Summer is off to a mild start here in the Wasatch Back, but as the season progresses we will have plenty of warm days that are perfect for water-oriented activities. Thanks to the great snowpack this past winter, our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are in outstanding shape. So when the warm weather arrives, make some time to get out and enjoy some of these Summer Splash destinations and activities!
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UPPER PROVO FALLS | Kamas
Just 23 miles from Kamas, along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, lies Upper Provo River Falls, one of Utah's most spectacular waterfalls. Its stunning beauty, showcased by powerful cascades amidst the rustic landscape, is easily accessible with no hiking required, making it a perfect, tranquil nature getaway for all.
Google Maps
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BRIDAL VEIL FALLS | Provo
The gold standard for waterfalls in our area, Bridal Veil Falls is famous for a reason and not to be missed! Combine it with a day of tubing on the Lower Provo River, and it makes for a perfect summer splash day! With convenient parking and a 1.4-mile trail right out of the parking lot, you'll get an amazing view of the falls and can picnic and barbecue afterward at nearby Bridal Veil Falls Park.
More info here! | Google Maps
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STEWART FALLS | Provo
Stewart Falls, situated near Sundance Mountain Resort, is a magnificent multi-tiered waterfall that plunges about 200 feet. Accessible via a moderate 3.5-mile round trip trail starting near Aspen Grove, it winds through vibrant Aspen forests, offering great scenic beauty and photo ops. Although the trail has some steep and rocky sections, the rewarding views make the adventure to Stewart Falls well worth it.
More info here! | Google Maps
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TIMPANOGOS FALLS | Provo
You will find not one but two beautiful waterfalls here. Hiking to the Lower Falls will take about an hour and a half, while the Upper Falls is a more demanding, 4-hour adventure. Whether you choose to see one or both waterfalls, you're in for a beautiful hike with amazing waterfall views.
Lower Falls Info! | Upper Falls Info!
Google Maps
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| Our local lakes and reservoirs are going to be in prime shape this summer, providing abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, and a wide assortment of water-sports fun. |
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| JORDANELLE RESERVOIR
Jordanelle State Park and Reservoir is a popular spot for Parkites and Heber Valley residents to enjoy an assortment of water-oriented activities. The Hailstone area is a great launching point for boaters, jet skiers, sailors, rowers, and wakeboarders. The quieter Rockcliff area has a no-wake zone that makes it popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
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Hailstone is well-suited for gatherings, with amenities that include an extensive beach area, marina, store, rentals, large boat ramp, cabins, and abundant camping, parking, picnic, and restroom facilities. Rockcliff is quieter and offers more basic amenities that include a nature center, trail system, and a picnic pavilion.
The Ross Creek Recreation Area also provides basic access to Jordanelle, with a non-motorized boat ramp, parking area, bathrooms, and trailhead for the Perimeter Trail.
More info here! | Google Maps
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MIRROR LAKES HIGHWAY
Lakeside Hikes
MIRROR LAKE LOOP: Encompassing the shoreline of the well-known Mirror Lake, the Mirror Lake Loop trail presents an easy 1.5-mile walk filled with picturesque views. Despite its popularity, the path maintains a cool, shaded ambiance for the majority of the journey, making it an enjoyable experience.
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RUTH LAKE: Ruth Lake offers an effortless hiking experience that is perfect for families of all ages. Spanning a distance of one mile to reach the lake (two miles for a round trip), it's a journey that's as easy as it is rewarding. Known for its breathtaking beauty, Ruth Lake remains a crowd favorite.
LOFTY LAKE LOOP: Serving as the most challenging trek in our selection, the Lofty Lake Loop might seem daunting with its notable changes in elevation over a 4.3-mile trail. However, if your kids are slightly older and up for the challenge, this hike is a must-try. The path winds its way past four stunning lakes, each offering its own slice of natural beauty.
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ROCKPORT RESERVOIR
Wanship/Peoa
A less-crowded alternative to Jordanelle Reservoir, Rockport Reservoir offers ample opportunity to get out on the water for fishing, boating, and water skiing. There are also facilities for camping and picnicking. Stick around after sunset to enjoy outstanding stargazing, as Rockport State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park.
More info here! | Google Maps |
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ECHO RESERVOIR | Coalville
One of the oldest reservoirs in the area, Echo Reservoir has popular day-use facilities at Red Rock Marina that include a boat launch, general store, and rentals. The Red Rock campground is currently closed for construction, however, campsites are available at Dry Hollow. When water levels recede, this reservoir also offers drivable beach access that is popular for fishing, picnicking, and camping.
More info here! | Google Maps |
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DEER CREEK RESERVOIR
Just South of Heber/Midway
Offering great views of Mt Timpanogos, Deer Creek Reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. It is also a destination for sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding due to the winds that move up and down the Provo Canyon. Mix in a visit to nearby attractions such as Stewart Falls or one of Utah's best ziplines, and you will be sure to have an exciting day!
More info here! | Google Maps |
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SMITH & MOREHOUSE | 15 Min East of Oakley
For a remote feel that's still close to town, check out Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, found in a picture-perfect valley in Weber Canyon. A popular standup paddle board location, the reservoir also offers boat ramps, fishing, and nearby camping. Wakeless boating only - you won't find water skiing here.
More info here! |
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STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR
30 Miles Southeast of Heber
Just a short drive from downtown Heber, Strawberry Reservoir is located high in the Uinta National Forest. Highly regarded for its outstanding fishing opportunities, Strawberry is a great spot to spend a weekend camping, fishing, and boating. It is also one of the best spots in the western US for a crawfish boil.
More info here! | Google Maps |
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| Head out to one of our local rivers with a tube, raft or kayak to enjoy a float this summer! Water levels are up, so make sure you check with local outfitters and experts before hopping into the river on your own this year. |
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WEBER RIVERConveniently located just a short drive outside of Park City, Weber Canyon has beautiful scenery and some interesting geological formations. It's a great introduction to river rafting with Class I to II rapids. For the more adventurous, you may even come across Class III rapids during peak runoff.
UtahOutdoorAdventures.com
HighCountryAdventure.com
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PROVO RIVERPerfect for rafting and tubing, the lower Provo River is a chilly, mellow float that is best enjoyed on a hot, sunny day. You can choose a self-guided tour or a guided tour, based on your comfort level.
HighCountryAdventure.com
Viator.com
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OGDEN RIVER
Take your tubes or other inflatable watercrafts to Loren Farr Park for great scenery and a relatively short, 1.5-mile ride down the river. Plan to get out at the Crystal Wave, behind Walmart on 20th Street.
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| Water parks are a fantastic way to cool down and have some fun on a hot day. These water parks are sure to satisfy water park lovers, both young and old. |
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ISLAND AQUA PARKS
Deer Creek Reservoir + Bear Lake
Island Aqua Park is an open floating water park at two different locations - Deer Creek State Park and Bear Lake Rendezvous State Park. The aqua parks include fun and exciting obstacles, trampolines, monkey bars, a quarter pipe, and an action tower.
More info here! |
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SPLASH SUMMIT | Provo
Splash Summit boasts over 15 different water play areas, slides, and pools and is the perfect family destination. You can also enjoy the new Rainforest River or take a break by the wave pool. Don't forget to try a tasty Dole Whip by the pool!
More info here! |
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LAGOON A BEACH | Farmington
Beat the heat with surging slides, twisting hydro tubes, the lazy river, and a kids play area, complete with kid-friendly slides, exploration tunnels, and swings at Lagoon A Beach. Your ticket gets you into both the amusement park and the water park, so you can ride some thrilling roller coasters before or after your day at the beach if you're up to the task.
More info here! |
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Many of our local communities run aquatic centers with large pools, slide options, and splash pads. Check out our list below.
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BASIN REC FIELD HOUSE Park CityThe Fieldhouse has a new lap swimming pool, an indoor splash pad turf, and a hot tub. For a fun day close to home, this hits the spot!More info here!
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PARK CITY AQUATIC CENTER
Park CityEcker Hill Middle School is home to Park City School District's Aquatic Center. It offers swimming and diving lessons, open swim, lap swim, water fitness classes, and SCUBA. More info here!
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SOUTH SUMMIT AQUATIC CENTER
KamasThe South Summit Aquatic Center features a leisure pool, large slide, little kids area, and obstacle courses; a great place to spend a few hours to cool down!More info here!
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SILVER MOUNTAIN SPORTS CLUB & SPA
Park CityThe family pool at Silver Mountain includes a waterslide and lazy river. There is also a Junior Olympic lap pool, hot tubs, and kid's playground. Guests can enjoy the both the sun and shade while eating barbecue and drinking smoothies in their lounge chairs.More info here!
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HOMESTEAD CRATERMidwayMore than 10,000 years in the making, the Homestead crater is a geothermal spring tucked inside a wall over 50 feet tall. It features swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and even a dry tour from the sideline; an adventure you won't soon forget.More info here!
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UTAH OLYMPIC PARK
Park City
Watch the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show and get soaked at Utah Olympic Park. Olympians and National Team skiers and snowboarders soar up to 60 feet in the air before landing in the Olympic Freestyle Pool. Enjoy plenty of fun yourself, including zip lining, ropes courses, and bobsledding.
More info here! |
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MUD RUNS | Various Locations
Mud Runs have become a tradition all their own. Here are some you can participate in or observe this summer:
Muddy Dash | Midway | July 1
Muddy Princess | Salt Lake | August 6 |
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Hopefully these great destinations and activities will help you stay cool once things heat up this summer. We are looking forward to spending some quality time on the water this summer, and hope to see you out there!
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