Gunlock State Park is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t come with the hype of Zion or the glossy tourism ads you see for Bryce, but that’s part of what makes it so good. It’s a state park that feels like a local secret, hidden just northwest of St. George, and it delivers in every season. Whether you’re after a quick day trip, a spontaneous waterfall chase, or just a chance to let the kids run wild without worrying about traffic or overstimulation, Gunlock checks the boxes.
If you’re based in St. George or passing through Southern Utah, this is one of the easiest escapes you can make. The drive is short enough to feel effortless, but long enough to mentally shift into weekend mode. You’ll find it tucked away about 20 miles from town, surrounded by volcanic rock fields, red sandstone cliffs, and views that stretch well past what your phone camera can capture. The vibe is equal parts rugged and relaxed, which is exactly what makes it one of the best day trips from St. George Utah.
Swimming, Exploring, and Just Existing
The reservoir is the centerpiece of Gunlock State Park. It stretches out like a warm invitation to ditch your shoes and jump in. The water is usually calm, perfect for paddleboards or kayaks, and the temperature stays comfortable through most of the summer. On calmer weekdays, you can practically have the place to yourself. On weekends, it still feels like a breath of fresh air, especially compared to some of the more crowded spots in the region. There’s no need to over-plan, either. Grab a few snacks, toss your gear in the car, and you’re good to go. Most people find their own pocket of shoreline to claim and then just settle into whatever kind of day they need.
If you’re bringing kids, this park is a home run. The shoreline is forgiving, the water shallow enough in certain spots for little ones to splash without concern, and the layout makes it easy to keep an eye on everyone. You’re not dealing with complicated trailheads or terrain that requires intense preparation. You’re just outside, together, in a place that welcomes slow mornings and sandy toes. If your version of a family-friendly adventure involves fewer checklists and more actual fun, you’re going to be in the right place.
The Unexpected Showstopper: Waterfalls at Gunlock
Now let’s talk about the thing that takes Gunlock from great to unforgettable. The waterfalls. These don’t flow all the time, and they aren’t guaranteed every spring, but when they do show up, they’re nothing short of spectacular. The falls appear when water overflows the dam after significant rainfall or snowmelt, usually in the late winter or spring. The sight of water rushing over those red cliffs is a jaw-dropper, especially since it happens in the middle of the desert. When the falls are flowing, people drop everything to go see them. It’s one of those natural phenomena that turns a regular Saturday into something you’ll talk about for years.
And no, this isn’t just a trickle of water sliding down some mossy rocks. These waterfalls turn Gunlock into a full-on desert jungle for a few days or weeks, depending on how the season plays out. You can hear them before you even see them. The roar of the falls, echoing off red rock walls and lava fields, creates this surreal experience that you won’t believe you didn’t have to hike eight miles to find. It’s raw and wild, and that’s exactly what makes it feel so real.
The hike to the falls isn’t an official trail, which adds to the sense of discovery. It’s more of a climb-over-what-you-can, pick-your-path sort of experience. The sandstone is slick in spots and the lava rock is rough, but the journey up is every bit as rewarding as the view when you get there. You’ll want to wear solid shoes and bring more water than you think you’ll need. Sunscreen is a must. This is not a shaded area, and the desert sun makes no apologies. But that first sight of the falls crashing into turquoise pools makes every step feel worth it. It’s one of the few places in Southern Utah where you can be surrounded by red rock cliffs and get sprayed with cold water in the same moment.
Off the Beaten Trail, in the Best Way
For hikers and wanderers, Gunlock is more choose-your-own-adventure than trail map and markers. You’re free to explore much of the open desert terrain around the park, especially if you like the idea of wandering through lava fields or scrambling up rock formations that don’t have a name. There are no “must-do” hikes in the traditional sense, which is what makes this spot so inviting to families or casual adventurers. You can head in any direction and stumble across something worth seeing. Maybe it’s a lizard sunbathing on a rock or the perfect overlook to catch the sun disappearing behind the ridge. It’s not about conquering distance here. It’s about letting the landscape surprise you.
If you prefer your walks to be a bit more low-key, the area near the boat launch and shoreline offers a simple way to stretch your legs without venturing into backcountry territory. This is especially useful for multi-generational outings or anyone who wants to enjoy the views without scaling anything. It’s one of the many reasons why Gunlock continues to show up in conversations about family-friendly activities in Utah.
There’s also fishing, which doesn’t get as much attention but is still very much a draw. Largemouth bass and bluegill are common catches in the reservoir. You’ll see plenty of locals casting from the banks early in the morning or later in the evening when the light gets golden and the surface goes still. For families trying to introduce kids to fishing without investing in a full-day excursion, this is about as good as it gets. Quiet, simple, and accessible.
Good to Know Before You Go
There’s an entry fee at Gunlock State Park, usually around ten dollars per vehicle. You won’t find much in the way of modern development here, which is part of the appeal. Bathrooms are available near the boat launch, and there’s some limited picnic space, but you won’t see shops or vendors. That means planning ahead is key. Bring your snacks, sunscreen, water, and any gear you need for the day. Don’t assume you’ll be able to buy something nearby. It’s that classic rule of the desert: bring more than you think you’ll need, especially when it comes to hydration.
One of the benefits of Gunlock’s smaller scale is the sense of community that tends to form, even among strangers. You’ll likely find yourself chatting with someone about how high the water is this year or trading tips on the best shoreline spot for skipping rocks. It’s an easy place to connect with other families or just let everyone do their own thing without interference. And when the day winds down, the return drive to St. George is short enough that the kids usually fall asleep before you even hit the main road.
If you’re building out a longer Southern Utah itinerary, Gunlock works well as a break from the crowds and chaos of the national parks. It’s a chance to reset and enjoy nature without needing permits or planning six months in advance. Combine it with a trip through Snow Canyon or a stop for pie in nearby Veyo, and you’ve got yourself a near-perfect day. It’s laid-back, naturally beautiful, and just wild enough to feel like an adventure. That’s a hard combination to beat.
So if you’re looking for a destination that offers both calm water and sudden waterfalls, rugged hikes and kid-friendly swimming, quiet views and the occasional crowd of locals with coolers in hand, Gunlock State Park might just be your new favorite. It’s not trying to be the biggest or flashiest park in Utah. It just shows up, does its thing, and reminds you what it feels like to be outside for no other reason than because it feels good.
