With Pioneer day approaching and the temperature on the rise, summer is at its peak in Utah. You might be wondering how you are going to be beating the heat this year; but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled list of the best water attractions in Utah, no matter if you prefer waterslides or waterfalls.
Waterparks
Seven Peaks Water Park
Seven Peaks Water Park has all the slippery slides to inspire screeches from happy kids. You can take a vertical plunge from the top of a 70-foot tower, then travel more than 30 mph down a 244-foot-long headfirst slide to the bottom. Or—you can choose an inner tube, kick back and float your day away on a 5 mph current of a meandering 1,200-foot-long river.
sevenpeaks.com/locations/salt-lake-city-utah/, 801-972-3300
Classic Waterslides
Boasting an array of steep and mellow waterslides, cabanas, food options and private party space, Classic Waterslides is perfect for escaping the city heat. With day passes starting at just $11.95, this Riverdale waterpark is a great options for all ages.
classicwaterslides.com, 801-394-0822
Lagoon A Beach
Inside Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington is a bustling oasis of fountains, waterfalls, rapids and lazy rivers. Admission to Lagoon A Beach is included in your Lagoon ticket, and is worth a few hours to cool off during the afternoon.
lagoonpark.com
Waterfall Swims
Calf Creek Falls
Just down the roller coaster road from the tiny town of Boulder lies the trail to paradise. It can be a hot trek, but don’t be discouraged; Pack a book and a cool drink and spend all day at this oasis. Fed by a waterfall, the pool is always cool.
utah.com/hiking/calf-creek-falls-lower
Mill Creek Waterfall
Ever the popular tourist destination, Moab is teeming with people looking to cool off after a long day in the sun mountain biking or hiking through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The Mill Creek Waterfall Trail is less than a mile from downtown Moab. The full trail is a 7.5 mile out and back, but if you just want to make it to the waterfall for a swim it’s shy of two miles total.
hikingproject.com
Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs
It’s a bit of a hike–but what isn’t in Utah? And the destination is totes worth it: A series of hot springs of varying depths and degrees of heat. The springs do not smell sulfurous, and there’s a waterfall at the top.
utah.com/hiking/fifth-waterfalls-trail
Crystal Hot Springs
About an hour north of SLC are the Crystal Hot Springs, a popular water attraction for Utah swimmers throughout history. Many groups, including Native Americans, Chinese railroad workers and injured WWII soldiers, have historically frequented Crystal Hot Springs. These hot springs also contain the highest mineral content found in any hot spring in the world. There are hot pools, but a few cool springs range from 65-75 degrees.
crystalhotsprings.com
Lakes/Reservoirs
Pineview Reservoir
About two miles north of Huntsville, Pineview Reservoir is the summer lake of your dreams with calm and serene waters good for just about anything you want to do. There are paid and free areas, boat ramps, good fishing and good swimming and sandy beaches for doing nothing.
utah.com/pineview-reservoir
Bear Lake
Bear Lake’s 109 square-miles of turquoise water—the color, caused by suspended limestone, has earned Bear Lake the moniker “Caribbean of the Rockies”. Rent a Sea-Doo from Marina Rentals to see a lot of it, very quickly. If you can’t have fun zipping across Bear Lake aboard a personal watercraft, I don’t know what to tell you.
stateparks.utah.gov/bear-lake
Tibble Fork Reservoir and Silver Lake
These two fresh water lakes up American Fork Canyon are popular water attractions in Utah for paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming. The reservoirs are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and require a small fee to access.
utahvalley.com/tibble-fork-reservoir
Best Swimming Hole
Toquerville Falls.
Just outside Zion National Park, at the end of a 5.8-mile scenic drive on a barren, bumpy dirt road, water tumbles over stepped red rock ledges. The series of three cascades ends in a pristine pool. This is where you want to be.
hikestgeorge.com/toquerville-falls-toquerville-utah
If you’re looking for something with a bit more adrenaline, consider our top picks for river rafting adventures.
