Palisade State Park
⛳ Utah’s Desert Canyon Oasis — An 18-Hole Golf Course, Trout-Stocked Reservoir, and OHV Gateway to the Wasatch Plateau — Palisade State Park near Sterling, Utah with 70-acre reservoir (rainbow trout, tiger muskie), 18-hole desert canyon golf course (5 Iron Grill), camping (tent/RV/cabins), kayak/canoe/SUP/paddleboat rentals, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, gateway to Arapeen OHV Trail System, Six Mile Canyon to Skyline Drive (10,000+ ft), ice fishing winter, year-round — Sanpete County, UT
Palisade State Park is one of Utah’s most versatile destinations — a 70-acre reservoir stocked with rainbow trout and tiger muskie, an 18-hole desert canyon golf course, and a gateway to hundreds of miles of OHV trails climbing to 10,000+ feet on the Wasatch Plateau.
The park sits in Sanpete County’s high desert valley, surrounded by red rock canyon walls. It’s warm enough for swimming in summer, cold enough for ice fishing in winter, and year-round gorgeous for golf.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf | 18-hole Palisade Golf Course — desert canyon design. Pro shop + 5 Iron Grill restaurant |
| Fishing | 70-acre reservoir — rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, tiger muskie, goldfish. Shore and boat |
| Paddling | Kayak, canoe, SUP, paddleboat rentals. Electric trolling motors only |
| Swimming | Sandy beach area on the reservoir |
| Camping | Tent/RV sites (some with full hookups) + camping cabins. Hot showers |
| Hiking | Loop trail around reservoir + hillside trails with valley views |
| OHV | Gateway to Arapeen OHV Trail System — Six Mile Canyon to Skyline Drive (10,000+ ft) |
| Ice Fishing | Winter ice fishing on the frozen reservoir — trout and tiger muskie |
The Arapeen OHV Connection
From Palisade, riders can access Six Mile Canyon — a trail that climbs directly from the park into the Manti-La Sal National Forest and up to Skyline Drive at 10,000+ feet. The Arapeen system offers hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy to expert, with panoramic views of the Sanpete Valley and the Wasatch Range.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ☀️ Swimming, full paddling rentals, golf, OHV trails open to Skyline Drive |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Cooler golf, trout fishing active, canyon color, quieter camping |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking. Wildflowers. OHV trails opening |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing on the reservoir. Cross-country skiing nearby |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a golf course in a state park?
Yes — an 18-hole desert canyon course with a pro shop and restaurant. It’s one of the unique features that sets Palisade apart from other Utah state parks.
Can I bring a motorboat?
Electric trolling motors only. Kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and paddleboats can be rented on-site.
What is the Arapeen OHV system?
Hundreds of miles of OHV trails in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, accessible directly from the park via Six Mile Canyon. Trails climb to Skyline Drive at over 10,000 feet with panoramic views.
⛳ Golf, Trout, and OHV to 10,000 Feet
An 18-hole desert canyon golf course, a trout-stocked reservoir, and a gateway to Skyline Drive — all in Utah’s Sanpete Valley.
Wildlife & Nature
Palisade SP — on Palisade Lake in the Sanpete Valley. The park’s lake, golf course, and sandstone cliffs support mule deer, great blue herons, and osprey. Rainbow trout fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Sterling — adjacent. Manti — 5 miles south — home of the Manti Temple. Sanpete Valley — surrounding.
