Scenic Water Recreation Near Zion National Park
Discover Southern Utah’s beautiful desert reservoirs where visitors enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and some of the region’s most memorable sunset views.
A Refreshing Outdoor Escape Near Zion
While Zion National Park is famous for hiking and canyon adventures, nearby reservoirs like Quail Creek and Gunlock State Parks provide a completely different experience. These scenic desert lakes offer calm water recreation surrounded by red rock landscapes and wide desert views.
For visitors exploring Southern Utah, these parks provide the perfect break from strenuous canyon hikes. Many travelers enjoy swimming, boating, or relaxing along the shoreline after spending the morning hiking in Zion.
Both parks are easily accessible from St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale, making them excellent day trip destinations.
Quick Facts Bar
Washington County, Utah
About 30–45 minutes
Swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding
Spring through Fall
Why Visitors Love Quail Creek and Gunlock
These two state parks are popular because they combine peaceful desert scenery with accessible water recreation.
The parks offer a slower-paced outdoor experience compared to Zion’s busy canyon trails.
Best Things to Do at Sand Hollow
Located just outside Hurricane, Utah, Quail Creek State Park is known for its clear water and scenic mountain views. The reservoir sits below the Pine Valley Mountains, creating a striking contrast between desert terrain and distant alpine peaks.
Difficulty Level: Easy. Most activities are accessible for beginners and families.
Fees: Utah State Park entrance fee required. Boat permits required for watercraft.
Quail Creek is known for its clear water and excellent fishing conditions. The reservoir is stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill, making it one of the most popular fishing destinations in the region.
Gunlock State Park sits about 15 miles northwest of St. George and is famous for its peaceful setting surrounded by sandstone cliffs and desert hills.
The reservoir offers excellent boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
Difficulty Level: Easy. The park is designed for relaxed recreation and sightseeing.
Fees: Utah State Park entrance fee required.
Gunlock is best known for its seasonal waterfalls, which appear when the reservoir overflows during wet years in late winter or early spring.
These waterfalls cascade down the red rock cliffs and create one of Southern Utah’s most unique natural spectacles.
During waterfall season, the park becomes a popular photography destination.
Things to Do at the Reservoirs
Visitors enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities at both parks.
Both reservoirs have designated swimming areas and warm water during summer months.
Calm water conditions make the reservoirs ideal for paddle sports.
Both lakes allow motorized boats and personal watercraft.
The reservoirs are stocked with trout and bass and offer excellent shoreline and boat fishing opportunities.
Shaded picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
When to Visit the Parks
Pleasant weather and possible Gunlock waterfalls.
Warm water temperatures ideal for swimming and boating.
Mild temperatures and beautiful desert sunsets.
Quiet season with fewer visitors and cooler weather.
These parks are easily added to a Zion itinerary.
Quail Creek and Gunlock State Parks offer a refreshing change of pace from Zion’s canyon hiking. Whether you want to swim, fish, paddleboard, or simply enjoy desert scenery beside calm water, these reservoirs provide one of the most relaxing outdoor experiences in Southern Utah.
Many visitors combine a day in Zion National Park with an afternoon or evening visit to these beautiful desert lakes.
Exploring both the canyon landscapes of Zion and the peaceful waters of Washington County creates a more complete Southern Utah adventure.
