Swim In A Reservoir At This Underrated Utah State Park With Striking Red Rock Views

If you're looking for a serene, family-friendly getaway far from the crowds, Gunlock State Park in Utah is a hidden gem. Located 20 miles northwest of St. George and 320 miles south of Salt Lake City, this underrated park is an oasis for outdoor lovers of all ages. It features a reservoir that's great for swimming and fishing, towering red rock cliffs, and beautiful views that encompass the rugged American Southwest. For a blend of adventure and tranquility, this is a fantastic state park to visit. 

When most people think of Utah's natural wonders — particularly Utah's Mighty Five — spots like Zion National Park, Arches, and Bryce Canyon usually spring to mind. In 2023, 10.6 million people visited Utah's national parks, and its state parks saw 12 million visitors (per the Gardner Policy Institute). Gunlock State Park, however, remains off the radar — and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. The park itself is relatively small compared to Utah's national parks, covering just over 248 acres, but what it might lack in size, it makes up for in charm. 

Gunlock Reservoir, a calm body of water 1.8 miles long, 0.7 miles wide, and 155 feet deep, is perhaps the park's greatest draw. Set against a backdrop of fiery red rock formations and sagebrush-covered hills, the reservoir is perfect for a wide range of water activities. Whether you're a casual swimmer looking to cool off from the desert heat, an avid watersports enthusiast, or an angler ready to go with your tackle box and boat, the reservoir has something for everyone.

If it can go in the water, bring it: Kayaks, SUPs, paddleboards, canoes, boats, water toys, and jet skis are all welcome. If you don't have your own equipment, there's an on-site marina available for rentals. The warm, calm waters of the reservoir make it perfect for swimming and watersports, while the impressive rock formations lining the shore offer excellent opportunities to explore the landscape from a unique vantage point. Freshwater fishing is plentiful at this destination; you'll find largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, rainbow trout, and channel catfish — just make sure you have a Utah fishing license or obtain a three- or seven-day permit and follow designated catch limits. Spend the day fishing from the shore, or bring your boat and use the park's boat ramp to load in. 

One of Gunlock State Park's most unique, elusive, and seasonally specific attractions is a series of waterfalls that appear during the spring months. These waterfalls are a rare phenomenon — not even an annual one — and only occur when water levels are high enough, typically during years with above-average precipitation that cause the Gunlock Reservoir to overflow. It's a stunning sight: Clear, powerful water cascading down red desert rocks. When the waterfalls are active, the park does attract more than the usual number of visitors. To get to Gunlock Falls, you'll have to hike about 100 yards from the parking lot along a sandy and rocky trail. Check the park's Facebook page for daily updates on the status of the waterfalls so you can plan your visit. 

In addition to its water-based activities, Gunlock State Park also has some superb off-the-beaten-path adventure trails for exploring the desert landscape. The Gunlock Falls Trail, a 1.2-mile, 30-minute trail that features both hiking and scrambling, is easy enough even for kids. The Gunlock Slot Loop, a 2.1-mile loop trail that takes around 50 minutes to complete, crosses a beautiful slot canyon and offers up-close views of the park's rocky terrain and ancient lava flows. For those who want to squeeze in some more hiking, the nearby Snow Canyon State Park offers a range of trails just a short drive from Gunlock, including routes that take you through slot canyons, lava tubes, and petrified Navajo sandstone dunes.

Most people come to Gunlock on a day trip, but if you want to stay the night, you can. To book a campsite, you can make a reservation online. There are 30 standard campgrounds (24 pull-throughs and six back-in sites) and three cottages available for rent with power, water, and covered tables. Showers and toilets are available at the campground. The water is not potable, so come prepared with everything you might need to spend the night. Pets are permitted, so long as they're on a leash. Gunlock State Park is a year-round destination; the best time to visit — especially if you're trying to chase some waterfalls — would be springtime. If you're planning a nature trip in Utah, don't overlook this gem — you just might find it becomes your new favorite spot in the state.