Where to Paddle Board in Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its rugged landscapes, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness areas. While most people think of hiking, camping, and skiing when it comes to outdoor activities in Wyoming, paddle boarding is a lesser-known but equally exciting option. With its many lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, Wyoming offers some of the best paddle boarding opportunities in the country. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, there are plenty of places to explore in Wyoming. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top destinations for paddle boarding in Wyoming.

Key Highlights:

  1. Jackson Lake: Paddleboarding amidst the Teton Range's reflection on crystal-clear waters.
  2. Fremont Lake: Known for its depth and clarity, offering tranquil paddleboarding experiences.
  3. Glendo Reservoir: A haven for beginners with calm waters and beautiful camping spots.
  4. Yellowstone Lake: Paddleboard among geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife.
  5. Boysen Reservoir: Expansive waters surrounded by rugged landscapes, perfect for fishing enthusiasts.
  6. Oxbow Bend: Ideal for wildlife spotting while paddleboarding with stunning mountain views.
  7. Two Ocean Lake: Offers secluded paddleboarding in the Teton Wilderness Area.
  8. Bighorn River: Features diverse water conditions, suitable for adventurous paddleboarders.
  9. Alcova Lake: Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, providing picturesque paddleboarding spots.
  10. North Platte River: Calm waters and rapids alike, set against beautiful Wyoming scenery.

inflatable paddle board on a mountain lake
Photo Credit: Jackson Paddleboard Rentals

Jackson Lake:

Located in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake is a popular destination for paddleboarding. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, and the crystal-clear water provides an excellent view of the lake bottom, which is home to a variety of fish species. The lake is quite large, so there's plenty of room to explore. You can paddle around the lake's many islands, or head to the eastern side of the lake to see the beautiful Teton Range.

One of the best things about Jackson Lake is that it's easily accessible. There are several launch points around the lake, including the Colter Bay Marina and the Signal Mountain Lodge. If you're looking for a guided paddle boarding tour, there are several companies that offer them in the area. Some tours even include a scenic hike to a hidden waterfall.

Fremont Lake:

Fremont Lake is located in Pinedale, Wyoming, and it's known for its clear water and beautiful scenery. The lake is quite large, with a surface area of over 11 square miles, and it's surrounded by the Wind River Mountains. There are several paddle boarding options on the lake, including exploring the shoreline or heading to the middle of the lake to see the deep blue water.

One of the best things about Fremont Lake is that it's not as crowded as some of the other paddle boarding destinations in Wyoming. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without dealing with the crowds. There are several launch points around the lake, including the Fremont Lake Campground and Lakeside Lodge.

Glendo Reservoir:

Located in the southeastern part of the state, Glendo Reservoir is a popular destination for paddle boarding, fishing, and camping. The reservoir covers over 12,000 acres and has over 70 miles of shoreline. The water is relatively calm, making it a great place for beginners to learn how to paddleboard.

One of the best things about Glendo Reservoir is that there are several campgrounds located around the lake. This makes it a great destination for those who want to spend a few days exploring the area. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Two Moon Trail, which provides stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding area.

Yellowstone Lake:

Yellowstone National Park is known for its incredible geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, but it's also a great place for paddle boarding. Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in the park, and it's surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. The water is quite cold, but the scenery is well worth the chilly temperature.

There are several launch points around the lake, including the Bridge Bay Marina and the Grant Village Marina. If you're looking for a guided paddle boarding tour, there are several companies that offer them in the area. Some tours even include a visit to the nearby hot springs, where you can soak in the warm water after a day on the lake.

Boysen Reservoir:

Located in central Wyoming, Boysen Reservoir is a popular spot for paddle boarding, fishing, and camping. The reservoir offers over 19,000 acres of water, making it one of the largest bodies of water in Wyoming. Paddleboarders can explore the many coves and inlets around the reservoir and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including walleye and trout, found in the reservoir. It's important to note that the water can be choppy on windy days, so it's important to check weather conditions before heading out.

Oxbow Bend:

Located in Grand Teton National Park, Oxbow Bend is a stunning paddleboarding destination with views of the Teton Range. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters and take in the natural beauty of the area, including the stunning reflections of the mountain range in the water. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and elk, making for a unique and exciting paddleboarding experience. It's important to note that the water can be chilly, even in the summer months, so it's recommended to bring a wetsuit or other appropriate gear.

