White-Water Kayaking Destinations in Wyoming
Kayaking is one of the best ways to see the beautiful state of Wyoming. There are raging rivers, reservoirs, and canyon routes that make the Cowboy State a kayaker’s paradise. Enjoy endless stretches of challenging streams and stunning scenery with some of the best kayaking in the United States.
Thrilling Wyoming Kayaking Destinations for Experienced Paddlers
Wyoming offers over 3,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 10,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. With so many choices for a paddle, here are a few top kayaking destinations for the more experienced thrill-seeker.
Snake River Canyon
Jackson, Wyoming
The Snake River Canyon south of Jackson, Wyoming and runs along Highway 89 to Alpine. The portion of the River between South Park Bridge and Sheep Gulch hosts over 200,000 visitors each summer thanks to its challenging white-water kayaking, fishing and beautiful scenery. It’s an adventurous, experienced kayaker’s dream with numerous Class III, IV, and V rapids. In addition to the thrilling kayaking, the canyon is simply stunning with picturesque views of the Teton mountain range.
North Platte River
Central Wyoming
North Platte River offers an excellent paddle for all experiences of kayakers with calm stretches and wild, raging rapids. The 716-mile-long river runs through northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The upper section offers fast-moving Class II and III rapids while the lower section is a bit calmer with fewer obstacles. Both offer stunning views of Wyoming’s landscape and plenty of opportunities for spotting native wildlife.
Green River
Green River, Wyoming
Starting just south of Jackson, Wyoming, the Green River winds south through the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, into Colorado, then back west into Utah, before joining the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. The river is known for its exciting whitewater rapids, making it a popular destination for skilled kayakers. Thrill seeking kayakers will find rapids that range from Class I up to Class IV.
Bighorn National Forest
North-central Wyoming
The Bighorn National Forest offers many options for kayaking with calm little lakes to explore and the sometimes-turbulent Bighorn River. You’ll find sections of white-water rapids as well as pristine stretches that offer a scenic easy paddle. The amenities here are a bit more primitive and roads a bit rougher than you might expect. But that also means fewer people and more undisturbed nature.
Curt Gowdy State Park
Cheyenne, WY
If you are looking for a kayaking destination closer to Cheyenne, check out Curt Gowdy State Park. It’s just 24 miles to the west at the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. It has three reservoirs and more than 400 acres of water to explore. You’ll also enjoy the richly varied landscape, with low-lying meadows, rolling hills and massive steep granite formations that attract tons of birds and other wildlife to the area.
Wyoming Kayak Storage Racks
You won’t be disappointed with the thrilling white-water rapids you can find near Cheyenne and beyond in Wyoming, unless your kayak is out of commission. Keep your kayak at the ready and protect it from damage caused by improper storage with Log Kayak Rack. Our cedar log kayak and canoe storage racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store kayaks, keeping them high and dry, and neatly organize shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Wyoming kayak storage needs.