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Nestled in scenic red rock country, Gunlock is a year-round destination. Boat, swim or fish on the tranquil waters of Gunlock Reservoir or enjoy a peaceful spot along its shoreline.
Located on Gunlock Road 15 miles northwest of St. George in scenic red rock country, lies Gunlock Reservoir where boating, water sports and quality fishing for bass and catfish attract visitors. A mild winter climate makes Gunlock State Park a year-round destination.
The name Gunlock is the same as the small farming community one mile to the north. William Haynes Hamblin (nicknamed Will or Bill), a Mormon pioneer born in Ohio, settled in the present area of the lake in 1857. Gunlock Will was a good hunter and sharpshooter and was skillful in repairing gunlocks, which are the firing mechanisms for muzzleloaders.
The county road to the park is the Old Spanish Trail used by horsemen and raiders from Sante Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles from the 1820 s until the goldfields became the destination after 1849 and a shorter route was taken.
Gunlock Reservoir dam was constructed in 1970 for irrigation water and flood control.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1970.
The campground construction is now complete and reservations are available at Reserveamerica.com
It’s been many years since I’ve been to Gunlock Reservoir because I moved away and I vaguely remember these falls. Certainly not the crowd it brings now but totally worth seeing. It has been more rainy than usual this year. That extra rain spills over big sandstone boulders into beautiful waterfalls. They say it happens about every ten years so it was worth a visit. A short 20 minute drive from St George and can be seen from the road. If you enjoy hiking there’s an entrance fee because it is a State park. The hike is a little tricky and slippery due to the fine sand and sandstone rock. In and out about an hour. Prepare for lots of people on weekends.
This was our first visit, and it was awesome. The park is right in the middle of an excellent motorcycle ride, and we were there when the falls were running.
The hiking was easy, and we had access to everything. You can pay the fee right on your phone so it is very convenient.
There were a ton of people but still plenty of parking.
Very cool. $10 entry per car. Strongly suggest you go to the lower entrance and hike up. It's about an half mile before where Google maps outs you at the main entrance. There's more parking and less people and the short hike up is beautiful. Yes, the place is busy but there is so much area where people can be we rarely felt crowded. Either way it is well worth it. There are dozens of falls spread out. Happy we made the drive.
As of February 2024: Very clean new showers, new shelters in the process of being built. Level camp sites. Nice clean dump station. All in all very well cared for state park. Verizon service
5 bars.
Beautiful views as well and FWIW free roaming cows in the campground when I visited.
Very clean bathrooms, they have showers but didn't check them. There are a lot of thorns, so if you take your pets expect for them to be limping a lot. Beach area not so clean (sand). Try to choose a site away from the bathrooms, very bright lights outside of them. They are adding gazebos to each site and they all have water, electric hookups, fireplace/grill.
