Gunlock is a small, scenic 240-acre reservoir on the Santa Clara River famous for its rare spring waterfalls, which pour over red sandstone ledges when the lake spills in high-water years. The rest of the year it is a quiet spot for fishing, paddling, and swimming, far less crowded than Sand Hollow or Quail Creek. The reservoir is a designated Blue Ribbon Fishery known for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
| Category | State Park |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Gunlock (about 25 minutes northwest of St. George) |
| Top activities | Viewing the Gunlock waterfalls (spill years only), Fishing (Blue Ribbon bass fishery), Paddleboarding and kayaking, Swimming, Boating, Primitive camping |
| Best time to visit | Late winter through spring (roughly February-April) in wet years to catch the waterfalls flowing; summer for warm-water swimming and paddling. |
| Entrance fee | $15 per vehicle (Utah residents), $25 per vehicle (non-residents), $10 senior residents (2026) |
| Permits | Utah fishing license required to fish (3-day and 7-day nonresident permits available). |
Visitor tip: The waterfalls only flow when the reservoir is full and spilling -- check recent reports before making the drive, and expect big crowds on spill weekends since parking is limited.
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