Two Ocean Lake:

Located in the Teton Wilderness Area, Two Ocean Lake is a secluded spot that offers crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the shoreline or head out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging paddle. The lake is also home to several species of fish, including trout and grayling, making it a popular spot for fishing as well. It's important to note that the lake is only accessible by foot or horseback, so it's a more remote and secluded spot.

Bighorn River:

The Bighorn River is a popular paddle boarding destination that offers a variety of options, from calm stretches of water to more challenging rapids. Paddleboarders can take in the stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls and enjoy the peacefulness of the river. It's also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including trout and carp, found in the river. It's important to note that water levels can change rapidly depending on weather conditions, so it's important to check conditions before heading out.

Alcova Lake:

Alcova Lake is a popular spot for water sports, including paddle boarding. The lake is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and rock formations, and there are several launch points around the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the many coves and inlets around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. It's also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including walleye and rainbow trout, found in the lake.

North Platte River:

The North Platte River offers a variety of paddle boarding options, from calm stretches of water to more challenging rapids. Paddleboarders can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and explore the many islands and coves around the river. The river is also home to several species of fish, including brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for fishing as well. It's important to note that water levels can change rapidly depending on weather conditions, so it's important to check conditions before heading out.

Half Moon Lake:

Half Moon Lake is a small, secluded spot with clear water and stunning mountain views. It's a great spot for paddle boarding and taking in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including cutthroat trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is only accessible by foot, horseback, or boat, so it's a more remote and secluded spot.

New Fork Lake:

paddle boards on a lake

Located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, New Fork Lake is a beautiful paddle boarding spot with clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the many coves and inlets around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including rainbow and brook trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is located at a high elevation, so it can be chilly, even in the summer months.

Green River:

The Green River is a popular paddleboarding destination that offers a variety of options, from calm stretches of water to more challenging rapids. Paddleboarders can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and explore the many islands and coves around the river. The river is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including brown and rainbow trout, found in the river. It's important to note that water levels can change rapidly depending on weather conditions, so it's important to check conditions before heading out.

Leigh Lake:

Located in Grand Teton National Park, Leigh Lake is a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the many islands and coves around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including cutthroat trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is located at a high elevation, so it can be chilly, even in the summer months.

Snake River:

The Snake River is a popular destination for paddleboarding, with calm stretches of water and challenging rapids. Paddleboarders can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and explore the many islands and coves around the river. The river is also home to several species of fish, including cutthroat and rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for fishing as well.

Jenny Lake:

Jenny Lake is another beautiful spot in Grand Teton National Park, with clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the many islands and coves around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including cutthroat trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is located at a high elevation, so it can be chilly, even in the summer months.

Lewis Lake:

Located in Yellowstone National Park, Lewis Lake is a beautiful spot with clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the many coves and inlets around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including lake trout and cutthroat trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is located at a high elevation, so it can be chilly, even in the summer months.

Shoshone Lake:

Shoshone Lake is another beautiful spot in Yellowstone National Park with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. Paddleboarders can explore the many islands and coves around the lake and take in the natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with several species of fish, including lake trout and cutthroat trout, found in the lake. It's important to note that the lake is only accessible by foot, horseback, or boat, so it's a more remote and secluded spot.

String Lake:

is a hidden gem located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The lake is a small and secluded spot with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. It's a popular destination for paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing.

One of the unique features of String Lake is its shallow and clear water, which makes it an ideal spot for paddle boarding. Paddleboarders can easily see the bottom of the lake and enjoy the view of the submerged trees and rocks. The lake is also surrounded by towering mountains, making for a truly breathtaking experience. The calm waters of the lake also make it a great spot for beginners to learn paddle boarding.

Conclusion:

Photo Credit: University of Wyoming

Overall, Wyoming offers some of the most stunning paddle boarding destinations in the country, with crystal-clear water, stunning mountain views, and opportunities to explore remote and secluded spots. Whether you're an experienced paddleboarder or a beginner looking to try something new, Wyoming has something for everyone. So, grab your paddleboard, pack your gear, and head out to discover the natural beauty of this incredible state.