Gunlock State Park

On our recent trip to the St. George area, we decided to visit all four Utah State Parks in the vicinity. We’ve been to St. George many times but hadn’t explored the area as much as we wanted to.

Most people will probably miss Gunlock State Park as it is somewhat out of the way and isolated. I’m sure the people who live in the area know it though. We drove to it after driving through Snow Canyon State Park as it was only about 20 minutes northwest.

Nestled among the rolling hills of rich sandstone and charcoal volcanic rock, Gunlock State Park offers a quiet, scenic getaway in the extreme southwest corner of the state. Just west of Santa Clara and St. George, this small yet charming park … actually another reservoir … seemed to us to be an obvious place to escape the crowds and traffic of the St. George area. It lived up to its billing as a great place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or weekend.

One More Hidden Gem in Utah’s Desert Landscape

Gunlock State Park includes Gunlock Reservoir, a modestly sized body of water fed by the Santa Clara River (when there is water in it) and seasonal runoff. Covering just over 260 acres, the reservoir may not be the largest in Utah but its calm waters and beautiful setting make it an appealing spot for locals and visitors alike.

The reservoir is popular with anglers who come to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Fishing is often excellent, especially during spring and fall, making Gunlock a favorite destination for those looking to cast a line in solitude.

Non-motorized boating, paddle boarding and kayaking are also common sights here as the lake’s peaceful surface will only be broken by natural causes rather than loud, speeding motor boats. It invites leisurely exploration rather than production of the biggest waves possible for those on shore.

Recreation and Relaxation

Aside from fishing and boating, Gunlock State Park draws visitors for swimming, hiking and photography. The park’s shoreline offers several sandy beaches and rocky coves perfect for sunbathing, picnicking or simply relaxing in the sun. And there’s lots of sun down here.

Hikers and photographers will appreciate the scenic backdrop surrounding the reservoir. Red sandstone cliffs contrast beautifully with black volcanic rock formations creating striking vistas at sunrise and sunset. The opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife is common with sightings of deer, jackrabbits, hawks and various waterfowl common around the park.

Gunlock Falls: A Rare Seasonal Wonder

One of Gunlock’s unique attractions is the breathtaking Gunlock Falls. In years of significant rainfall or high snowmelt, excess water spills dramatically over the red sandstone cliffs near the reservoir’s dam, creating a series of picturesque cascades. These waterfalls typically flow only in spring drawing visitors eager to witness and photograph this rare desert spectacle.

Unfortunately, this is another extremely dry year and the falls weren’t falling on our visit. In fact the riverbed leading to the reservoir was bone dry. If your visit coincides with this natural phenomenon, consider yourself fortunate.

Always exercise caution if you are hiking near these falls as slick rocks can pose hazards. Conditions around the falls can change quickly during wet years.

History Along Old Highway 91

Part of the charm in visiting Gunlock State Park … we think … is traveling along Old Highway 91. This is the historic roadway leading from Santa Clara to the Gunlock turn-off and beyond.

Before Interstate 15 became the primary north-south artery through Utah, Highway 91 was a crucial route linking Utah to Nevada, Arizona and on to California. Known as the Arrowhead Trail, it served as the main thoroughfare for travelers and commerce throughout the early to mid-20th century.

Today, driving along Old Highway 91 feels like stepping back in time. Remnants of earlier days … old homesteads, historic markers and quiet rural landscapes … line the road. They offer a glimpse into Utah’s past. Knowing some its history, the leisurely drive itself was as rewarding as the destination.

I remember back a couple years when the Utah Utes were playing in the PAC-12 Championship game in Las Vegas. One of the Virgin River bridges on I-15 was being rebuilt and traffic was backed up for miles.

I read about a detour which would provide no delays although your speed would be reduced. Nonetheless, the time saved and the avoided frustration of sitting in traffic seemed worth it. That detour was along this “Old Highway 91” which we drove part of to get to Gunlock. 

Those Are Bats!

As we were driving back along Gunlock Drive towards Old Highway 91 (about 7 miles), my wife noticed something peculiar hanging in the trees on the dry riverbed side. We realized there were hundreds of bats hanging upside down from the trees. I wanted to stop and get some photos but it is a narrow road with no shoulder and there were several vehicles right behind us.

Doing a little research confirmed that there are bats in this area and in much of southern Utah. There are at least 18 species of bats in Utah. This was kind of creepy and we definitely didn’t want to disturb them although it was the middle of the afternoon.

Park Information and Fees

• Park Size: Approximately 548 acres (including reservoir and shoreline)
• Hours of Operation: Open year-round, from sunrise to sunset
• Day-Use Fee: $10 per vehicle (subject to change; verify before visiting)
• A yearly Senior Pass to get into all Utah State Parks for a year costs $65.
• Camping: Primitive camping available; limited sites, no hookups
• Activities: Fishing, boating (non-motorized and motorized with restrictions), swimming, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing
• Location: Gunlock State Park is located approximately 15 miles northwest of St. George, Utah. Take Old Highway 91 from Santa Clara or Ivins and follow the signs for about 8 miles. Gunlock Drive will lead you to the park 7 miles from Highway 91.

Gunlock State Park
Gunlock Rd, Gunlock, UT 84733
Phone: (435) 218-6544
Website: stateparks.utah.gov

Whether you're searching for a quiet fishing hole, a paddle boarding or kayaking spot, scenic photography opportunities or simply a relaxing afternoon on a peaceful beach, Gunlock State Park offers all of these right in the heart of southern Utah’s serene and lonely desert landscape.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Wasatch Mountains

Lake Powell

Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Great Salt Lake

Monument Valley