A beautiful location during any season, Gunlock State Park delivers stunning water and mountain views while allowing for a wide variety of activities. Less than an hour’s drive from Freedom Village, this state park is a fantastic destination for your next visit to St. George.
About Gunlock State Park
Gunlock is one of Utah’s most underrated state parks. Visited frequently by locals, it’s the perfect place to cool off while soaking in a gorgeous southern Utah scene.
Gunlock Reservoir is the main attraction in the park, and for good reason. This feature allows for a multitude of water activities that serve as welcome relief from the blazing heat of the summer months. As a bonus, overflow from the reservoir can transform into powerful falls in late spring if there was enough snowpack the previous winter.
Things To Do In Gunlock State Park
Boat or swim surrounded by mountains made of black lava rock and red & white Navajo Sandstone. You can also fish in the reservoir, reeling in bass and catfish.
Those who choose to discover the park by boat can put in all year long. Recreational water equipment is also available to rent! Take out a kayak or paddleboard anywhere from one hour to all day.
While there is just one hike on the near side of the reservoir, there is a whole park to roam on the far side. Access the other side of the reservoir by parking in the dam parking lot and walking across the dam. Once you’ve done this, you’re free to wander the landscape as there are no designated trails. Here you’ll find magnificent Navajo Sandstone formations and slot canyons.
While hiking in the park, be sure to keep your eye out for prickly pear and cholla cactus, two of the most common plants in the area. Late April through early May is one of the best times to do so as this is when the cacti flowers bloom.
Freedom Village’s Proximity to Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park is just a skip and a hop from Freedom Village! Ringing in at only 25 miles, or about 40 minutes, it’s one of the most easily accessible state parks for those who stay in St. George. It’s the perfect location for those days when you want a unique desert view without the crowds that national parks can bring.
How is Gunlock State Park Beneficial to a Vacation Home?
Purchasing a vacation home in St. George not only puts you in close proximity to famous national parks like Zion or Bryce Canyon, but it gives you easy access to hidden gems like Gunlock State Park.
While the desert is a magical place to roam, the heat can be challenging. By acquiring a vacation home in St. George, you won’t have to stay inside for fear of heatstroke. Being close to large reservoirs like the one found in Gunlock State Park means the exploration never has to end.
Gunlock isn’t only a summer park, however! It’s an incredible adventure destination at any time of the year. In the spring, cacti flowers are blooming. Waterfalls also may form in late spring. In the fall, temperatures have cooled off and Gunlock State Park becomes the ideal spot for a picnic. In the winter, you experience more solitude and have the opportunity to see the reservoir surrounded by snow-covered mountains. By having a vacation home nearby, you can choose your preferred season to visit this lesser-known region of Utah.
Because areas like Zion National Park draw crowds to St. George year-round, this means you’ll be able to rent out your vacation home whenever you’re away. To learn more about the attractions in St. George, visit the blogs on our rental website. Keep an eye out for our other Local Park Series blogs as we learn and explore more of the surrounding national and state parks. If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us.