Posts Tagged ‘Boating’
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Ever since the new freeway was opened through the Virgin River Gorge, travelers simply don’t travel very much to Las Vegas via old highway 91. This state road, that goes west through the quaint city of Santa Clara, comes to a fork near the base of Utah hill. Go left at the fork, and you would continue toward Las Vegas, turn right and you will go north to Gunlock State Park. The reservoir, tucked away about 15 miles northwest of St. George, is a hidden secret.
 Water Skiing on Gunlock State Park Gunlock State Park is a scenic 600-acre park is a great place for boating, swimming and for other water sport enthusiasts to enjoy some of the warmest water temperatures in Utah. The reservoir, built in 1970 and fed by the Santa Clara River, also provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The banks of the reservoir are lined with pine and juniper trees, with a backdrop of red and pink Navajo sandstone cliffs to the west and ancient lava beds to the east. With heavy spring snow-melt and rains, you may find water flowing over the southwest corner of the reservoir and then cascading across the red rock formations below. This is quite a spectacular site and the best opportunities to see this are usually between March and April. It really depends on the weather conditions. Also found in this area are a wide array of ancient Native American writings. Click here to read more.
 The town of Gunlock - Just 1 mile north of the Gunlock State Park The park is named for “Gunlock Will” (William Haynes Hamblin), a Mormon pioneer and expert marksman who settled in the area in the mid-1800s. The road to the park was once known as the Old Spanish Trail and was traversed from New Mexico to California by adventurers in search of gold.
Southern Utah’s sunny, dry climate allows the park to remain open year-round, although spring and fall entertain the most visitors. There is a day-use fee ($5.00 in 2010) for this state park, which includes the boat launch and limited facilities, including a covered pavilion and vault toilets. Primitive camping is available ($10 per night in 2010).
Tags: Boating, Camping, cliff jumping, fishing, gunlock, gunlock state park, gunlock utah, kayaking, State Park, State Parks, utah state park, utah state parks, wake boarding, water skiing Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
 Sand Hollow State Park - Often referred to as Little Lake Powell Sand Hollow State Park is often referred to as little Lake Powell because of its red-rock formations and sand dunes that rise from the waters edge. Just 15 miles from St. George and just five miles from downtown Hurricane, Sand Hollow State Park beckons water sports and off-road enthusiasts with a 20,000-acre playground of sand dunes, and sparkling water. Recreational opportunities range from boating and fishing in Sand Hollow Reservoir to off-roading in the dunes surrounding the neighboring Sand Mountain. The newest of Utah’s state parks has quickly become one of its most popular.
 Swimmer at Sand Hollow State Park The summer-time warm waters of Sand Hollow reservoir make it a favorite destination for boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and also fisherman who are looking for the catch of the day. The reservoir is well-stocked with bluegill and bass. Water sports fans are also lured by the occasional fishing tournament, boat show, or wakeboard competition.
ATV enthusiasts consider the 6,000 acres of red sand dunes some of the most enjoyable off-road terrain around. Sand Hollow also offers opportunities for biking, hiking and equestrian adventures. Overnight camping with hook-ups is available at the Westside campground and at the Sand Pit campground.
The gates of Sand Hollow State Park are open year-round and daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. In 2010 the day-use entrance fee is $10.00 which includes the boat launch and OHV access. Annual state park passes ($75) can also be used at Sand Hollow.
 Boating at sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane Sand Dunes in background. Directions: Take I-15 to Exit 16 and travel east on Highway 9 for four miles. Turn right on Turf Sod Road and travel one mile. Turn left onto the Sand Hollow access road (two miles), then turn left at the park entrance.
Nearby activties: Sand Hollow Golf Course is just across the street from the entrance to the state park. Check out more details on this course by clicking here.
Tags: bass, bass fishing, bluegill, bluegill fishing, boaters, Boating, fishing, kayak, sand hollow, Sand Hollow State Park, State Park, swimmers, swimming, utah state park, water, Water Sports Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Sports, St. George Utah, State Parks, Water Sports
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
One of the great things about the St. George area is that you have multiple water sports opportunities, all within minutes of downtown. Quail Lake State Park is one of those places.
 Wakeboarding at Quail Creek State Park Located just 12 miles from St. George, the warm southern climate at Quail Creek State Park’s lends itself to year-round water activities. The park offers an excellent environment for boating, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, camping, and fishing.
 Hitting the wake on a three person tube at Quail Creek State Park The reservoir is partially fed by water diverted from the Virgin River and is well-stocked with rainbow trout, crappie, largemouth bass, bullhead catfish, and bluegill.
Quail Creek operates on a 40-boat limit on the reservoir, with odd/even (boat registration number) restrictions on weekends and holidays from May through September. If you don’t have your own watercraft, you can easily rent boats and jet-skis in St. George or Hurricane.
There is a 23-site campground that overlooks the reservoir. Each site can accommodate one large or two small tents at a present rate of $13 per night. Additional amenities at Quail Creek State Park include two covered group-use pavilions (first come, first served basis), along with drinking water, and modern restrooms. No showers are available but the lake is filled with good clean water.
 A view over Quail Creek State Park toward Zion National Park Quail Creek State Park is open year-round and offers daily access from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer season and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in winter months. There is an $8 day-use fee that includes use of the boat ramps. An annual State Park Pass is currently $75 and these are sold and accepted at the park.
To reach Quail Creek State Park, you will take I-15 to Exit 16 and travel east for three miles on State Road 9. Follow the signs and turn left (north) onto SR-318 and follow along the western contour of the reservoir to the entrance of the park.
Quail Creek State Park is just north of Sand Hollow State Park.
Tags: bass, bluegill, Boating, campground, Camping, fishing, jet ski, kayaking, quail creek, quail creek state park, quail lake, rainbow trout, State Park, utah state park, wakeboarding, Water Sports, watercraft, waterskiing Posted in Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Lakes / Reservoirs, Seasons, St. George Utah, State Parks, Water Sports
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