Utah state parks, the ultimate summer playground
Your guide to Jordanelle, Wasatch Mountain and Rockport state parks — where summer stretches on
Summer/Fall 2025
Written By: Ashley Brown
The adage, “We came for the winter, stayed for the summer — then never left,” evokes a vivid image of warm days, vast blue skies, well-maintained trails and twilight concerts. Many summer pastimes happen within Park City, making it easy to overlook the invitation to explore beyond the town’s borders. However, a Park City summer would be incomplete without visiting one or more of the area’s numerous state parks.
Imagine an afternoon frolicking in the refreshing waters of Jordanelle Reservoir, catching sight of the Milky Way from your campsite in Rockport or teeing off at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle State Park is a premier recreation destination and the closest state park to Park City. It is surrounded by scenic communities like Deer Mountain, Hideout, Mayflower and Deer Valley East. The park is organized into three distinct recreation areas — Hailstone, Rock Cliff and Ross Creek — each offering a different experience for visitors.
The Jordanelle Reservoir, fed by the Provo River as it flows from the Uinta Mountains, creates a lush riparian habitat in the Rock Cliff area on the southeastern edge of the lake. This rich ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, from resident beavers and migratory songbirds to elusive cougars. The Rock Cliff Nature Center provides an immersive educational experience with native taxidermy displays and detailed information on local flora and fauna. Accessible boardwalks, paved paths and interpretive signage make the area ideal for nature lovers of all ages and abilities.
At Hailstone, adrenaline-seekers flock to the marina, where speedboats and Jet Skis slice across the reservoir. It’s also the home base for the Park City Sailing Club. For those looking for a quieter, more serene outing, a non-motorized boat ramp is available at Rock Cliff.
The 15.5-mile Jordanelle Perimeter Trail traces the reservoir’s shoreline, offering sections for all skill levels — easy, intermediate and challenging — welcoming hikers, bikers and equestrians alike. Visitors can stay overnight at Jordanelle at one of four well-equipped campgrounds, which offer everything from walk-in and drive-up tent sites to RV hookups, group campsites and cabin rentals. Jordanelle is also an International Dark Sky Park.
ADDRESS:
515 UT-319, Heber City, UT
AMENITIES:
Boating (motorized and non-motorized), restrooms, camping, showers, pavilions, hiking trails, paved pathways, trails, nature center, fishing, geocaching, playground, interpretive signs, fishing, ADA accessible
Wasatch Mountain State Park
This 23,000-acre preserve is nestled beneath Mount Timpanogos near the community of Midway. It serves as a year-round recreation destination.
There are two golf courses in the park: Soldier Hollow Golf Course and Wasatch Mountain Golf Course. Soldier Hollow Golf Course is a championship, 36-hole complex, while the Wasatch Mountain Golf Course provides affordable tee times and is nationally recognized as one of Utah’s best places to play.
Wasatch Mountain State Park has an extensive trail system, including a scenic interpretive hiking loop that meanders through the campground. There are also options for off-road vehicle fun.
The visitor center is the perfect launch point for a summer adventure and has extensive information about regional wildlife and historical and cultural resources. It is also home to the Wasatch Park Café.
ADDRESS:
1281 Warm Springs Drive, Midway, UT
AMENITIES:
Golf, restrooms, camping, showers, trails, visitor center, fishing, ADA accessible
Rockport State Park
Rockport Reservoir sits off Highway 32 between Wanship and Peoa at 6,000 feet above sea level. The reservoir now covers a pioneer community that was flooded in the creation of the dam. The human history of the area lives on at the Old Church building, which was built by pioneer settlers and later refurbished. It now serves as a historic event rental.
The reservoir is a great destination for water sports, including boating and swimming. Rockport State Park is often quieter than the nearby Jordanelle and is an ideal spot for a waterfront picnic, with dozens of tables and pavilions along the shore. The 3D archery range is a unique recreation asset.
Rockport State Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. The geography around the reservoir protects the area from light pollution, making it a stellar stargazing destination. For an immersive night sky experience, spend the night at a tent campsite or yurt.
ADDRESS:
9040 UT-302, Peoa, UT
AMENITIES:
Boating (motorized and non-motorized), restrooms, tent camping, showers, archery, pavilions, ADA accessible
