🏊 Trusted Guide to Utah’s Red Rock Swimming Hole – Updated 2025
Turquoise Water Meets Red Sandstone
Just 15 miles northwest of St. George in Washington County, Gunlock State Park delivers one of Utah’s most visually stunning contrasts — crystal-clear turquoise water set against dramatic red sandstone formations that glow in the desert sun. The Gunlock Reservoir (266 acres within a 548-acre park) offers warm swimming, excellent fishing, and seasonal waterfalls that cascade over red rock ledges after spring snowmelt. This is southern Utah’s local secret — a family-friendly desert oasis far less crowded than nearby Zion and Snow Canyon.
Water Activities
- Swimming: Warm, calm waters with a large designated swimming area — no lifeguards on duty
- Fishing: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rainbow trout, and channel catfish — Utah license required
- Boating & Kayaking: Full-size boat ramp plus ideal conditions for kayaks and paddleboards
- Waterskiing & Sailing: Open water with consistent breezes in the afternoon
- Seasonal Waterfalls: Dramatic cascades over red rock in late spring and after heavy rain
Practical Tips
- From St. George (15 miles): Take Old Highway 91 northwest through Ivins and Santa Clara
- Entry fee: $15 per vehicle day use
- This is a day-use park — no camping on-site, but nearby Snow Canyon offers excellent campgrounds
- Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slippery — use extreme caution, cliff jumping is not sanctioned
- Bring shade and water — there’s minimal shade and temperatures exceed 100°F in summer
- Spring (March-May) offers the best combination of warm water and flowing waterfalls
- Combine with Snow Canyon State Park (nearby) for lava tubes and petrified sand dunes
Things to Do
Utah parks display dramatic red rock landscapes and high desert beauty. Activities include hiking slot canyons, mountain biking desert singletrack, boating on blue reservoirs, fishing for trout, rock climbing, off-roading, camping under spectacular starry skies, and exploring dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are prime. Summer brings extreme heat (100°F+) to desert parks. Winter is cold but beautiful with snow-dusted red rock. Flash flood risk peaks during summer monsoon — never enter slot canyons when rain threatens.
Visitor Tips
Day-use fees $10-$20 per vehicle. Annual pass $75. Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. Popular parks require day-use reservations on weekends. Cell service is nonexistent in southern Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Utah state parks?
Day-use fees range from $10 to $20 per vehicle depending on the park. An annual pass costs $75 and covers all 44 Utah state parks. Camping fees are separate and range from $20-$40 per night.
Do I need a reservation for Dead Horse Point?
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park now requires day-use reservations on weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations can be made through stateparks.utah.gov. The park frequently reaches capacity.
What are the best state parks near Moab?
Dead Horse Point (dramatic canyon overlook) and Goblin Valley (alien rock formations) are the top state parks near Moab. Both are within 1-1.5 hours of town and offer stunning red rock scenery.
Is there cell service at Utah state parks?
Cell service is nonexistent or very limited at most remote southern Utah parks including Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Explore More Utah State Parks
Gunlock State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Utah. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Utah guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Gunlock SP — on Gunlock Reservoir in the red rock desert of southwestern Utah. The park’s red sandstone cliffs, reservoir, and desert support desert tortoises (threatened), roadrunners, and Gila monsters (at the northern edge of their range).
Nearby Attractions
Gunlock — adjacent. Snow Canyon SP — 15 miles east. St. George — 15 miles southeast.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Snow Canyon State Park is a short drive away, and Sand Hollow State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Gunlock State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide beach ban; rules vary by park - dogs are prohibited on the beach at Antelope Island, while Jordanelle has a designated area where dogs may swim off-leash
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins and yurts at most parks (confirm with the park before reserving); additional lodging pet fees may apply
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No pet fee at standard campsites; additional fees apply for pets in cabins, yurts and cottages
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park-specific restrictions such as Antelope Island's Frary Peak Trail and Deer Creek water areas
Are dogs allowed at Gunlock State Park?
Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov. More: Utah state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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