Kayaking & Paddleboarding in St. George, Utah

Crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by red sandstone cliffs. Stand up paddleboarding paradise with calm waters, sandy beaches, and stunning desert scenery. Rentals available on-site.

Warm-water reservoir perfect for kayaking with 600 acres of open water. Dramatic red rock shoreline, excellent fishing kayaking, and year-round paddling in one of Utah's warmest lakes.

Quiet, uncrowded reservoir nestled in the mountains northwest of St. George. Peaceful flatwater kayaking with mountain views, limited motorized traffic, and excellent wildlife watching.

Professional guided kayak and SUP tours on local reservoirs and rivers. Sunset tours, wildlife paddles, and instructional outings for beginners. Equipment and instruction included.

Hourly and daily stand up paddleboard rentals including inflatable and hardboard options. Delivery to Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, and other local water access points available.

Fish from your kayak on Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, and Gunlock reservoirs. Target largemouth bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Fishing kayak rentals with rod holders and gear storage.

Evening paddle sessions on calm reservoir waters as the sun paints the red rock cliffs in golden light. Guided and self-guided sunset tours for unforgettable desert water experiences.

Yoga on stand up paddleboards combining balance training with mindful movement on calm reservoir waters. Guided sessions for all levels with boards and equipment provided.

Where can I go kayaking near St. George Utah?

The top kayaking spots near St. George include Sand Hollow Reservoir (crystal-clear turquoise water with red rock cliffs, 20 minutes from town), Quail Creek Reservoir (600 acres of warm water with dramatic red shoreline, 15 minutes away), and Gunlock Reservoir (quiet mountain lake, 25 minutes northwest). All three offer calm flatwater ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding with scenic desert and canyon backdrops.

Can I rent paddleboards near Sand Hollow?

Yes, several local outfitters offer stand up paddleboard (SUP) rentals near Sand Hollow Reservoir. Rentals are available hourly, half-day, and full-day with both hardboard and inflatable options. Some companies offer delivery directly to the reservoir. On-site rental operations are also available seasonally at the Sand Hollow State Park marina area. Prices typically range from $20-40 per hour.

What is the best time of year for paddleboarding in St. George?

Paddleboarding in St. George is excellent from March through November. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions with warm air temperatures and comfortable water. Summer paddling is best in early morning before afternoon winds. Sand Hollow and Quail Creek have some of the warmest water in Utah, extending the season longer than most Utah lakes. Winter paddling is possible on calm days but requires wetsuits.

Do I need experience to kayak or paddleboard in St. George?

No prior experience is necessary. The reservoirs near St. George offer calm, flatwater conditions perfect for beginners. Rental shops provide basic instruction, and guided tours include full training. Sand Hollow is especially beginner-friendly with shallow, calm sections near the shore. Life jackets are required and provided with rentals. SUP is generally easy to learn within 15-30 minutes on flat water.

Can I kayak fish at Sand Hollow or Quail Creek?

Yes, kayak fishing is popular at both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek reservoirs. Sand Hollow is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, while Quail Creek has rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Fishing kayaks with rod holders are available for rent from some outfitters. A valid Utah fishing license is required. The calm waters and scenic setting make for excellent fishing conditions year-round.

Are there guided kayak or paddleboard tours near St. George?

Yes, several local outfitters offer guided kayak and SUP tours on Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, and other area waterways. Tours include sunset paddles, wildlife watching excursions, and instructional outings for beginners. Equipment, life jackets, and instruction are included in guided tour pricing. Some operators also offer SUP yoga sessions and group paddle events. Reservations are recommended during peak season.

St. George, Utah may sit in the Mojave Desert, but it offers some of the most stunning paddle sports experiences in the western United States thanks to three remarkable reservoirs within 25 minutes of downtown. Sand Hollow Reservoir is the crown jewel, featuring crystal-clear turquoise water set against dramatic red Navajo sandstone cliffs that create an almost tropical appearance in the desert landscape. This 1,322-acre reservoir is ideal for stand up paddleboarding with calm conditions, shallow sandy areas perfect for beginners, and deeper sections for experienced paddlers. Quail Creek Reservoir offers 600 acres of some of the warmest water in Utah, making it a favorite for kayakers seeking longer paddling sessions with stunning red rock shoreline views. Gunlock Reservoir rounds out the trio with peaceful, uncrowded mountain-backed flatwater ideal for kayakers and paddleboarders seeking solitude and wildlife watching.

The paddle sports infrastructure in Southern Utah has grown significantly, with multiple rental outfitters offering stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes by the hour, half-day, or full day. Inflatable and hardboard SUP options are available, and some companies deliver equipment directly to reservoir access points. Guided paddle tours have become increasingly popular, featuring sunset excursions on Sand Hollow, wildlife watching paddles, and instructional outings for first-time paddlers. Kayak fishing is excellent at all three reservoirs, targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, and channel catfish from the stability of a fishing kayak. SUP yoga sessions combine balance training with mindful movement on calm morning water. The paddling season extends from March through November, with summer paddling best in early morning to avoid afternoon winds. Life jackets are required and provided with all rentals, and Utah State Park day-use fees apply at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek.