Although Utah is considered a desert state, it has its share of lakes and reservoirs. This means there are plenty of recreational opportunities for those that want to cool off and spend a day on the water.
Nearby lakes feature full service marinas for easy rental options, with private companies offering kayaks, jet skis and boats to rent from as well.
JORDANELLE RESERVOIR
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir offers endless watersport adventures. With a surface area of over 3,000 acres visitors can explore the lake on fishing boats, pontoons, ski boats, kayaks, and jet skis. Hailstone is the main hub and features a full-service marina, boat ramps, beaches, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
What to ask about: Swimming areas and restrictions.
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DEER CREEK
In the shadows of majestic Mt. Timpanogos sits Deer Creek Reservoir. At six miles long, the lake is a popular destination for windsurfers and sailors. The rental concession is located right on the water and offers kayaks, jet skis, wakeboard boats, and pontoons. There is also a floating aqua park that provides endless fun for the young and those young at heart.
What to consider: Book ahead for boat rentals and the Rainbow Aqua Park .
ROCKPORT RESERVOIR
Less crowded than nearby reservoirs, the waters at Rockport are more ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, but fishing and boating are still popular. The reservoir is located on the Weber River midway between Kamas and Coalville and features a full-service marina, campsites, and picnic areas.
What to ask about: Day-use entry fees and hours.
ECHO RESERVOIR
Conveniently located near Coalville, Echo Reservoir has a 1,400 surface area of open water. The lake is open for boats, kayaks, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding, and Echo State Park provides rentals from jet skis and pontoon boats, to E-bikes and more. In addition to being a great day trip destination, it offers numerous campsite options making it a peaceful option for overnight or weekend stays.
What to ask about: Sporadic beach closures due to high bacteria levels.
MIRROR LAKE AND MIRROR LAKE HIGHWAY
Mirror Lake sits at 10,400 feet and is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. While it doesn’t feature a full-service marina, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks are allowed on the lake, if you rent them from a private company.
The route to the lake, the Mirror Lake Highway, is an experience in and of itself, with incredible mountain vistas and vibrant wildflowers in the summer months. The highway winds through the Uinta Mountains, providing access to over a dozen smaller lakes like Trial Lake, Lost Lake, and Moosehorn Lake.
DEER VALLEY PONDS
At the base of Deer Valley Resort is a series of small lakes that are perfectly sized for paddleboarding and kayaking. Pebble Beach, that is located just steps from the Deer Valley Cafe, provides access to water that restricts boats and waves, thus providing SUP newbies and amateurs the solitude to build their skills with confidence. Rentals are available at PCSUP on the beach.
What to ask about: Catch and release fishing, as Deer Valley Ponds are stocked with small trout.
Water rafting and tubing are also popular summer activities.
Local Insight: Mountain lake water is cold —only getting up to 75 degrees fahrenheit—so life jackets are recommended even for beach swimming.
