Gunlock State Park

Tucked into the community of Gunlock, 15 miles northwest of St. George, the reservoir sits ringed by sandstone formations rising straight out of the water.

266 Acre

Reservoir on the Santa Clara River

115 Feet

Maximum
Depth

65–70°F

Summer Water
Temperatures

Gunlock State Park is the most remote and arguably the most surprising of Greater Zion’s reservoirs. It is the kind of place where you can spend a morning chasing bass, an afternoon on a paddleboard, and an evening watching the Milky Way come up over the cliffs.

On the shore, you’ll find mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of desert birds. Below the water, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish keep anglers coming back year after year.

When to Visit

Spring

Catch Gunlock at its most dramatic. Late-season runoff occasionally cascades over the dam’s spillway, creating the park’s famous seasonal waterfalls. Temperatures in the 70s and light crowds make it a rewarding time to visit, whether the falls are flowing or not.

Summer

Summer is made for the water. Warm reservoir temperatures and long daylight hours draw boaters, swimmers, and paddlers. Shade is limited, so plan around midday heat.

Fall

Some of the most comfortable conditions of the year. Cooler air, water still holding summer temperatures, and fewer visitors make it a favorite season for anglers and paddlers.

Winter

Mild and quiet. Boat ramps operate on a reduced schedule, but the park remains open year-round. Weekday visits often mean you might have the shoreline to yourself.

Chase the Waterfalls

Gunlock’s seasonal waterfalls are one of the most photographed sights in Greater Zion, and also one of the rarest. They only appear when the reservoir reaches 105% capacity, and water spills over the dam onto the red sandstone below. Some years, they run for weeks. Some years, they don’t run at all.

Late winter and early spring are your best chances. To see this rare sight, check Utah State Park’s Gunlock Waterfall Watch.

Play On and In the Water

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Gunlock’s size and off-the-beaten-path location act as natural crowd control. Launch from the sandy beaches, weave between the rock formations rising out of the water, and find your own pocket of shoreline. Bring your own gear or rent equipment from the on-site vendor.

Boating & Jet Skiing

Gunlock is the smallest of the three Greater Zion state park reservoirs, but it holds its own for speed boating, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Rentals are available through Greater Zion outfitters. Boat ramp hours shift with the seasons, so check current hours before you go.

Fishing

The reservoir is designated a Blue Ribbon Fishery by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, a status given to waters that offer some of the best angling experiences in the state. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish all thrive here. Early mornings and late evenings are prime fish time. A Utah fishing license is required.

Swimming

A generous section of the reservoir is reserved for swimming only, with parking right next to the beach and shade pavilions. Pack a picnic and claim a pavilion or kayak across to the far shore to find a more secluded spot.

Off-Roading

The terrain around Gunlock is made for off-roading. Beyond the park boundaries, miles of Bureau of Land Management trails wind through open-range desert, sandstone washes, and rocky climbs with long views of Square Top Mountain to the north and the Red Mountain Wilderness to the south.

Three named trails connect directly to the park:

Red Canyon 2.5 runs along the ridge above Gunlock Road and serves as the main artery for the area’s trail network.
Gunlock Falls Backside Trail drops roughly 3 miles from Red Canyon 2.5 down to the reservoir, skirts the shoreline over slick rock formations, and arrives at the backside of the falls, away from the crowds.
Gunlock Campground Access Trail runs 3.5 miles through sand, rock, and wash country, crossing the Santa Clara River along the way.

All three are rated easy for experienced riders, though water crossings and cattle on open range are part of the deal. Club Rec offers rentals and guided tours on-site at Gunlock, making it easy to ride straight from the reservoir without towing a machine down.

Before you ride, Utah requires all OHV operators to complete the free online OHV Education Course and carry the certificate with you.

Learn more about off roading in Greater Zion.

Camp Under Dark Skies

Gunlock has some of the darkest skies in Greater Zion, which makes the campground a quiet favorite for stargazers and astrophotographers. The 30-site campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers with water, power, covered table structures, and a nearby dump station. Hot showers and flush toilets round out the facilities.

Online reservations are available through Utah State Parks.

Not a happy camper? Gunlock also has three cottages for rent. Or lodging in nearby Ivins or St. George puts you within a short drive of evening stargazing.

Know Before You Go

Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Day-use passes are available online or at the gate and are only valid for the day of purchase. Annual Utah State Park passes are accepted.
All watercraft must complete the mussel awareness course and check in at the entrance station
Parking may fill on peak weekends and waterfall days; arrive early
Pack out all trash to protect the shoreline and aquatic habitat

Plan to Stay Awhile

Gunlock makes an easy half-day trip, but the surrounding area rewards a longer stay. The Vortex Trail sits 11 minutes from the reservoir, leading hikers through sandstone formations shaped like the scales of a sleeping dragon and ending at a stone bowl the size of a small house. Kayenta Art Village in Ivins is 16 minutes away, with galleries, an arboretum, and a labyrinth. Snow Canyon State Park is also within short driving distance, making it easy to pair a day on the water with a day on the trails.

Vortex Trail

Kayenta Art Village

Map out your trip with a free Greater Zion visitor guide.

Location
St. George Area