Bay Marina or Grant Village.
We recommend planning a multi-day paddle board tour to appreciate the beauty and variety of Yellowstone Lake. You can explore the many bays, nooks, and crannies, dotted along the vast shoreline. Just be sure you have everything you need because this is not a heavily populated area, so perhaps best left to experienced paddle board tourers.
Deep in the south of Yellowstone Park is Lewis Lake, a popular paddle board location for day trippers and overnight campers. Again, this is a great body of water for fishing from your paddle board. Just be warned, you’re likely to be sharing the lake with other boaters.
There is a fantastic NPS campground with pitches right on the lake’s shoreline. Amenities are basic, and it’s operated on a first-come first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive early to pitch your tent. There is a boat ramp nearby which is ideal for launching your stand up paddle board from.
Want an adventure? From Lewis Lake you can paddle through a small channel to access Shoshone Lake. This is a hidden gem, tucked away from the masses, with only hikers and those brave enough to paddle across. Be warned though, this is a hard day of paddling to prepare for.
The backcountry wilderness around Shoshone Lake is incredible. If you’re keen to sleep under the stars on a SUP camping adventure, then this is the place for you. There are some campgrounds in the area open throughout the summer months.
Clue yourself up on the rules and regulations of paddling in Yellowstone National Park. Not all of the Park’s waters are available to you and your SUP. However, there are plenty of places to explore on Yellowstone’s waters to make for a great trip, over and over again.
When camping in Yellowstone, it’s important to remember you’re surrounded by the wild, including bears. Ranger Stations have bear spray available for purchase. Always make sure your camp food is secured away in tight containers to avoid attracting bears.
Grand Teton National Park is another incredible place in Wyoming, surrounded by picturesque mountains with over 200 miles of hiking trails. September is the best time to visit. Fall unveils vibrant colors, elk are more active, and the mountain tops will start to have a sprinkling of snow.
String Lake is shallow and calm, offering one of the most relaxing paddle board locations in Wyoming. If you are looking for somewhere to escape reality and completely unwind, then this is the place for you. Beginner paddle boarders will be able to master the paddling techniques before getting more adventurous.
Driving from Jackson takes up to 45 minutes, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This is a firm favorite for Wyoming locals and tourists alike!
Oxbow Bend is a wide section of Snake River with the best views of Mount Moran. Sunrise is spectacular as the mountain is lit up, reflected in the calm water, with wildlife all around. Exploring this spot by water is magical.
Access to the water is just south of the bend at Cattleman's Bridge. There is a turning off the highway leading down to the river. You can park up here (at your own risk), inflate your paddle board, and hit the water for a whole day of adventure.
Two Ocean Lake is a safe place for beginners to nail the basics of paddle boarding. It’s generally quiet and sheltered from any strong winds. Access to the water is easy, with plenty of shoreline to launch from. Alpine forests surround the lake, but you won’t get the same jaw-dropping mountains views as other destinations across Grand Teton National Park.
Leigh Lake is vast and remote. The calm waters offer more unbelievable views of the Grand Teton National Park, allowing you the opportunity to spot some of the iconic wildlife of the region.
To access the lake, you need to launch your SUP into String River and paddle less than a mile to reach Leigh Lake. You need to take your paddle board out of the water and carry it over a short, shallow passage leading to the lake.
Along the lake, there are several beaches for you to make a stop to regain your energy. You’ll also find a handful of paddle-in campsites, perfect for anyone looking to make the trip into an overnight adventure.
A spot for the adrenaline junkies out there! Snake River offers challenging SUP conditions best left to the expert paddle boarders. Winding through the valley, sections of this river have Class III and Class IV rapids. This is great for getting a taste of SUP surfing as you navigate the whitewater rapids.
There is a popular eight-mile route from West Table to Sheep’s Gulch. Be sure to wear all the appropriate gear, such as a helmet and life jacket, keeping your keys and valuables in a small dry bag or pocket on your body at all times. Don’t wear a leash to avoid getting caught on rocks or branches along the river.
Jenny Lake is the best place to paddle board in Grand Teton for first timers and beginners. The large and spacious lake never feels crowded, offering plenty of space for you to find your balance. You can head to the northeastern shore for a quieter spot if wanted.
Just be warned, winds can pick up throughout the day, so we recommend paddling in the morning for the best conditions. Always wear a PFD just in case you fall into the water – don’t worry, we’ve all been there!
Jackson Hole is just south of Grand Teton National Park and has some equally amazing places to launch a SUP.
Jackson Lake is the largest lake in the Grand Teton region of Wyoming and is just a 40-minute drive from Jackson Hole. This is a great place for more experienced riders to take a paddle.
Here, you can enjoy a 5-mile river float from Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek Boat Ramp. There are some eddies and riffles to navigate, which can be tricky for novices. You can link in Oxbow Bend as well for a longer adventure!
South Park to Astoria is an intermediate river paddle route. There are deep sections that are great to learn how to SUP on rivers. However, the majority can be challenging.
We recommend using an inflatable paddle board when hitting rivers. This will give you peace of mind when bumping into rocks and paddling over shallow sections, knowing your SUP isn’t getting trashed.
Northern Wyoming is rugged and wild. The remote expanse stretches between Bighorn National Forest and Shoshone National Forest, two epic places everyone should visit. Besides awesome hiking trails and wildlife viewing, there are also some sweet places to take a stand up paddle board.
