Jordanelle State Park

There's so much to do at Jordanelle State Park, making it one of the most popular parks in the Park City area despite it only being open since 1995. The park's elevation is 6,166 feet and offers various outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking.

When planning your visit, remember that Jordanelle State Park has three distinct recreation areas: Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross. The Rock Cliff Nature Center located on the east shore of the Jordanelle Reservoir is also part of the State Park, and open on weekends throughout the winter.

The Hailstone Recreation Area is the more popular location on the reservoir's west side. Accommodations include an 8-lane boat ramp, personal watercraft ramp, dry storage, wet slips, full-service marina store, and pro shop. Pack a picnic or pick up a meal from Vessel Kitchen to enjoy at the cabana picnic areas, or bring your RV or tent to take advantage of the hookups and campgrounds. There are also group day-use pavilions and a group overnight pavilion that you may reserve. Modern restrooms and showers make any visit convenient, especially when traveling with children.

The second location is Rock Cliff on the eastern side of the reservoir, nestled in the tall cottonwoods of the Upper Provo River. Rock Cliff has a boardwalk over wetlands and access to the reservoir. The Nature Center is popular, and bird lovers flock to Rock Cliff to spot bald eagles, hummingbirds, and hawks.

Ross Creek Recreation Area is the third location to consider. It offers parking at the Ross Creek Trailhead, a vault restroom, hitching posts, and non-motorized day-use access to Jordanelle Reservoir and the Perimeter Trail. If you're planning on kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing, the Ross Creek Non-Motorized Boat Ramp allows access without competing with the hustle and bustle of motorized vessels.

Whether you select one recreational area or visit both, you are in for a rewarding experience.

Jordanelle State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

The main draw for many visiting Jordanelle State Park is the water activities, like boating, fishing, and watersports. However, if you bring a vessel, you must ensure it won't contaminate the water. Also, all motor and non-motorized boaters must take the Mussel Aware Boater Course before boating at any water in the State of Utah.

A popular feature at the Ross Creek Recreation Area is the Perimeter Trail. This out-and-back pathway is ideal for hikers, joggers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and non-motorized users. If you venture to the end and return, the total distance is 30.5 miles. But the beauty of an out-and-back is that you can go shorter distances. Avid hikers rank the trail moderately challenging, with 2,716 feet of elevation change. The double-track path consists of packed dirt and follows the reservoir's shoreline. There is little to no shade, so pack water and explore the trail when temperatures are coolest.

Those planning to enjoy time on the water can visit Jordanelle Rentals and Marina. They are your go-to for renting boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. The marina store and pro shop have anything you may need for a day of fun on the water.

Some fun facts for anglers are the species that call the Jordanelle reservoir home. You may catch brown trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, perch, and cutthroat. Ice fishing becomes a popular winter activity at the reservoir when the water freezes over. The snowy trails are popular with snowmobilers and snowshoeing, so no matter the season, there's something to do at Jordanelle State Park.

Lastly, the reservoir is close to another popular destination, Deer Creek State Park. Such convenience enables you to visit both landmarks during your Utah getaway.

Getting There

Here are directions from Park City to Jordanelle State Park:

• Head southeast on Park Ave toward Heber Ave.
• Continue onto Deer Valley Dr.
• Turn left onto Marsac Ave and follow signs for Deer Valley.
• Merge onto US-40 E via the on-ramp to Heber City.
• Travel on US-40 E for approximately 7 miles.
• Take exit 8 for UT-319 toward Jordanelle State Park/Hailstone.
• Turn left onto UT-319 N and follow the signs for Jordanelle State Park.
• Address: 515 UT-319, Heber City, UT 84032

Cost

With so many activities and seasons to visit, we can only list prices for day use during peak season (May-October):

• Hailstone: $20
• Rock Cliff: $15
• Ross Creek: $15

Prices are subject to change; check their website for up-to-date information.