Jordanelle State Park

Photo:  Visit Utah - Steve Greenwood

What Was Here Before The Dam Was Built In 1995?

Jordanelle State Park … the result of building a huge dam on the Provo River above Heber … is one of the more recent additions to Utah’s State Paark system.

It doesn’t seem that many years ago when we were driving through the bottom of this canyon east of Park City on our way to the Uintas. Or to drive through Heber on our way to fish at Strawberry Reservoir.

This one still leaves me with a bit of a dilemma. I remember this area the way it used to be. The crazy development and the invasion of so much of the wildlife habitat leaves me nostalgic and sometimes sad.

I remember ... not really that long ago ... the single lane ribbon of highway heading from Park City to Heber down through the bottom of the valley below. And the even narrower road following the meandering Provo River from Francis heading towards Heber.

There was no lake. There was no park. It was beautiful, peaceful and unspoiled. It was fantastic in fall with the cottonwoods (I think they're cottonwoods) lining the river. Fewer people then and much less traffic.

But now ... with the double-lane divided highway skirting the mountainside overlooking the reservoir below ... we rarely even stop to look and enjoy the view.

Then again, I wouldn't have another state park to write about, would I? There is no doubt that more people than ever before are now able to enjoy the beauty of this area.

My Favorite Area in Utah ... Park City to Heber

This scenic park opened June 29, 1995. Made up of two distinct recreation areas, it is now a year-round playground for water sports, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and mountain biking.

Where acres of ranch land ... teeming with wildlife ... once existed, there are now multi-million dollar homes and never-ending development. All of this is replete with designer golf courses and the same out-of-this-world views. This has allowed those who can afford it the opportunity to not only live but profit.

Photo: Visit Utah

Jordanelle State Park - One Of The Most Popular State Parks

Jordanelle Reservoir ... depending on the year and the resulting snow-melt ... covers 3300 acres. It is located at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.

This is one of our more popular state parks. For one thing, it’s so close to Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front. In addition, it offers such a wide array of recreation choices. The park is located along US-40 between Park City and Heber.

Jordanelle State Park offers visitors two recreation areas … Hailstone and Rock Cliff. Hailstone is a sprawling developed campground and day-use area on the reservoir’s west side. It is the playground for those who enjoy boating and water sports. This is where you’ll find the boat and personal watercraft launch ramps, RV and tent camping, and full amenities.

In fact, if you're interested in fishing, you may need a boat rental. The full-service marina offers boat rentals, boat fueling, pontoon rentals, moorings,and indoor boat storage.

Photo: Visit Utah

The Rock Cliff Recreation Area is located by the southeast corner of the reservoir. You’ll find fewer people and a quieter setting. It is a scenic spot along the Upper Provo River among the cottonwoods.

There is walk-in camping here along with a nature trail and a boardwalk. Don’t bring your dog. Man’s best friend isn’t always nature's best friend and dogs are not allowed at Rock Cliff.

It is a great spot for hiking, fishing and bird watching. For people like me, it is also a wonderful spot for launching a float tube or pontoon boat.

Near the entrance to the park on the Hailstone side, you’ll find the Event Center. Sitting on top of a hill, it offers dramatic views of the reservoir. It is a great place to host weddings, meetings, or reunions.

How Do You Get to Jordanelle State Park?

Jordanelle State Park is located just north of Heber. Heber is 35 miles east of Salt Lake City. To reach Hailstone, take US 40 to the Mayflower exit (#8).

To reach Rock Cliff, take US 40 to its junction with SR-32. Follow this road along the southeast rim of the reservoir for 7.5 miles. Turn left at the Rock Cliff Road.

Facilities At a Glance

• modern camping facilities
• modern restrooms
• RV hookups and dump station
• showers
• boat & watercraft launch ramp
• boat slips
• boat rental & fuel
• food
• picnic areas
• hiking and walking trails
• a visitor center

Park Information And Fees

I always hesitate to add fees in my articles because they seem to change every year. My best advice here is to check out the state website for fees and reservations.

• Park Size: Approximately 3,068 acres 
• Elevation: 6,166 feet 
• Operating Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• The Rock Cliff Nature Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• At Hailstone, day use is $20 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers. $10 per vehicle for a Utah senior (65+).
• At Rock Cliff, the day use fee is $15 per vehicle. $4 per vehicle with a Utah senior (65+).
• A $125 annual pass is available. Includes watercraft launches. 
• An annual Senior State Park pass is $65.
• The park has several campgrounds. One is hike-in or boat-in. Fees for camping run $25-$60 per night. RV’s up to 48’ can be accommodated with partial hookups available.

Jordanelle State Park
SR- 319 #515 Box 4
Heber City, UT 84032-0001

Website - Jordanelle State Park

Reservations: Reserve America

Hailstone: (435) 649-9540
Rock Cliff: (435) 782-3030

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