Provo River Information

Provo River Questions & Answers

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Q:  Is floating the Provo River safe?

A:  Floating on the lower Provo River is safe & enjoyable for most people. Features that make the river a challenge are a few waves & riffles, the narrow channel with many turns & a railroad trestle with legs that are positioned at an angle in the river. If you are unsure if you & your group would be safe on the Provo River, contact us to learn more about the river. We're happy to share information & advice.

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Q:  Can you swim in the Provo River?

A:  In specific locations, the Provo River is suitable for swimming. However, be mindful that it is a mountain river with a swift current (at all flow rates.) Also, the water is cold. Personal flotation devices (life jackets) are required by law when rafting, kayaking, tubing & swimming in the river. If you're planning to go swimming in the river, consider renting from us so you can enjoy it safely. Contact us before you go or find us at the Provo River. Our sales tents are located in convenient places near the river.

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Q:  How cold is the Provo River?

A:  The river feeds from the base of a dam at Deer Creek Reservoir. Firstly, water flows from snow melt in the high elevations of the Uinta Mountains. Then secondly, the water sits in the bottom of the reservoir for long periods of time without sunlight to warm it up. The water in the lower Provo is from 52 - 55 degrees. It's that cold even when it is hot outside. The water temperature can be a shock to people who sit in the water & get soaked when river tubing.  If you are planning a float trip & do not want to be cold, consider rafting because you will not be sitting in the cold water while you float on an inflatable raft.

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Q:  How long is a trip on the lower Provo River?

A:  When floating with us, you have a few options for the river mileage & duration of your trips. Contact us for details. We offer the longest float on the Provo River. Most people who raft, tube, kayak & SUP on their own start from the Deer Creek Reservoir dam & float to Vivian Park. Floats can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (point-to-point.) Remember, life jackets are required. If you need to rent life jackets, we have Coast Guard certified/approved life jacket rentals. Contact us before you arrive or look for our sales tents located near the river.

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Q:  Is there white water on the Provo River?

A:  On the lower Provo River section below Deer Creek Reservoir & floating to Vivian Park, there are a few riffles & waves. The water is rated as Class I & mild Class II. What Class I means is that there is a noticeable river current, the grade (drop) of the river is not significant & there are some waves. What makes this stretch of river Class II (a more difficult & technically rated Class) is that there is one larger wave. Additionally, there are a few natural obstructions to go around. (Be aware of the human-made obstruction, the train bridge.) We offer Provo River Class II & Class III white water rafting & kayaking trips. Contact us if you're looking for a white water experience on the Provo River.

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Q:  What kind of fish are in the Provo River?

A:  The Provo River is famous for its world-class fishing. There are a variety of fish species such as: Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Common Carp, Walleye & White Bass. We give the Provo River anglers lots of space when we are out enjoying the river together. If you want to fish from a raft or kayak on any section of the Provo River, contact us for rentals.