Gunlock Reservoir

Gunlock Reservoir is a small, warm-water lake in the red rock country about 15 miles northwest of St. George. Red and white sandstone rises right out of the water, the weather stays mild most of the year, and in wet springs the overflow pours over the rocks below the dam as the famous Gunlock Falls. It is a great spot for wakeboarding, waterskiing and jet skiing without the bigger crowds of Sand Hollow. We offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at Gunlock, ready and waiting for you right at the lake.

Boat and Jet Ski Rentals on Gunlock

Gunlock is small enough to explore in an afternoon and warm enough to ride for much of the year. Take a wake boat or ski boat out for wakeboarding, wakesurfing and skiing, or grab a couple of jet skis and cruise past the red rock cliffs. Add tubes and wakesurf boards, or book a private boat charter with a captain who knows the lake.

Getting on the Water

The park facilities sit near the south end of the lake, close to the dam.

• Boat ramp. a launch ramp with easy access to the main lake
• Campground and cottages. campsites and a few cottages just above the shore
• Gunlock Falls. when the lake fills in wet springs, water spills over the red rock below the dam and makes a chain of waterfalls and pools
• Red rock coves. quiet spots along the shore to anchor up, swim and take a break from the sun

Red Rock and Warm Water

Gunlock sits in a valley along the Santa Clara River, ringed by sandstone hills. At 3,600 feet it is warm from spring through fall and mild in winter, so the boating season here runs longer than at most Utah lakes. The lake is known for its bass and catfish fishing, and the little town of Gunlock sits just up the road. The town and lake are named for William "Gunlock Will" Hamblin, who settled here in 1857.

Gunlock is one of three state park lakes in the St. George area, along with Sand Hollow and Quail Creek. Snow Canyon State Park is about 15 miles away, and Zion National Park is a little over an hour east.

Our Boats and Jet Skis

Getting to Gunlock Reservoir

Gunlock Reservoir is about 30 minutes from St. George. Head west through Santa Clara on Old Highway 91, then turn north on Gunlock Road and follow it to the park. From Las Vegas, plan on about two and a half hours.

Good to Know at Gunlock Reservoir

• Utah boating rules: Utah requires anyone 12 to 17 who drives a jet ski to complete a youth boating safety course, and kids under 16 may drive a boat only with an adult 18 or older on board. Our rental drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket, and so must children 12 and under on a boat.
• Summer heat: summer days here are hot, so bring plenty of water, shade and sunscreen
• Spring falls: when the waterfalls are running, the rocks below the dam are slick and the water moves fast, so use caution and follow posted signs
• Clean, drain and dry: all of our boats are decontaminated as required. If you bring your own boat, paddle board or kayak, clean, drain and dry it every time you leave Gunlock to help keep invasive mussels out of other Utah lakes.

More Southern Utah Lakes

• Sand Hollow Reservoir, near Hurricane
• Quail Creek Reservoir, just off I-15 near Hurricane
• Navajo Lake, in the mountains east of Cedar City
• Lake Powell, on the Utah and Arizona border

Browse all of our Utah lakes, or call or text us at 888-205-7119 and we'll help you plan your Gunlock trip.

Gunlock Reservoir Map