Jordanelle State Park Visitor's Guide
Welcome to the stunning natural landscape and endless mountain recreation of Jordanelle State Park. Built in 1995, this reservoir and state park have become a crown jewel of the Park City region, a mecca for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Sitting at an elevation of 6,166 feet, the Jordanelle Reservoir and State Park overlook the Heber Valley in Wasatch County — home to the pristine Wasatch mountain range and a plethora of celebrated rivers and lakes. This ideal setting creates the perfect utopia for year-round mountain recreation. From paddle boarding on the Jordanelle to camping, boating, hiking, and fishing, there are endless ways to enjoy your stay at Jordanelle Reservoir and State Park.
Grab your Jordanelle State Park map and get ready for year-round fun and adventure in the heart of Park City, Utah.
Jordanelle State Park: A Little Something for Everyone
There are plenty of reasons why adventurers, tourists, and nature-lovers alike flock to the mountain paradise of Jordanelle State Park. Hailstone and Rock Cliff, the main recreation areas of Jordanelle State Park, are particularly enticing.
Hailstone
Located on the western shore of Jordanelle Lake, the Hailstone Recreation Area serves as Jordanelle State Park's main recreational facility and park headquarters. Designed to accommodate active recreational pursuits, Hailstone is one of the most heavily visited recreational areas in the state, serving thousands of visitors each year. Because of its accommodations and facilities, adventurers and nature lovers head there to camp, fish, wakeboard, waterski, canoe, or motorboat.
Here’s what makes it such a favorite among campers and water recreationists:
Camp-worthy land: Surrounded by rolling hills and majestic mountain peaks, Hailstone offers picturesque Jordanelle State Park camping with nearly 200 campsites for both RVs and tents. The campsites offer water and electric hookups, along with picnic areas, modern restrooms, and showers.
Water mecca: The Jordanelle Reservoir is fed by the Provo River and impounded by the Jordanelle Dam, providing recreational opportunities for boaters, waterskiers and wakeboarders, paddle boarders, fishers, jet skiers, and swimmers. Boaters and anglers flock here for the eight-lane boat ramp, personal watercraft ramp, dry storage, wet slips, full-service marina store, and pro shop. But that’s not all there is to do on these waters.
Hailstone is also known for its unbeatable facilities, including a reception center, group day-use pavilions, and a group overnight pavilion. The event center has a sweeping view of Jordanelle Lake, making it an ideal backdrop and venue for weddings, retreats, and receptions of all kinds.
Rock Cliff
Looking for a quieter park getaway? Explore Rock Cliff Recreation Area, located on the eastern shore of the Jordanelle Reservoir, for a truly intimate experience with Park City, Utah, nature. Tucked away in the cottonwoods of the Upper Provo River, Rock Cliff offers a tranquil retreat from the hassles of everyday life. Here, visitors are guided by elevated boardwalks and interpretive trails along the rivers and wetlands. Bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers flock here from all over the country to witness the more than 200 unique birds and mammals that make their homes in Rock Cliff. Visitors here have first-row seats to golden eagles, red tail hawks, elk, mule, and even moose along the Upper Provo River.
Accommodations at Rock Cliff include:
River and reservoir access
Small boat ramp
Access to the non-motorized Perimeter Trail for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and other non-motorized users
Walk-in campgrounds
Group-use pavilion
Nature center
Whether you’re more of an adventurer or a nature gazer, you’re sure to delight in the wilderness playground of Jordanelle State Park every time you visit. And even when the sun goes down, you can still enjoy the rugged beauty of the American frontier here. That’s because Jordanelle is a certified International Dark Sky Park. Visitors to the park can attend dark sky events in the Rock Cliff Nature Area, which is home to the darkest skies in the park.
Peak Adventure, Relaxation, and Convenience
One of the best parts about Jordanelle State Park is its surprisingly convenient location. Situated just 35 minutes east of the SLC airport, it sits nestled in the mountains and along the Provo River. But it’s also just minutes away from some of the best recreation, sightseeing, and well-known landmarks in the country, including:
Skiing: Utah snow is often referred to as “the greatest snow on Earth.” The Park City region celebrates this title, with 10 world-class ski resorts that make the area a winter paradise destination.
Golfing: You couldn’t pick a better place to tee off than Park City. With cool year-round temperatures and a landscape of breathtaking views, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a lively game at any one of the region’s 15 distinguished courses.
Sundance Film Festival: After a long day on the water or trails of Jordanelle State Park, wind down or live it up with the entire family in the chic ski-town of Park City, home to endless fine dining, shopping, and the esteemed Sundance Film Festival.
National parks: From the hot springs of Yellowstone to the famous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park, Jordanelle State Park is just a few hours’ drive from five national parks and more than 40 state parks.
Live Your Mountain Legacy
When you’re living in Benloch Ranch, you’ve got a first-class pass to the never-ending beauty and adventure of the Park City region and beyond — and it’s all waiting just outside your door. Contact us to learn more about our innovative community. The modern mountain is calling you home!
