Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing in Utah Valley
Provo River
Utah Valley has accessible river adventure just a short drive from the second-largest metropolitan area in the state. The tail waters of the lower Provo River flow through Provo Canyon 17 miles to Utah Lake. Much of the Lower Provo is funneled through narrow limestone and quartzite walls of Provo Canyon before spilling into Utah Valley. It is this geography that provides some of the quickest water on the river. This section has the most public access.
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Family rafting trips in Utah Valley
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Life jackets are required.
- We highly encourage you to contact High Country Rafting for river conditions, rentals and information.
More on Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing in Utah Valley
The lower Provo is essentially divided into three navigable sections: Deer Creek Reservoir to Upper Division Dam, Upper Division Dam to Murdock Division Dam, and Murdock Division Dam to Utah Lake. This section runs about 6 miles, with Class I and II difficulty rating. Average drop is 15 ft/mile, with flow being 200+ CFS. Access is year-round, but because the water spills directly from the dam, the temperature is cold even in summer. May and June are the best months for canoeing, kayaking and rafting in Utah Valley's Provo River. No permit is needed to run any section of the lower Provo River. Put your raft, kayak or canoe into the river just below the dam where a dirt road heads off the southeast side of the road. There are two bridges that cross the river in this section, which make for precarious paddling if boaters are unaware. The first is located a half mile from the dam, and the second about 2 miles further. It’s this lower train trestle that poses the greatest difficulty, as it appears suddenly around a bend in the river. The current shoots boats to the left, but running the right side is generally the better bet: if in doubt, take the boat out and portage around the hazard. Take your raft, kayak or canoe out of the river just below Vivian Park three and a-half miles down river.
At just over 4 miles long, the second section is shorter but more intense than the first, with Class II to IV water. Average drop is 70 ft/mile, with flow being 250+ CFS. This is the section that flows past Bridal Veil Falls, which adds eye candy but difficulty to the run. Here is the Class IV section in high water. Before dipping a paddle, scout this section some locals call “The Hole,” as it’s tricky at best, and can be dangerous on high-water. Log problems usually exist above-and sub-surface, and steep and rocky is the theme here. The channel splits in several areas, so be quick of mind during this chess game.
The last stretch to Utah Lake is 9 miles with Class I to III water except in the hottest summer months, when most of the water has been siphoned at Murdock Diversion Dam and the channel can be nearly dry. Average drop is 40 ft/mile, with flow being 200+ CFS. There are several dams along the river here, and all but the last two are navigable at the right times, but all should be scouted before attempting a run. Take out at Utah Lake State Park or at the State Road 114 crossing point.
Futher south, take I-15 to the Spanish Fork exit and Highway 6, where the road takes you to the canyon and follows the river. Put in by taking a dirt road on the right just before the road climbs toward Thistle Dam, a huge mudslide that blocked the river in 1982-1983 and flooded the town of Thistle. Take a few minutes to pass the dirt road and view the historical plaque at the apex of the hill. Rating is Class I and II, average drop is 35 ft/mile, and flow is 300+ CFS. Boaters can run almost any part of the 12 mile run, and low water access is better 2 miles below Thistle at Diamond Fork. The best section is from here to Pole Canyon, with the bridge the only public take-out point. If water is running high, the section below Pole Canyon gets narrower and steeper for a fun ride. Scout the diversion dams, and take out at either Little Acorn Restaurant or Spanish Oaks Golf Course.