Utah Beaches

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Utah's defining characteristic is its variety of rugged terrain. Snow bound mountains, arid deserts, valleys and the typical basin and range topography – all go to make it geographically very diverse. The Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, Sevier Lake, Rush Lake and little Salt Lake are remnants of the ancient freshwater Lake Bonneville. The Colorado River and its tributaries wind their way through the state creating some of the world's most striking terrain.

Utah surprisingly offers beachside fun too on the many reservoirs that are scattered all over. A total area of 808 square miles has nearly 737 square miles of land and about 70 square miles or 8.72% of water. The few green areas in Utah make hiking and camping especially popular summer activities.
   
 
Utah's 22 reservoirs offer great recreation in this otherwise arid state. Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge are the largest and most popular reservoirs in the state. Many of the smaller reservoirs are set in scenic mountain locations. They include facilities for boating, camping and picnicking as well as opportunities for fishing, swimming or sailboarding.

When summer arrives it is time to head for the waters. Summer temperatures in the state often reach above 100 degrees F. People don't often think about going to the beach in a land-locked state, but, surprisingly, Utah has a number of quiet beaches. Here are a few to look for. Some well known spots that provide swimming and water play are:
 
Causey Reservoir:This 142-acre reservoir is located in Wasatch-Cache National Forest and is Utah's most scenic and beautiful reservoir.

Steinaker State Park:This large 820 acre reservoir has swimming beaches, boat ramp, picnic areas that attract steady visitors.

Lake Powell: is a man-made reservoir on Colorado River. Along with swimming and fishing you can tour boat, wake-board, canoe or kayak to view the canyons.

Piute State Park:3,360-acre Piute Reservoir offers excellent recreation for boating, swimming, picnicking and primitive camping. Its a resting area for migratory waterfowls.

Yuba State Park:Yuba Reservoir features year-round fishing with water activities like boating, sailing and water craft fun, besides of course swimming in warm waters along sandy beaches.

Jordanelle State Park Reservoir: located on picturesque mountain setting near Heber City is at an elevation of 6,200 feet. It offers many recreational opportunities on two distinct recreation areas.

Deer Creek Reservoir: is about 6 miles long with a maximum surface area of 2,965 acres. Along the 18 miles of shoreline you'll also find 2 campgrounds and boat launch facilities.

Virgin River - North Fork: The pleasant whitewater of Virgin River - North Fork, is just great. Offering out of this world swim holes, the Bulloch Gulch and Lemmon Springs are excellent spots.