Quail Creek Reservoir

Just 10 minutes from St. George and 40 minutes from Zion National Park, is a secluded, local gem called Quail Creek Reservoir, inside Quail Creek State Park. One of two outstanding recreational lakes in Hurricane, Quail Creek’s unique geology is spectacular in the morning light, which reveals clear, calm waters, while setting sunlight showers the west-facing cliffs and hills in a predictable tangerine luminescence. Views of Pine Valley Mountain, Zion National Park, regional (extinct) volcanoes, and Arizona’s northern peaks may all be seen from inside Quail Creek State Park. Gate and park hours vary, based on time of year, so call or check online before traveling. Day-use parking fees range from $15-20 per vehicle, with senior and annual pass pricing available. There are tables and benches (available at no additional charge) throughout the shoreline between the two boat ramps, as well as a group campsite/pavilion, and a day-use picnic pavilion that may be reserved through the park. Overnight campers will find well-groomed sites with tables and clean common restrooms. Drinking water is available from hydrants dispersed throughout the grounds. Restrooms with running water are in the campsite, near the day-use pavilion, and by the north boat ramp parking area. Reservations are recommended. A vast array of activities lure recreational enthusiasts of all types. Swimmers love the wakeless zones, where motorized vehicles must slow to just a few miles per hour. Anglers lure rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead catfish to their buckets (some prefer catch-andrelease over fish tacos). Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing are great ways to explore the varied shoreline at a slower, more engaged pace as they probe limestone coves and cliffs and float the cottonwood tree-lined creek from early Spring to mid-Summer. Bring your own paddle craft or rent on site. Guided paddling, SUP yoga, petroglyph hiking, and fishing tours are available by appointment. Motorized boating is easy with two boat ramps. Wakeboard, wake surf, water ski. Bring your own or take advantage of the on-site jet ski and boat rental options, with availability and hours varying by season. Mountain biking and hiking trails ring the lake. There are over 25 miles of trail that ring Quail Creek State Park ranging from beginner to intermediate in difficulty level. Quail Creek State Park was built alongside an ancient Native American trailway. A free interpretive trail inside the park, near the north ramparea rental office, displays several authentic examples of native rock art, some as old as 5,000 years. Take pictures, and don’t touch the art; oils from hands deteriorate the rock and art. Birders will find a full complement of duck, goose, cormorant, tern, avocet, stilt, sandpiper, great blue heron, night heron, osprey, bald eagle, great horned owl, golden eagle, California gull, Franklin’s gull, white-faced ibis, yellow warbler, hummingbird, American pelican, and many more species. Observation areas on the west side are easy to access by car, while those looking for a more intimate experience may choose to paddle or boat to the far side of the lake. One of Hurricane’s outdoor gems, Quail Creek Reservoir does not disappoint.