The Shoshone River has it all, from bubbling rapids to tranquil pools. Just be sure to check the river levels and conditions with local sources before you begin your float downstream!
There are several access points to the river from Cody. This small town has plenty of places to stay, restaurants, and paddle board rental stores just in case you need some SUP gear. Gradient Mountain Sports is located in the middle of town and offers rentals, SUP lessons, and even guided tours of the area.
If you’re looking for a secluded and quiet flatwater paddle board destination near Cody, then look no further than Newton Lakes. Just 5-minutes out of town, at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain, are these two spring-fed pocket lakes.
The east lake is fantastic for fishing, while the west lake is perfect to try out SUP yoga. Both lakes are suitable for children and dogs.
Want an adventure to blow your mind? Paddling through the Bighorn Canyon is surely a bucket list thing to do. This river is over 400 miles long, carving through the middle of the state.
There are several suitable launch sites along the river. Fort Smith is a good central spot to head to, allowing you to paddle either north or south.
Casper is popular on the fishing scene, as well as the rodeo, often being named as the USA’s top ‘mountain town’. But what about paddle boarding? Check out these awesome spots to take your SUP in the area.
Alcova Lake covers nearly 2,500 acres and is home to six good campgrounds. With sandy beaches and calm waters, this is one of the premium locations to paddle board near Casper, Wyoming. This is a popular spot for boaters, anglers, campers, and water lovers.
Head over to the Alcova Resort (the onsite marina) to rent any SUP gear you may need. They also organize tours and excursions, including a sunset tour of the canyon, which will keep the whole family happy.
The North Platte River weaves through Wyoming and is the shining star of Casper. The 718-mile river flows through the center of town. It’s world-renowned for its fishing opportunities, accessibility, and float options for water lovers.
There is an 11-mile paved path running alongside the river through Casper, complete with wildlife signage and public art along the route. Enjoying a relaxing float and fish down the North Platte River is a must for the area.
The Wind River Range in Wyoming encompasses the western region of the Rocky Mountains, extending along the western slope of the Continental Divide. There are alpine forests, jagged rocks, and of course, excellent paddle boarding locations.
Fremont Lake feels endless, with sandy beaches along most of the shoreline. You can explore the 11 miles of length, soaking up the serenity and wilderness. Grizzly and black bears are common sightings in the Bridger-Teton forest, so many people choose to paddle board with their dog for a little added security!
Launch your SUP near Pinedale Boat Club. This is a safe and sandy beach just outside of town, ideal for starting your adventure.
Half Moon Lake is a dream location for any water lover. On warmer days, this spot will have fishermen, swimmers, boaters, and paddle boarders. The lake is on the foothills of the Wind River Mountain Range, with alpine forests and rocky beaches surrounding.
There is a launch ramp a short walk down from the designated swimming area. This beautiful lake is perfect for full days of SUP and fun with all the family.
New Fork Lakes are nestled in the center of the Wind River Range but are still only 43-miles away from Pinedale. This is the best place for anyone who wants a remote escape that is still fairly easy to access.
The area is great for outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and paddling. Just be sure to acquire all required permits before casting a line from your SUP; all waters are governed by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, head south of Wyoming to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Impressive canyon walls stretch across the horizon and pass through to Utah. This is a jaw-dropping location.
Prepare to be in awe of this breathtaking landscape. Green River is big and bold, and looks like something out of a movie. For one of the best flatwater paddle boarding adventures in the USA, head to the lower section of the Green River and paddle through Labyrinth Canyon. This is a great multi-day SUP trip!
There are designated camping spots along the river, and you are required to apply for a permit, which is free of charge. The area upholds a strict ‘leave no trace behind’ policy, so make sure you are clean and respectful throughout your paddling adventure.
Don’t have your own SUP gear yet? Don’t worry, there are some great SUP rental stores in Wyoming that can help you out. Some even provide lessons and tours, giving you local knowledge to enhance your experience.
Curt Gowdy State Park has some paddle board locations, such as Crystal Lake and Granite Springs. Reservoirs are open for paddle boarding, however, swimming is prohibited. Be sure to acquire any relevant permits for your SUP or other boating equipment.
Grand Teton has so many incredible places to paddle board. Jenny Lake is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a relaxing paddle in the National Park. Yet, Snake River and Oxbow Bend are the two most iconic locations for paddle boarders and outdoor lovers.
Jenny Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Wyoming, and you can paddle board on these waters. The lake is easily accessible in the Grand Teton National Park and offers peaceful paddling. Try to hit the water with your SUP early to avoid any winds or busy crowds.
Currently, Wyoming doesn’t require non-motorized vessels to be registered, meaning paddle boards can enter the water. Always check if the lake or pond is open for SUP use before planning a trip, as some areas of the National Parks are off limits.
Both Yellowstone Lake and Newton Lake are fantastic places to give SUP fishing a try. These lakes are calm and have good fish stocks throughout. Make sure you purchase any fishing licenses before casting your rod.
While there isn’t an ocean, some rivers simulate great waves to give SUP surfing a go. Snake River is the best place to visit if you want to try riding the whitewater rapids, testing your balance and control, and giving you the taste of riding waves.
Beginner paddle boarders should head to either String Lake or Jenny Lake for the safest places to learn. Both lakes are calm and relatively sheltered from opposing weather conditions. They are also spacious, allowing you to find your balance and learn the basics. So what are you waiting for? Grab a SUP and learn how to paddle board in Wyoming!
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