Gunlock State Park

Thanks to the size of the lake and its more off-the-beaten-path location, this is a great spot for paddleboards and open kayaks. Fewer boats make for calmer waters. Take off from the sandy beaches and explore all the popping-out-of-the-water rock formations. Bring your water toys or rent kayaks, paddleboards, and water carpets from the park vendor.

Gunlock may be the smallest of the three Greater Zion state park reservoirs, but there’s plenty of room for speed boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Find boat and jetski rentals through Greater Zion outfitters. Boat ramp hours vary slightly by season, but are open year-round.

Gunlock Reservoir lays claim as one of Utah’s best fisheries for largemouth bass. Take advantage of cool early mornings and late evenings when the lake’s largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are active and feeding. Don’t forget to purchase a Utah fishing license.

A generous portion of Gunlock Reservoir is set aside for swimming only. For hours of enjoyment, bring a picnic lunch and set up a spot under one of the shade pavilions. Take a boat or kayak to the far side of the lake and jump off the fun rock formations. Parking is conveniently located right next to the water and pavilions.

Late spring brings Gunlock’s rare seasonal waterfalls. When (and if) they appear depends on springtime runoff and wintertime thaws. Check the Gunlock Waterfall Watch for the most up-to-date information. Watching the sparkling waterfalls creep through Gunlock’s red rock is a magical experience, but take caution. Rocks are slick and water is swift. Water flowing over the dam is powerful and may carry large debris, rocks, and dirt. Always keep a safe distance from the falls.

Gunlock State Park offers the darkest skies of all the Greater Zion state parks. Come wish upon a shooting star or bring your camera and tripod for Milky Way photography.

Gunlock State Park’s new campground allows online reservations. Gunlock offers visitors in tents, RVs, and trailers access to 30 new campsites complete with water, power, a covered table structure and a nearby dump station. Campground facilities include hot showers and flush toilets.

Day and annual passes to Utah state parks are available at the gates of most parks. Day-use passes for Gunlock State Park are available online and can be purchased before you arrive, but they are only valid for the day of purchase. Purchase does not guarantee entry if the park is temporarily closed due to capacity, special events, or other reasons.