Jordanelle State Park and Wasatch Mountain State Park provide diverse recreational opportunities in the Heber Valley, offering activities such as boating, fishing, golf, and hiking near the Wasatch Front. These destinations serve as major hubs for both summer and winter tourism in the region, featuring expansive reservoirs and established mountain preserves.
Recreation at Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle State Park, located in a mountain setting near downtown Heber City, Utah, features a reservoir covering 3,068 surface acres. The park is divided into two primary recreation areas: the Hailstone area, situated on Highway 40 just north of Heber, and the Rock Cliff area, located on SR-32 just west of Francis.
The Hailstone recreation area provides several amenities for visitors, including two separate boat ramps, one of which is designated for personal watercraft. Other facilities at Hailstone include fish cleaners, an 80-slip marina equipped with utility hookups, fuel dispensing, boat rentals, and a marina store and restaurant operated by Jordanelle Rentals & Marina.
Visitors to Jordanelle can engage in a wide variety of activities, including camping, boating, swimming, fishing, sailing, and hiking. The park also features sandy beaches, day-use cabanas, and a children's play area. For those seeking to escape crowds, a perimeter trail circles the reservoir and provides access to various shore fishing locations.
Fishing and History
The reservoir's history includes a significant period of stocking since it began filling in 1993. The fishery did not open to the public until 1995, at which time it was estimated that over 63,000 rainbow trout were caught within the first five days. Today, the reservoir supports a variety of fish species, including rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass. To maintain a productive fishery, bag limits for these species are subject to restrictions.
Wasatch Mountain State Park Overview
Wasatch Mountain State Park is a nearly 22,000-acre preserve that was established by the state in 1961. The park provides year-round recreation, though all camping is closed during the winter months. The park features 139 camping and picnic areas, two group-use pavilions, restrooms, hot showers, and utility hookups.
Wasatch Mountain State Park Amenities
The park offers specialized amenities such as a disc golf course, a pump track for non-motorized bikes, and a 3D archery range. Visitors can also rent bikes, yard games, and GPS units for geocaching at the Visitor Center. For group gatherings, the primitive Little Deer Creek campground is noted as an area suitable for summer reunions and parties.
Golf and Olympic History
Golfing is a major draw at Wasatch Mountain State Park, which hosts two 18-hole courses known as the Mountain Course and the Lake Course. The park also has a connection to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, having hosted a portion of the games at Soldier Hollow. This venue remains open to the public year-round for various events and activities.
