When you aren't exploring Historic Main Street or taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities in Park City, you should consider taking a day-trip—or overnight—to one of the many beautiful and scenic lakes and reservoirs that surround Park City. Located around the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, there are several lakes and reservoirs that are great for boating, fishing and much more! Whether you’re looking for a nice, quiet spot to catch some rainbow trout, or a place to hone in your water skiing skills, there is a lake or reservoir waiting for you!
Jordanelle Reservoir
Located in Jordanelle State Park, Jordanelle Reservoir is only a quick 20-minute drive from Park City. With three distinct recreation areas along its shores (Hailstone, Rock Cliff and Ross Creek), Jordanelle boasts a large variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, making it the perfect area for those who want it all. Jordanelle Reservoir is a popular lake for boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming and other water activities. Travelers can also camp in any one of the three recreation areas, and hike through the 27 miles of trail that circle the reservoir.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for about 3.75 miles; at US-40, turn right and merge east for about 3.5 miles before taking exit 8, and turning left onto UT-319 E.
Photo: Jordanelle Reservoir | Jordanelle State Park
Photo: Jordanelle Reservoir | Jordanelle State ParkMirror Lake
Known by locals as a popular fishing and recreation spot, Mirror Lake sits in the high Uinta Mountains, along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, and was so named for the near-perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains. There are also several other, smaller lakes in the surrounding area. Adjacent to the lake is Mirror Lake Campground, which houses 94 campsites, bathrooms and other day-use areas. The lake is closed to motorized watercraft, but there is a boat ramp for non-motorized boats. The lake is also stocked with brook trout and rainbow trout (including albinos). Mirror Lake is a great option for both day-trips and overnight visits, as there are several camping and day-use picnic areas dotted along the highway.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for about 14 miles before turning left onto Main Street in Kamas, and then turning right at the second cross street onto UT-150 E for about 31 miles. Continue on to Forest Road 104, turning right, and then turn left onto Forest Road 103.
Photo: Mirror Lake | Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Photo: Mirror Lake | Mirror Lake Scenic BywayBear Lake
Bear Lake is a staple in the hearts of Utah residents, and one of the more popular northern lakes. Known for its intense, blue waters, rolling hills and famous raspberry shakes, Bear Lake sits on the border of Utah and Idaho, and is just over 2 hours away from Park City. This recreational paradise is perfect for speed boats, kayaks, fishing, water sports and swimming! Fisherman can troll for huge mackinaw or cutthroat trout in the lake, or fly fish for rainbow trout in the surrounding streams and rivers. If you're coming from Park City, you will enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery along the way. If a day-trip is too long, travelers can camp in one of the many campgrounds, or stay in one of several cabins, rentals or hotels.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for 2.7 miles before turning left to merge onto US-40 W toward Jct. I-80. Merge onto US-40 W, keep right and then take the exit onto I-80 E toward Cheyenne. Continue for 55 miles before taking exit 5 for WY-150 N. After 0.5 miles, turn right onto I-80BL/WY-89 N and continuing for 12 miles; the road will then continue onto UT-16 N for 29 miles. Turn left onto UT-30 W and continue for nearly 22 miles onto US-89 N toward Bear Lake Boulevard.
Photo: Bear Lake Recreation Area
Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir is a popular fishing area that lies in an open mountain valley, surrounded by mixed conifer and aspen forests on the upper slopes. The reservoir contains four major fishing zones: Strawberry Basin, Meadows Basin, the Narrows and Soldier Creek Basin. There are a variety of fishing opportunities in Strawberry Reservoir, ranging from catch and release to trophy cutthroat and rainbow fishing. The reservoir contains four boat ramps, marina stores, restaurants, campgrounds, dump stations, Strawberry River fish trap and egg collection stations. The reservoir is about an hour away from Park City, going through Heber.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for 2.6 miles before merging onto US-40 E for 36 miles. Continue on Forest Road 131 for 8.6 miles, then turn left on Haw's Point Road for 1.4 miles before turning right to stay on Ha's Point Road.
Deer Creek Reservoir
Located in the Heber Valley, about 30 minutes from Park City, sits Deer Creek reservoir. This medium-sized reservoir is a popular spot for locals because of its close proximity to the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City and Provo areas) and Park City. This scenic location offers excellent conditions for boating, fishing, wind surfing, swimming and other water sports, and stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos. Other facilities include campsites, marinas with paved boat ramps, boat rentals, boat dry storage, day-use pavilion, food service, restrooms, showers and several hiking trails.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for 2.6 miles before merging onto US-40 E. Continue for 13.5 miles before turning right onto US-189 S for 5.7 miles.
Photo: Deer Creek Reservoir | Deer Creek State Park
Photo: Deer Creek Reservoir | Deer Creek State ParkRockport Reservoir
Also known as Wanship Reservoir, Rockport is located in Rockport State Park, just south of the town of Wanship, about 20 minutes from Park City. The park is used for fishing, waterskiing, swimming, boating and other water sports. There are eight campgrounds around the reservoir with 36 RV sites and 86 tent sites. During the winter, Rockport Reservoir is also used for ice fishing, and connects to several snowmobile trails. The reservoir is so named for the former town of Rockport, which was completely submerged in the 1950s.
Getting there—Head east on Kearns Boulevard for 4.4 miles before turning left onto Brown's Canyon Road. Continue for 7 miles and then turn left onto US-189 for 3.7 miles.
