Top 3 Lakes around Zion

Within Zion National Park, you won't find large, expansive lakes. Instead, the park is known for its unique water features like the Virgin River, which carves through iconic sections like The Narrows, and the lush Emerald Pools. The Emerald Pools are a series of interconnected pools fed by waterfalls, offering a refreshing oasis and popular hiking trails.

For a cooler escape, Kolob Reservoir is an excellent choice. Located at over 8,100 feet above sea level, it offers a significant temperature drop compared to the lower elevations, making it ideal for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling amidst groves of quaking aspen.

Yes, Sand Hollow Reservoir, part of Sand Hollow State Park, is a large and popular lake perfect for motorboating, swimming, paddleboarding, and even cliff diving. Its spacious red sand beaches and sandstone islands make it an adventure playground. Gunlock Reservoir also provides a quiet setting for various water sports.

The greater Zion area offers several excellent fishing spots. Kolob Reservoir is known for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Navajo Lake, a high-altitude retreat, also boasts excellent fishing for Cutthroat, Rainbow, Splake, and Brook Trout. Gunlock Reservoir is another great option for fishing in a scenic setting.

Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Lake Andrea is known for its friendly atmosphere where families can bike, run, fish, kayak, or swim. Ivins Reservoir (Fire Lake Park) offers clean facilities, picnic areas, grassy fields, and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing, all with scenic views.

Navajo Lake stands out with its unique geological aspect, as its formation is attributed to ancient lava flows. This adds a distinctive character to its serene beauty, making it an interesting spot for visitors who appreciate natural history.

The lakes around Zion are set against dramatic backdrops. You'll find red sandstone cliffs, volcanic cinder cones, and high-altitude forests of quaking aspen. Many spots, like Sterling Lake Viewpoint, offer chances to observe wildlife such as deer or waterfowl, especially during sunrise.

Beyond water sports, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find hiking routes like the easy Lake Andrea Loop or the longer Des Plaines River Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes such as the Lake Andrea loop. Explore more options on our hiking around Zion guide or our road cycling routes around Zion guide.

Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Lake Andrea Loop is an easy 4.7 km trail, and the Pine Dunes Yellow Loop is another easy option at about 3.4 km. These trails are suitable for beginners and families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. You can find more easy hikes on our easy hikes around Zion guide.

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from tranquil fishing and paddle sports to active motorboating and swimming. The stunning natural scenery, including red sand beaches, sandstone cliffs, and high-altitude forests, also receives high praise. The komoot community has shared more than 3 photos and given over 10 upvotes to these beautiful locations.

Absolutely. Gunlock Reservoir provides a particularly quiet setting for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding through its calm waters and narrow coves. Kolob Reservoir also offers a peaceful environment for these activities, surrounded by nature.

Yes, Sand Hollow Reservoir is excellent for swimming and even cliff diving. Ivins Reservoir (Fire Lake Park) also allows swimming and tubing, providing a fun experience with views of red sandstone and Snow Canyon State Park.