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5 Utah spots to cool off outside this summer

5 Utah spots to cool off outside this summer

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As the hotter temperatures are starting to set in across the state, Utahns are heading inside to stay cool. But there are many places outside to cool off while enjoying the season. With the mercury rising, so are the state’s water levels. In fact, the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City announced in May that Utah is officially draught-free. For outdoor enthusiasts, the news gets even better.

“After one of Utah’s driest water seasons in 2018, Mother Nature threw a huge curveball and restored balance to our amazing state,” says Sean Myers of High Country Adventure. “A near-perfect cycle of warm and cold days through the late spring minimized runoff and flooding. Most of Utah's recreational rivers are at exciting levels for almost everyone.”

This summer, adventure is raging along with the rivers. Whether you’re a rafting novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll want the low-down on Utah’s high water to make the most of the 2019 season.

Westwater Canyon

If you’re after rapids, Westwater Canyon, the “first whitewater stretch on the Colorado River in Utah," is sure to deliver. That’s especially true this year, with current water levels at more than 20,000 cubic feet per second. Compare that with a 68-year average of 8,700 according to U.S. Geological Survey, and you’ll see this season is something special.

According to the Colorado River Basin website, projections show Colorado water levels slowly dropping over the next ten days, leaving it in the sweet spot for big-water rafting enthusiasts. Expect solid Class III and IV rapids this summer.

The Moab Daily

The Daily River, located just outside Moab, is popular for a reason. With beginner and intermediate rapids (Class I to III), this stretch of the Colorado carves through hot desert and beautiful red rock. Easily accessible from both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, a trip through The Daily is an exciting way to spend a hot summer day. The water is usually in the cool low 60s in the summer — a nice relief from the often triple-digit days.

5 Utah spots to cool off outside this summer

Cataract Canyon

For the extreme rafting enthusiasts, heading to Canyonlands National Park is the way to go. Cataract Canyon, situated just below the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers is sure to have an epic 2019 season.

According to Ryan Ollivier, long-time Moab guide and Retail Manager at High Country, Cataract is currently averaging 35,000 cubic feet per second, creating some of the largest rapids in the state. As American Whitewater explains, Cataract Canyon offers no put-ins, so you’ll need to run either Meander Canyon on the Colorado or Stillwater Canyon on the Green River first.

Green River

With Utah reservoirs overflowing, the Bureau of Reclamation increased the water flows from Flaming Gorge Dam into the Green River in June. With these high releases now dropping, the river is running around 2,300 cubic feet per second, making it the perfect backdrop for a family adventure.

Complemented with scenic campsites and leisurely side hikes, Green River is a veritable playground all summer long.

5 Utah spots to cool off outside this summer

Provo and Weber Rivers

If big-water rafting doesn’t float your boat, you can try floating on the Provo or Weber River. This spring’s optimal warm/cold cycle spared these rivers from flooding, making them prime locations for rafting and tubing. Since the water has been going over both spillways, the rivers are warmer than usual this year. So float on — all season long.

If you’re up for a river of adventure this summer, pack a bag and head outside. Whether you're in the lower half of the state or spend more time up north, there's a river near you just waiting to for adventure. Visit High Country Adventure to experience Utah’s natural playgrounds.

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