Scenic Parks - Southwestern

State parks located in the southwest offer a variety of climates, scenery, and outdoor activities. These 5 current or previous state parks, located in beautiful red-rock country, encourage citizens and visitors to get outside and enjoy life.

Gunlock State Park - 1970
Opened in 1970, Gunlock State Park (Washington County) is in scenic red-rock country. As it grew in popularity, it required amenities such as concession stands, restrooms, and parking lots. This article, written by Craig Hansell of the Salt Lake Tribune, highlights the State Park’s work with contractors to develop the area.
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Piute State Park - 1963
Piute State Park (Piute County) is a hidden gem known for its excellent trout fishing. Opened in 1963, the park is also an access point to the Paiute ATV trails. The Paiute ATV Jamboree, mentioned in this 1992 Salt Lake Tribune article by Jill Johnson, indicates that the event draws crowds from all over the country as people come to enjoy the scenery and have some outdoor fun.
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Quail Creek State Park - 1986
Quail Creek State Park (Washington County) is warm year round making it a popular spot for fishing and boating. It is also touted as a great place to escape the northern winter, as discussed in this 1994 article by Tom Wharton in the Salt Lake Tribune.
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Snow Canyon State Park - 1958
Originally named Dixie State Park, Snow Canyon State Park (Washington County) opened in 1958 and is situated in beautiful red-rock country. The park is highlighted routinely, such as in this 1994 Salt Lake Tribune article by Tom Wharton, for its outdoor activities, especially those available during the winter months.
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Sand Hollow State Park - 2003
Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane, Utah, is one of Utah’s newest state parks, opening in 2003. Boating, along with swimming and cliff jumping (shown in the photo here) are popular ways to spend time at the park.
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