Located 15 miles northwest of St. George, Utah, the 266-acre Gunlock Reservoir offers warm, calm waters ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. The reservoir features a dedicated swimming area and a boat ramp for launching watercraft. Thanks to its relatively remote location, the lake typically sees fewer motorized boats compared to other area reservoirs, creating tranquil paddling conditions.

The reservoir is surrounded by red and white sandstone formations, with volcanic views and numerous sandstone islands to explore. During late winter and early spring, overflow can create temporary waterfalls cascading over the red rocks, though paddlers should maintain safe distances from these areas due to swift currents and potential debris.

Water temperatures reach approximately 80°F by mid-summer. The mild climate allows year-round paddling, with peak temperatures occurring June through September. Daily boat ramp hours vary seasonally: 7am-8pm May through September, and 7am-7pm October through April.

Multiple vendors offer kayak and paddleboard rentals directly at the park entrance or with delivery service. Dig Paddlesports provides guided tours to notable features including swimming holes, cliff-jumping spots, hiking trails, alcoves, caves, and petroglyphs, depending on water levels.

Amenities include beach areas, shade pavilions, vault toilets, and a boat ramp. The park offers both primitive camping and developed sites with tables and fire rings. No potable water is available at the primitive sites.

The reservoir serves as habitat for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. Early mornings and late evenings typically offer the calmest paddling conditions, which coincide with prime fishing hours.

Key safety considerations include potentially swift water near the seasonal waterfalls, slick rocks along the shoreline, and summer temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F. Paddlers should bring adequate drinking water as facilities are limited.