Jordanelle State Park

Enriched with breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and a remarkable legacy, Jordanelle State Park invites you on an unforgettable journey into Utah's vibrant natural world. 

Located in the heart of Heber City, Jordanelle State Park opened its doors to the public following the completion of Jordanelle Dam in 1992. Its construction enabled the Provo River to be harnessed for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power.

Before the area was flooded, the Keetley Railroad Depot was relocated to Park City and families were relocated. Today, buildings of two pioneer towns, ranches, and farms are submerged in the Jordanelle Reservoir.

The dam created a 4,000-acre haven for water sports, camping, and fishing enthusiasts. The park gained recognition for its mesmerizing natural beauty: the vibrant hues of wildflowers, the emerald-green mountain ranges, and the azure water form a majestic tapestry. You'll discover this vibrancy in any of its three recreation areas:

• Hailstone
• Rock Cliff
• Ross Creek

We'll look into these in more detail in the next section.

The park is close to area attractions and landmarks, making it easy to create a diverse and exciting itinerary. The Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain are a short drive away, while Heber City restaurants like Back 40 Ranch House Grill are a short drive away. 

With so much to see and do at Jordanelle State Park, it's the perfect getaway on your Idaho vacation. 

Jordanelle State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Jordanelle State Park boasts three distinct areas to explore on your Heber City vacation. Let's unpack what each offers.

Hailstone is the most developed and popular destination. This is your gateway to the 3,068-acre lake where boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are king. There are transient slips, a main, and a smaller ramp. The main ramp has a fish cleaning station, fuel, C store, and other amenities for a fun-filled day on the water.  

The area features several campgrounds, 38 reservable cabanas, 3 day-use pavilions, an event center, a playground, and beaches. It's easy to see why Hailstone is the most popular destination at Jordanelle.

Rock Cliff will appeal to nature lovers of all ages. The Nature Center is a treasure trove of wildlife, plants, animals, and the ecosystem of Jordanelle. It's an immersive experience that educates while being entertaining. Rock Cliff is your go-to for trails and boardwalks. For the ultimate challenge, try the Perimeter Trail. This 22-mile trail goes around the lake from Rock Cliff to Hailstone and is ideal for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. E-bikes are welcome but motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Ross Creek will appeal to non-motorized water sports enthusiasts and hikers. There are 23 reservable day-use cabanas and a ramp for non-motorized watercraft. This water access is perfect if you kayak, canoe, or use a SUP. It also appeals to anglers who prefer to float by boat near the shoreline. 

The Ross Creek Trailhead connects with the Perimeter Trail, has pit toilets, and is sought after by bass fishermen to access the north portion of the reservoir. 

With so much to see and do at Jordanelle State Park, it is a must-do on your Heber City getaway!

Getting There

Here are the directions to Jordanelle State Park from Heber City, Utah:

• Start on US-40 from Heber City's Main Street.
• Continue on US-40. Drive from River Road to UT-32 W in Francis.
• Drive to your destination in Kamas.
• Address: 515 UT-319, Heber City, UT 84032

Cost

Listed are the fees to visit Jordanelle State Park:

• Day-use fee: $15 per vehicle.
• Senior Day-use fee (Utah residents 62 and over): $10 per vehicle.
• Pedestrians, cyclists, and extra passengers: $4 per person.

Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.