Located in the southwest corner of Utah, the St. George area is about as removed of a getaway that one can get from Denver while crossing only one state line. But at about 3000 feet in elevation, the region enjoys an early spring climate more comparable to Las Vegas than the rest of Colorado and Utah. There is also a surprising cluster of lakes in the area that maintain more moderate early season water temperatures than lakes on the Front Range. Additionally, a large vacation rental market makes it a viable option for an early season destination from Colorado (i.e. spring break).
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| Sand Hollow Lake |
Multiple stand-up paddle places are featured here and they all have different personalities. Adding recreational variety to a trip here are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding red-rock lands, including renowned Zion National Park and Gooseberry Mesa.
Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow Reservoir is the centerpiece of a state park of the same name. While the large, rounded lake is very popular for motorized boating, its northwest corner features red-rock shores and a no-wake bay that are great for stand-up paddling.
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| Sand Hollow Reservoir (Silver Reef beyond) |
Location Info: [key]
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 3Use: Moderate-high
Fee: $20/day
Access: Paved
Full elev = 3050
Sand Hollow Island is less than 1000 feet from the main (west) boat ramps and docks. Another rocky shoreline area is a short distance north. Most of the area between is buoyed off as no-wake. Sand Hollow Island has plenty of small coves and inlets to explore by water, or on the rock itself after finding a place to land. Sand Hollow Island is very photogenic, especially with a paddleboard!
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| Sand Hollow Island |
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| Sand Hollow Island |
The surrounding Sand Hollow State Park contains two developed campgrounds and areas of primitive campsites along the eastern shore. It also features a sand dune OHV area just south of the reservoir. The lake's flat terrain and open water give significant wind area, so it's best to visit on a day with light to no wind. Also be conscientious of wind or currents that may push paddle crafts out of the open, choppier waters of the lake.
Gunlock
Gunlock Reservoir lies about 30 minutes northwest of St. George, removed from the area's suburbs in a scenic valley. The lake is narrower and calmer than Sand Hollow and has a more varied perimeter. In particular, the forested northern inlet is a great paddle area at high water and the rocky western shore offers great exploring when the water level is down.
Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 4
Use: Moderate
Fee: $15/day
Access: Paved
Full elev = 3600
Shoreline Interest: 4
Use: Moderate
Fee: $15/day
Access: Paved
Full elev = 3600
When Gunlock Reservoir is full, the sandstone formation west of the dam serves as a spillway for the lake. The result is a picturesque cascade down the red-rock canyon flank. Check current conditions on park's website to see if the falls are running.
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| Gunlock Reservoir west shore |
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| Gunlock Reservoir |
Fire Lake Park
The community of Ivins, Utah is about 15 minutes northwest of St. George and boasts a small but pleasant stand-up-paddle playground. Newly developed Fire Lake Park features a compact pond with shoreside park amenities and a larger neighboring reservoir.
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| Fire Lake Park |
Location Info: [key]
Fire Lake Park Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 1
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: None
Access: Paved
Full elev = 3109
Shoreline Interest: 1
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: None
Access: Paved
Full elev = 3109
Formerly a lobe of the neighboring reservoir, the pond has been sectioned off by the construction of a dike. As a result, the recreation pond experiences minimal water level variation even as the main reservoir fluctuates throughout the seasons. The adjacent reservoir offers additional water acres to explore, especially when it fills up. Both lakes share a scenic backdrop and their small sizes moderate wind effects.
Stay tuned for upcoming additions of other nearby recreational opportunities. If you make the trip, enjoy the warm desert air and scenic red-rock surroundings. Have fun and play safe!
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